AEVTSA Holds the Second EV Knowledge Empowerment Session on Electric Vehicles and the Power Grid

The Electric Vehicle Technologies Association held the second session of its “EV Knowledge Empowerment Series” on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, titled “Can the Power Grid Handle the Widespread Adoption of Electric Vehicles?” The session was part of the Association’s ongoing efforts to promote specialized knowledge and raise awareness of electric vehicle technologies and their interaction with the energy system. The session was presented by Dr. Yasser Obaidallah Al-Sulami, Board Member and Founding Member of the Association, and Associate Professor at the College of Engineering, Umm Al-Qura University. The session explored the relationship between electric vehicles and the power grid, including EV charging loads and their comparison with other residential loads, as well as key factors affecting the electrical load curve. It also addressed smart charging and its role in improving grid performance and managing electricity demand, bidirectional charging and the future of energy exchange, the integration of electric vehicles with renewable energy, and key technical and operational challenges and proposed solutions for supporting future EV adoption. The session also sought to correct common misconceptions regarding the impact of electric vehicles on the power grid, introduce participants to modern smart charging and energy management technologies, and explore the future of smart grids and their role in supporting the transition toward electric mobility. The event attracted approximately 72 participants from different regions of Saudi Arabia, including students and representatives from the private and government sectors, reflecting growing interest in electric vehicles and energy technologies. The session concluded with an interactive discussion and Q&A, providing participants with an opportunity to engage directly with the speaker and explore key technical topics. The second session forms part of the Association’s EV Knowledge Empowerment Series, which aims to disseminate specialized knowledge, enhance technical awareness, and empower students, engineers, and interested professionals to keep pace with developments in electric vehicles, energy, and sustainability.