The EV Shift: Technology Driven or Politically Steered?

While solar and other renewable energy sources lead the charge toward clean, sustainable energy, EVs have emerged as the clear frontrunner in transforming transportation—despite political resistance from the US. President Trump.

EVs represent more than just another industry trend. They mark a fundamental correction to a technological path that began with the invention of the internal combustion engine (ICE), which has always suffered from inherent energy inefficiency. Concerns about battery metals sourcing and high purchase prices are being rapidly addressed, with China leading significant advances in overcoming these obstacles.

The Arab world's cautious approach reflects timing considerations rather than technological reluctance. Underdeveloped infrastructure inevitably creates a gap between the region and more advanced economies, but the direction remains clear.

Not a Choice, But an Efficiency Equation

The transition to EVs is often framed as a political or environmental decision, but engineering fundamentals tell a different story: internal combustion engines suffer from catastrophic thermal inefficiency.

Consider the numbers: When burning gasoline or diesel, only 20-30% of the thermal energy converts to useful mechanical power. The remaining 70-80% dissipates as wasted heat through exhaust and cooling systems.

Electric motors, by contrast, operate at 85-90% efficiency, converting most electrical energy directly into motion, with minimal losses from wire resistance and inverter systems.

Put simply: When you spend $100 filling your gas tank, $70 literally goes up in smoke as heat. With an EV, $85 of that same investment directly powers the wheels.

This efficiency gap reveals an uncomfortable truth: every liter of fuel burned on highways represents direct energy waste—and squandered government subsidies. Oil-producing nations understand this reality better than most; continuing to burn fossil fuels in inefficient vehicles depletes resources that could generate greater value through petrochemical production, manufacturing, or export markets

The Economics Make the Case

From a purely financial perspective, EVs demonstrate clear advantages:

• EVs consume 15-20 kilowatt-hours per 100 kilometers, while conventional cars burn about 7 liters of gasoline over the same distance. This translates to 50-70% lower energy costs, depending on local electricity and fuel prices.

• Without oils to change, pistons to maintain, valves to repair, or complex cooling systems to service, EVs reduce annual maintenance costs by 50-60% compared to conventional counterparts.

• Conventional braking systems waste enormous kinetic energy as heat. However, EVs recover this through regenerative braking, extending battery life while reducing brake replacement needs by up to 70%.

The Verdict Is Clear

From energy efficiency and operating costs to maintenance requirements and environmental impact, EVs decisively outperform gasoline-powered cars across every meaningful metric. While charging infrastructure and recharge times present ongoing challenges, rapid advances in battery technology and smart grid development make the transition inevitable rather than optional.

EVs deliver more than environmental benefits—they solve the fundamental efficiency problem that has plagued internal combustion engines since their invention. For the Arab world, the question isn't whether EVs will replace gasoline-powered cars, but when this transformation will fully arrive.

About the Expert

Aiman Bajaber brings over a decade of specialized experience in EVs infrastructure, energy efficiency, and power distribution systems. His career includes significant roles at global energy leaders including Schneider Electric and ABB, where he developed extensive technical expertise in power systems.

As Product Manager at Electromin Saudi, he craetes advanced marketing strategies and builds strategic partnerships to expand electric vehicle infrastructure throughout Saudi Arabia.

Bajaber oversees both technical and operational aspects of major initiatives, guiding his team to identify customer requirements, develop innovative business models, and implement comprehensive EV charging solutions. His approach emphasizes rigorous quality standards and site-specific engineering based on meticulous analysis.

His professional portfolio includes expertise in scope development, procedure formulation, engineering analysis, and business development, complemented by exceptional project management and communication skills that facilitate effective engagement with clients and executive leadership.

Bajaber's profound understanding of energy transition dynamics, particularly in electric vehicle infrastructure, significantly contributes to Saudi Arabia's progress toward a more sustainable and innovative energy landscape.