Chinese battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) has inaugurated the Middle East’s first and largest new energy aftermarket facility outside China, marking a major milestone in the region’s transition toward electric mobility and clean energy systems.
The newly launched NING SERVICE Experience Center in Riyadh is designed to strengthen CATL’s after-sales network in the Middle East while supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to accelerate electrification and reduce carbon emissions. Spread across more than 7,000 square metres, the facility integrates exhibition zones, diagnostics and maintenance areas, refurbishment workshops, training centres and customer service lounges under one roof.
Saudi Arabia has set a target to convert 30 percent of vehicles in Riyadh to electric by 2030 and cut city-wide emissions by half. However, challenges such as oil dependency, extreme climate conditions, rising electricity demand and limited charging infrastructure continue to slow progress. CATL said the new center is strategically designed to address these gaps by offering full-lifecycle after-sales services and advanced technical support.
The facility provides comprehensive services including battery diagnostics, repair, maintenance, rework, recycling, training, logistics and warehousing across seven major product categories, covering passenger vehicles, commercial fleets and energy storage systems. CATL stated that the services will help enterprises reduce downtime, lower maintenance costs, extend asset life and improve long-term vehicle value.
Beyond servicing, the Riyadh center will act as a regional ecosystem hub linking automakers, energy firms, logistics companies and infrastructure providers. CATL is already in talks with fuel station operators to deploy solar-plus-storage solutions and with major transport companies to electrify truck fleets.
The company is also prioritising localisation and workforce development. Through its training facilities, CATL plans to build technical expertise in the new energy sector across the Middle East. Globally, NING SERVICE operates 10 training centres and has certified more than 9,700 new energy after-sales professionals.
Industry leaders welcomed the move. Ahmed Ibrahim, Assistant General Manager for Procurement at Saudi petroleum and logistics firm Al Drees, said the partnership would support the deployment of renewable energy solutions and electrification of equipment such as forklifts to reduce reliance on oil.
Lin Chaofan, CEO of F4S, the investor behind the Riyadh facility, said the project reflects growing demand for sustainable energy solutions in Saudi Arabia and would strengthen the region’s role in the global energy transition.
CATL’s global service network currently includes over 1,200 professional service stations in 76 countries and 73 spare-parts warehouses, supporting more than six million electric vehicles worldwide.
Bruce Li, President of Quality System and Aftermarket Business at CATL, said the Riyadh center represents a long-term strategic commitment to the region.
“This is more than a service facility. It is a new energy aftermarket ecosystem hub that connects advanced technology, professional training and industry collaboration,” he said, adding that CATL will continue expanding its service network across the Middle East in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
With regional governments accelerating investments in electric vehicles and energy storage, CATL’s expanded presence is expected to play a key role in building the technical foundation required for sustainable and large-scale electrification across the Middle East.
