The Role of EV Charging Infrastructure in Shaping Energy Pricing and Consumer Behavior – Case Study in Saudi Arabia

As the electric vehicle (EV) industry grows rapidly in Saudi Arabia, driven by the development of companies such as Ceer, Lucid, and Tesla, there is an increasing need to evaluate and adapt electricity tariff structures to address changing demand patterns. This study explores the interaction between EV charging infrastructure, electricity pricing strategies, and consumer behavior, aiming to provide insights that support the sustainable expansion of the electric mobility ecosystem in the Kingdom. The methodology incorporates demand-supply analysis, energy consumption forecasting, and comparative assessments of tariff models implemented in other countries, with Saudi Arabia serving as a case study aligned with Vision 2030 objectives. Although EV adoption is expected to increase electricity demand, the Kingdom’s generation capacity, which reached 453 TWh in 2023 and is projected to exceed future consumption, ensures a stable and sufficient supply. Currently, public EV charging services are free of charge; however, introducing effective pricing schemes and expanding charging accessibility will be critical to achieving large-scale adoption and long-term scalability. In response, Saudi Arabia’s EV strategy emphasizes fast-charging network deployment, smart grid integration, and adaptive pricing mechanisms to shape consumer charging behaviors and support clean energy targets. The study concludes that localized EV manufacturing and strategic tariff design can transform charging infrastructure into a key enabler of sustainable transportation.