- The facility is the first CATL new energy after-sales service center in the Middle East and currently the largest outside China.
- The facility aims to provide full-lifecycle after-sales support for the rapidly growing EV and energy storage markets in the Middle East.
CATL (HKG: 3750, SHE: 300750), the world's largest electric vehicle (EV) battery maker, has opened a new energy after-sales service facility in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, marking a key step in the Chinese battery giant's expansion across the region.
The facility — the first CATL new energy after-sales service center in the Middle East and currently the largest outside China — opened Saturday, according to a press release.
Named the "Ning Service Experience Center," the over 7,000-square-meter facility aims to provide full-lifecycle after-sales support for the Middle East's rapidly growing EV and energy storage market.
The move echoes CATL's strategy from August 2024, when it opened its first experience center — Ning Space — in Chengdu, Sichuan, southwest China. That facility showcased nearly 100 vehicle models equipped with its batteries, spanning nearly 50 automotive brands.
The company launched its after-sales service brand Ning Service at that time, offering services including battery maintenance, health checks, and mobile assistance.
Its Riyadh facility integrates exhibition areas, diagnostic and maintenance zones, refurbishment facilities, training spaces, and customer lounges.
The latest move comes as Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East advance ambitious electrification and decarbonization goals under national strategic frameworks like Vision 2030.
In Saudi Arabia's case, the Kingdom has set a target to convert 30% of vehicles in Riyadh to EVs by 2030, part of a broader strategy to reduce the capital's carbon emissions by 50%.
However, progress in the region continues to face persistent challenges, including long-standing oil dependency, soaring electricity demand, extreme climate conditions, and a lack of charging and service infrastructure.
Starting from here, CATL will continue to expand its after-sales service network across the Middle East, aligning closely with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, said Bruce Li, president of quality system, aftermarket business, battery management system department at CATL.
To date, Ning Service operates 10 training centers globally, covering a total area of 2,300 square meters. Through partnerships with vocational institutions, it has certified over 9,700 new energy after-sales professionals, according to the company.
It maintains over 1,200 specialized service stations and 73 spare parts warehouses across 76 countries worldwide.
CATL maintained its global leadership in EV battery shipments from January to November with 400 GWh installed, holding a 38.2% market share, according to data from South Korean market research firm SNE Research.
| Company | Market Share (%) | Installations (GWh) |
|---|---|---|
| CATL | 38.2% | 400.0 |
| BYD | 16.7% | 175.2 |
| LG Energy Solution | 9.3% | 96.9 |
| CALB | 4.9% | 50.9 |
| Gotion High-tech | 4.3% | 44.9 |
| SK On | 3.9% | 40.6 |
| Panasonic | 3.7% | 38.5 |
| Eve Energy | 2.7% | 28.4 |
| Svolt | 2.6% | 27.5 |
| Samsung SDI | 2.6% | 27.1 |
| Others | 11.1% | 116.1 |
