Saudi Arabia Unveils Its First Homegrown EVs as Ceer Reveals EXOBOT
Saudi Arabia has taken another step into the automotive industry with the unveiling of its first electric vehicles under homegrown brand Ceer. The company introduced two EXOBOT models — a sedan and an SUV — during a world premiere in Riyadh on September 21.
The vehicles are expected to go on sale in Saudi Arabia in early 2027. The launch is part of a wider plan to establish local vehicle production and build an automotive industry inside the kingdom.
Two Cars Start the Lineup
The first EXOBOT lineup consists of a premium sedan and an SUV. Both models are fully electric and share much of the same technology, including an 800-volt electrical architecture and a 112 kWh battery.
According to CEER, the sedan has an estimated range of up to 670 km under the NEDC testing standard, while the SUV is rated at up to 560 km. Both models can charge from 10% to 80% in under 30 minutes using compatible DC fast charging.
Performance is also a major part of the EXOBOT design. CEER lists up to 850 horsepower, with the sedan capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.6 seconds. The SUV can complete the same run in 2.9 seconds. The First Edition models use a tri-motor all-wheel-drive setup.
A Focus on Technology
CEER has given the EXOBOT a technology-heavy interior rather than following a more traditional dashboard layout.
One of its most noticeable features is a curved 48-inch 8K Digital Horizon display that stretches across the dashboard. A separate 10.4-inch central control screen is used for additional functions.
The cars also feature steer-by-wire technology and rear-wheel steering. CEER says the system is designed to improve control and maneuverability, particularly when driving in tighter spaces. The vehicles also include a range of driver-assistance and safety systems.
The exterior design is equally distinctive. The EXOBOT uses a low, sculpted shape and unusual door design, giving the cars a futuristic appearance. Reuters described the vehicles as featuring distinctive gullwing-style doors and pillar-less elements.
Built in Saudi Arabia
A major part of the project is local manufacturing.
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund launched Ceer in 2022 as the kingdom's first Saudi vehicle brand. The EXOBOT models have been designed and engineered for production in Saudi Arabia, with manufacturing planned at the Ceer Manufacturing Complex. PIF describes the facility as the largest automotive production facility in the Middle East.
Ceer was established through PIF's investment and a partnership with Taiwan's Foxconn. Reuters reports that the company is working with a wider group of international suppliers and technology partners as it builds its production network.
More Models Are Planned
The EXOBOT sedan and SUV are only the beginning of Ceer's planned product range.
PIF says the two vehicles are part of a portfolio of seven models that are planned to launch over the next five years. The future lineup is expected to include midsize and compact vehicles with different propulsion options.
That means Ceer's long-term plans are not limited to battery-electric cars. Reuters reports that the company also intends to develop plug-in hybrids and combustion-engine vehicles alongside its EV lineup, allowing it to respond to different market conditions and customer demand.
Part of Saudi Arabia's Economic Plan
The Ceer project is also connected to Saudi Arabia's broader effort to diversify its economy and develop new industrial sectors.
PIF says the company is projected to contribute around $8 billion to Saudi Arabia's GDP by 2034 and improve the country's trade balance by about $21 billion. These figures are future projections rather than results already achieved.
The project is also intended to develop local supply chains, attract investment and create employment opportunities as Saudi Arabia expands its automotive manufacturing capabilities.
When Will the Cars Arrive?
Ceer has not yet announced final retail pricing for the EXOBOT models. The company currently lists the vehicles as available soon on its official website, while Reuters reports that sales in Saudi Arabia are expected to begin in early 2027.
For now, the launch gives Saudi Arabia a new homegrown automotive brand and its first production-focused electric vehicle lineup. The bigger test will come when the EXOBOT reaches customers and Ceer begins expanding its range beyond these first two models.
With seven vehicles planned over the next five years, the EXOBOT is being presented not simply as a standalone EV launch, but as the starting point for a much larger Saudi automotive project.
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