RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s real estate developer ROSHN Group has signed a deal with Electric Vehicles Infrastructure Co. to accelerate EV adoption in the country. The deal between the Public Investment Fund-owned realty firm and the EV charging solution provider will give a new impetus to the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to fight climate change. Under the agreement, ROSHN and EVIQ will work to assess and develop infrastructure solutions tailored for EVs in residential communities and commercial properties that fall under ROSHN’s development umbrella across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported. EVIQ is outlining projects for destination charging, inner-city charging and intercity charging to ensure broad coverage. However, it does not intend to address the entire market’s infrastructure needs. Commenting on the agreement, David Grover, CEO of ROSHN Group, said that they are delighted to be working with EVIQ as part of his company’s strategy to implement cutting-edge technologies and partner with best-in-class collaborators. “This agreement underscores our dedication to creating a robust EV ecosystem which began with ROSHN Front, the iconic Riyadh destination with over 800,000 visitors each month, proudly hosting EVIQ’s inaugural public EV charging facility,” Grover said. He added that they are thrilled to be expanding their collaboration to provide EV charging infrastructure throughout ROSHN’s humanized, integrated communities across the Kingdom. The Kingdom is also leading the EV wave by encouraging the US-based Lucid Motors to establish its first EV factory in the region with an annual capacity of 150,000 zero-emission units. As part of the Riyadh Sustainability Strategy, the Royal Commission of Riyadh has launched an initiative to ensure that 30 percent of all vehicles in the capital would be powered by electricity by 2030. EVIQ CEO Mohammad Baker Gazzaz said the agreement signals the alignment and commitment of both companies to a mutual objective of improving the quality of life for the citizens of Saudi Arabia. “EVIQ’s advanced EV charging technology combined with the coverage of ROSHN’s integrated communities and properties will result in a widespread network of high-speed chargers in strategic locations around the Kingdom, which will result in a positive experience for EV users and support the EV adoption objectives of Saudi Arabia,” Gazzaz said.