JTA International Investment Holding and Watt Electric Vehicle Company today announced a long-term strategic partnership to establish Qatar’s first EV (electric vehicle) manufacturing plant and jointly design, engineer, and manufacture a new generation of EVs specifically developed for the Gulf region.

The vehicles will be engineered in the UK on the same patented Watt EV PACES (Passenger And Commercial EV Skateboard) platform behind the Autocar/Avant Lotus concept (see Futurride’s coverage of that here) and manufactured in a new state-of-the-art production facility in Qatar, creating an advanced industrial capability under the “Made in Qatar” brand and supporting the country’s long-term ambition to become a regional center for advanced manufacturing, innovation, and sustainable mobility.

JTA is a Qatar-based international investment group headquartered in Doha, with strategic partnerships and operations spanning more than 50 countries. Established in 2010, the company identifies, develops, and invests in landmark projects across energy, transportation, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, technology, healthcare, tourism, agriculture, sports, and sustainable development.

Watt is a pioneer in the design, engineering, and manufacture of low- to medium-volume EVs, operating under its own brand and for third-party clients. Based in Cornwall and Worcestershire, its patented platform technology and engineering capabilities span commercial and passenger vehicle categories.

The partnership was formally announced during a ceremony in Doha by Amir Ali Salemi Zadeh, Founder and CEO of JTA, and Neil Yates, Founder and CEO of Watt EV, following “extensive” discussions and joint planning between the two organizations in London and Doha.

“This partnership reflects JTA International Investment Holding’s commitment to investing in advanced technologies that create lasting economic and industrial value for Qatar,” said Salemi Zadeh. “Together with Watt EV and its award-winning engineering expertise, we will develop electric vehicles specifically designed for the Gulf region—vehicles engineered around local operating conditions, the region’s demanding climate, and the expectations of customers across Qatar and the GCC.”

According to Salemi Zadeh, the project goes far beyond manufacturing vehicles.

“It represents the creation of a new industrial capability for Qatar that will accelerate technology transfer, strengthen local manufacturing, create highly skilled employment opportunities, and contribute directly to the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030,” he said. “Our vision is to establish a globally competitive electric vehicle manufacturing platform that positions Qatar as a regional leader in advanced manufacturing, clean mobility, and automotive innovation while creating sustainable long-term value for future generations.”

The partnership with JTA Investment Holding marks a defining milestone in Watt EV’s international growth, according to Yates.

“Our proprietary electric vehicle platform, developed and validated in the United Kingdom, enables the rapid and commercially efficient development of highly customized electric vehicles while significantly reducing development time and manufacturing costs,” he said. “Our engineering teams are superbly positioned to design vehicles specifically for the Gulf’s demanding environmental conditions, from advanced thermal management and battery performance in extreme temperatures to the usage patterns and preferences of customers throughout the region.”

The collaboration covers every stage of vehicle development, including proprietary platform technology, complete vehicle engineering, product development, production planning, and the establishment of advanced manufacturing capabilities in Qatar.

The center of the program is the creation of a state-of-the-art EV manufacturing facility that will initially serve the domestic market before expanding exports throughout the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) and select international markets.

According to Watt EV, the project will leverage its patented lightweight aluminum architecture and proprietary EV platform to enable the rapid development of highly customized vehicles while delivering exceptional capital efficiency, shorter development cycles, and greater manufacturing flexibility.

JTA will contribute its investment capability, strategic industrial vision, international partnerships, and regional market expertise to accelerate implementation and support the successful establishment of Qatar’s electric vehicle manufacturing industry.

Beyond vehicle production, the program is intended to strengthen regional supply chains, encourage research and development, support the localization of advanced manufacturing technologies, and help develop the highly skilled workforce required for Qatar’s future industrial economy.

Fully aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030, the partnership supports economic diversification, industrial innovation, advanced manufacturing, and the transition towards sustainable transportation. More importantly, it establishes the foundation for a long-term industrial program that is expected to position Qatar among the emerging global centers for electric vehicle design, advanced manufacturing, and clean mobility, while strengthening industrial cooperation between Qatar and the UK for decades to come.

Following completion of detailed implementation planning, the partners expect to commence factory development and joint vehicle programs.

Watt EV’s lightweight PACES platform is a modular, lightweight electric vehicle platform developed to support low- to medium-volume and niche vehicle manufacturers. Key features include a cell-to-chassis design that integrates the battery directly into the primary structure, reducing weight and eliminating the need for a separate heavy battery pack.

Its FlexTech architecture uses an interlocked, multi-material aluminum extrusion system that minimizes upfront tooling costs and manufacturing complexity. PACES supports front-, rear-, and all-wheel-drive configurations, accommodating vehicle types from small city cars and sports coupes to commercial vans. It is engineered to meet and comply with National and European SSTA (Small Series Type Approval) safety standards.

The engineering foundations are proven, according to Yates.

“Our driveable in-wheel motor EV chassis shown at CES 2026 and the production platform—that gives the foundation to enjoy a 700-hp V8 in a 900-kg vehicle—are evidence of what this team is capable of delivering.”