Saudi Arabia trials first autonomous EV

The first Saudi autonomous electric vehicle is called Dhahaina – Arabic for ‘smart’ – and it is now being trialled in the nation’s capital, Riyadh (pictured). 

The trial was launched by the Saudi ministry of Transport, which hopes it will boost both awareness and adoption of autonomous (and EV) technology in the Kingdom. 

In the long run, the ministry wants Dhahaina and autonomous EVs like it to reduce traffic accidents and deaths, improve urban mobility, and reduce the transport sector’s carbon footprint.

Specifically, the trial will help Saudi Arabia develop the legislative and regulatory framework for the large-scale introduction of autonomous vehicles. 

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