At a Glance
- Saudi-backed CEER Motors has revealed a boxy electric SUV that borrows heavily from Tesla’s Cybertruck silhouette.
- Spy shots show a flat nose, massive windshield, and gullwing doors reminiscent of the 10-year-old Model X.
- Production is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.
- Why it matters: The vehicle is a flagship project for Saudi Vision 2030, signaling the kingdom’s push into EV manufacturing and economic diversification.
CEER Motors, funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has taken the wraps-partially-off its first electric vehicle. Four spy photos, first published by Japanese outlet ResponseJP, show a camouflaged prototype testing on public roads. Despite the disguise, the tall, flat nose and enormous windshield make the Tesla influence unmistakable. The windshield extends forward over the driver’s seat, mirroring the Cybertruck’s signature profile.
Design DNA
The prototype’s angular shape and upright stance echo the Cybertruck, yet CEER’s SUV stops abruptly at the rear instead of tapering into a truck bed. Gullwing doors, a feature Tesla popularized on the Model X, dominate the flank. Once a sports-car novelty, the design adds visual drama but can be impractical in tight parking spots or when accessing the third row.
Inside the cabin, the driver appears positioned far forward, close to the base of that oversized windshield. The high beltline and short overhangs reinforce the Cybertruck vibe, while the SUV roofline keeps the package family-friendly.
Supply-Chain Power Play
From launch, CEER has touted partnerships with global suppliers:
- Foxconn handles development and manufacturing logistics
- Rimac supplies the full electric-drive powertrain
- Hyundai Transys provides additional drive-system components
The Croatian supplier, known for battery tech with Aston Martin and its own million-dollar hypercars, joined the program in November. Foxconn’s role underscores the iPhone maker’s long-running ambition to scale automotive production.
Vision 2030 Flagship
CEER’s EV is a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030, the kingdom’s roadmap to diversify beyond oil. The Public Investment Fund bankrolls the initiative, which has also backed Lucid Motors, Uber, and Newcastle United F.C. Officials and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched the program in 2016, mandating a fully battery-electric vehicle rather than a hybrid.
A Tuesday press release reaffirmed that the still-unnamed SUV remains on track for production start in Q4 2026. No pricing, range, or performance figures have been released.
Urban Impact Under Scrutiny
While the vehicle advances toward showrooms, the wider Vision 2030 program has drawn criticism for large-scale displacement of residents and existing businesses to make way for new industrial zones. The fund’s investments aim to seed a domestic auto industry, yet questions linger about long-term sustainability and social cost.
Key Takeaways
- CEER’s debut EV wears its Tesla inspiration on its sleeve, from the flat nose to the panoramic windshield.
- Gullwing doors add flair but may frustrate owners in crowded garages.
- Rimac and Foxconn bring credible tech depth to an unproven brand.
- With production slated for late 2026, the SUV will test Saudi Arabia’s ability to compete in a rapidly crowding global EV market.
