Tesla Joins the Race in Riyadh
The timing is electrifying. Tesla, the American EV juggernaut, officially launched its presence in Saudi Arabia with a splashy event in Riyadh on April 10. While the company battles flagging global sales—down 13% in Q1 2025—and controversy swirling around CEO Elon Musk, it’s now vying for traction in the very heart of oil country.
Tesla’s expansion plans include a sleek digital sales platform, pop-up showrooms, and strategically placed Supercharger stations in major Saudi cities—a clear signal it intends to make the kingdom a key front in the global EV war.
BYD’s Bold Ascent Pressures Tesla
Meanwhile, BYD, bolstered by its affordability and aggressive global strategy, continues to chip away at Tesla’s dominance. The Chinese automaker’s explosive growth and mass-market appeal have made it a formidable contender in regions where Tesla once ruled unchallenged.
The Aramco-BYD alliance only raises the stakes. As Tesla and BYD clash for supremacy, Saudi Arabia has positioned itself at the crossroads of a high-stakes automotive arms race—leveraging partnerships and policy to fuel its transition.
