CATL inaugurated its first NING SERVICE Experience Center in the Middle East on January 10, 2026. Located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the 7,000-square-meter facility represents the company’s largest new energy aftermarket operation outside China. The center supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 target to transition 30% of Riyadh’s vehicles to electric and reduce the capital’s emissions by 50%.
Highlights
- Facility spans 7,000 square meters with exhibition areas, diagnostics zones, refurbishment facilities, and training spaces
- Full-lifecycle services cover seven product categories including passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and energy storage systems
- CATL operates 1,200+ service stations across 76 countries with 73 spare-parts warehouses worldwide
- NING SERVICE network has supported more than six million electric vehicles globally
Facility Capabilities and Service Scope
The Riyadh center combines multiple operational functions under one roof. These include exhibition areas, diagnostics and maintenance zones, refurbishment facilities, training spaces, and a customer lounge.
Services provided at the facility include:
- Battery diagnostics and repair
- Preventive maintenance
- Rework and refurbishment
- Technical training and certification
- Recycling programs
- Aftermarket logistics and warehousing
The center serves seven major product categories spanning passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and energy storage systems.
Regional Market Context
Saudi Arabia faces several obstacles in its electrification efforts. These include longstanding oil dependency, surging electricity demand, extreme climatic conditions, and limited charging and service infrastructure.
The Kingdom is pursuing sustainability policies that extend beyond passenger vehicles. Initiatives include promoting electric forklift adoption and encouraging green energy use on farms under the Saudi Green Initiative.
Localization and Workforce Development
The facility serves as a platform for talent development and knowledge transfer in the region. CATL operates 10 training centers globally, totaling 2,300 square meters, and has certified more than 9,700 new energy after-sales professionals through vocational partnerships.
CATL is pursuing ecosystem partnerships with regional industry players. Active discussions include:
- Fuel network operators for green electricity deployment at gas stations
- Infrastructure companies for truck fleet electrification
- Energy companies for solar-plus-storage solutions
Industry Partner Perspectives
Ahmed Ibrahim, Assistant General Manager for Procurement at Al Drees, a petroleum and logistics services provider in Saudi Arabia, outlined the company’s electrification plans.
“We plan to deploy solar-plus-storage solutions at our gas stations and electrify forklifts to reduce reliance on oil,” Ibrahim said.
Lin Chaofan, CEO of F4S, the investor behind the experience center, noted the facility reflects growing demand for sustainable solutions in Saudi Arabia.
Global Service Network
The Riyadh opening extends CATL’s established global footprint. The company’s service network includes:
- 1,200+ professional service stations across 76 countries
- 73 spare-parts warehouses worldwide
- 370,000+ square meters of total warehouse space
- 100% genuine parts inventory
Bruce Li, President of Quality System, Aftermarket Business, and Battery Management System Department at CATL, described the center as a long-term regional commitment.
“As the first NING SERVICE Experience Center in the Middle East, it is more than a service facility,” Li said. “It is a new energy aftermarket ecosystem hub that brings together advanced technology, professional training, and industry collaboration.”
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