EVIQ and NAVA Team Up to Empower Saudi Arabia’s Electric Vehicle Future

EVIQ has signed a new memorandum of understanding with the National Automotive and Vehicles Academy (NAVA), a move that should give Saudi Arabia’s growing electric vehicle ecosystem a decent push forward. The deal was announced during the EV Auto Show in Riyadh, where leaders from both sides gathered to lay out plans for deeper collaboration in training, technology and EV charging infrastructure. I’ve seen a few similar partnerships across the region lately, and this one feels spot on for a sector that’s moving at full tilt.

The agreement essentially ties EVIQ’s know‑how in charging networks with NAVA’s role in shaping the next generation of Saudi specialists in hybrid and electric vehicle systems. NAVA often highlights that it’s the only national academy focused fully on this area, and with the rapid changes in mobility tech, that responsibility isn’t exactly a walk in the park. The academy already runs advanced programmes tailored to industry needs, but this partnership gives its students something extra: access to real EV chargers on campus, provided by EVIQ, and new customised training tracks built jointly by both organisations.

What really caught my attention is the focus on creating ongoing channels for sharing data, field insights and applied research. On the flip side, these sorts of collaborations can sometimes become a bit of a faff if they stay only on paper, but I reckon this one has enough practical components to keep the momentum going. There’s also talk of new educational initiatives and technical content to boost awareness among professionals and EV enthusiasts in the Kingdom.

EVIQ’s CEO, Mohammad Gazzaz, described the partnership as “a vital step” in supporting Saudi Arabia’s green mobility ambitions under Vision 2030. He pointed out that combining the company’s expertise in charging infrastructure with NAVA’s talent‑building mission helps prepare a workforce that can deliver smarter, more sustainable transport solutions. Meanwhile, NAVA’s Managing Director, Mohammed Al‑Suhaim, underlined how crucial it is for educational and industrial sectors to work hand in hand if the Kingdom wants to localise key industries and accelerate technological development. He mentioned the academy’s base at the King Salman Automotive Industry Complex, where students train in environments designed to simulate real factories—something I’ve heard startup founders admire whenever we chat at Arageek events.

NAVA often prides itself on its non‑traditional learning approach, avoiding the usual classroom setup in favour of labs, factory‑linked programmes and applied projects. And believe it or not, that hands‑on approach mirrors what a lot of young entrepreneurs in the region say they wish they’d had earlier in their careers. The academy’s collaboration with EVIQ should further sharpen that edge, especially as Saudi Arabia gears up to become a regional leader in smart mobility and EV manufacturing.

For EVIQ, the partnership slots neatly into its broader plan to roll out more than 5,000 fast chargers across the Kingdom. The company, a joint venture between the Public Investment Fund and Saudi Electricity Company, also operates an R&D facility in Riyadh that tests charging hardware and software to ensure compatibility and quality for the local market. It’s one of those details that often flies under the radar, but such testing centres can make or break large‑scale infrastructure rollouts—something I learnt the hard way while covering earlier energy‑tech missteps in the region years ago.

Overall, the agreement feels like more than just a symbolic gesture. If both sides deliver, it could strengthen Saudi Arabia’s EV talent pipeline and support a smoother transition to greener transport. And yes, I’m chuffed to bits to see more initiatives that blend education with real‑world application, even if the road ahead will definately come with its fair share of challenges.

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