EV Adoption in Saudi Arabia, PIF's Investment & The 1200+ HP Lucid Sapphire | Faisal Sultan 94
Aug 17, 2023
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Faisal Sultan, Vice President and Managing Director of Lucid Middle East, discusses Lucid's partnership with the Public Investment Fund in Saudi Arabia. He shares his experience from working at GM and Ford and his excitement for the future of electric vehicles. They explore the future of lubricants in the EV industry and discuss the benefits and cost savings of electric vehicles in Saudi Arabia. They also highlight the unique features of the Lucid Sapphire model.
EV manufacturing is simpler compared to traditional combustion engines, with fewer parts and easier maintenance.
Education and a robust public charging infrastructure are crucial for EV adoption and dispelling range anxiety.
Deep dives
Mr. Fesser Sultran's journey into the EV industry
Mr. Fesser Sultran, Vice President and Managing Director of Lucid Middle East, shares his background as an automotive engineer and his transition to working in the EV industry. From his automotive career in the U.S. to his role in Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Commerce and Industry, he became familiar with Lucid through the country's development of the automotive ecosystem. This led to his role in Lucid in 2019, overseeing operations and expansion in the Middle East.
Challenges and advantages of EV manufacturing
Drawing from his experience in the automotive industry, Fesser explains that while EV manufacturing presents unique challenges, the process is simpler compared to traditional combustion engines. He highlights how EVs have fewer parts, making maintenance easier and reducing the need for frequent servicing. Fesser also discusses the role of lubricants in EVs, emphasizing their continued importance in areas like brake fluid and steering fluids. Similarly, he recognizes the need to adapt lubricant production to cater to the growing demand from EVs and machinery industries.
The future of EV adoption and Lucid's luxury market positioning
Fesser discusses the challenges of EV adoptability and the importance of education in dispelling range anxiety and highlighting the convenience of EV charging. He acknowledges the need for a robust public charging infrastructure, which Saudi Arabia is actively developing. Fesser is optimistic about the growth of Lucid and the EV market in the country, especially with the introduction of the Lucid Gravity SUV and the high-performance Sapphire model. He emphasizes Lucid's focus on luxury and its goal to attract customers accustomed to high-end vehicles by providing a luxurious and high-performing EV experience.
Faisal Sultan is the Vice President and Managing Director of Lucid Middle East, where he oversees strategies for expansion and operations, sets comprehensive goals, and promotes the company culture and vision in the Middle East. Lucid is an American manufacturer of electric luxury sports cars and grand tourers headquartered in California, so he travels back and forth. With previous experience working at GM, Ford, and the Ministry of Energy, there’s no one better to talk to about the future of cars. With almost unbelievable charging, speed, and distance capabilities, Lucid defines luxury in the EV space.
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