Mays Motors (stylised as MAYS and marketed as DriveMAYS) is an Omani electric vehicle manufacturer based in Muscat, Oman. It is known for producing the country's first electric car, the Mays iE1, and later the Mays Alive electric sport utility vehicle (SUV), which has been described as Oman's first electric SUV.

History

Origins and iE1 launch (2019–2022)

Mays Motors was founded in 2019 by Omani entrepreneur Haider bin Adnan al-Zaabi, with backing from the Oman Technology Fund, a state-linked investment fund focused on technology ventures. The company set out to design and assemble electric vehicles in Oman, positioning itself as part of the country's industrial diversification and technology strategy.

In February 2022, the company unveiled the Mays iE1 at an event held at Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel, in Muscat, which local media described as Oman's first electric car. The iE1 is a two-seat sports-style battery electric vehicle with a carbon-fibre body. Reported specifications include a 0–100 km/h time of under 4.9 seconds, a top speed of about 280 km/h, and an estimated range of around 500 km on a single charge. Early reports indicated an initial production target of roughly 300 units aimed at customers in Oman and abroad.

Transition to Alive SUV and DriveMAYS (2023–2025)

Following the iE1 launch, Mays Motors developed a larger electric SUV intended for broader commercial use and family buyers. The model, later branded Mays Alive or Alive 1, was presented by Omani and regional media in 2024 as Oman's first domestically made electric SUV.

Production of Mays vehicles has been linked to facilities in the special economic zone at Duqm as part of "Made in Oman" initiatives. A 2024 report stated that the first electric vehicles from Mays were expected to be ready for commercial delivery before the end of the year, with the Alive SUV positioned as the launch product.

In February 2025, local media reported that the first batch of Omani-built Mays vehicles was ready for distribution to institutional clients, including government and corporate fleets. Reports in the same period cited indicative prices for the SUV at around OMR 12,000 for individual buyers and slightly lower prices for fleet customers, with earlier projections placing prices higher before subsequent revisions.

Products

Mays iE1

The Mays iE1 is a low-volume, two-seat sports-style electric car and was the company's first model. It features a carbon-fibre body and performance-focused specifications, and has been compared in styling to high-end international sports cars. Media reports have highlighted a claimed top speed of about 280 km/h, a 0–100 km/h time of under 4.9 seconds, and a range of around 500 km per charge.

Mays Alive SUV

The Mays Alive (also referred to as Alive 1) is an electric compact or mid-size SUV developed by Mays Motors as its main mass-market model. It has been promoted as suitable for Gulf climates, with an emphasis on range and cabin comfort for family use. Reports from 2024 and 2025 describe single-charge ranges of around 500–615 km depending on configuration and testing methodology, positioning the vehicle among longer-range electric SUVs in the region.

According to local and regional coverage, the Alive uses lithium-ion battery packs supplied by international vendors and an electric powertrain using components from manufacturers such as Bosch. The vehicle has been described as part of an effort to create an integrated electric-vehicle value chain in Oman, including assembly, charging infrastructure, and associated services.

2026 Alive trims

As of 2026, the official DriveMAYS website lists three main trims for the Alive SUV: Alive 400, Alive 500, and Alive 500+. The trims are distinguished primarily by battery capacity, range and equipment levels:

  • Alive 400 – advertised with a 52 kWh battery, an estimated range of about 400 km, and a starting price of OMR 9,900, with financing options available.
  • Alive 500 – advertised with a 64 kWh battery, an estimated range of about 500 km, and a starting price of OMR 10,750.
  • Alive 500+ – advertised with a 64 kWh battery, an estimated range of about 500 km, and a higher equipment level including features such as ventilated seats, a panoramic roof, a 360° camera system and a power tailgate, with a starting price of OMR 12,900.

The website lists 0–100 km/h acceleration for the higher-spec versions at around seven seconds and a top speed of more than 170 km/h, along with a five-seat cabin, flat-folding rear seats, and a claimed cargo capacity of up to about 1,600 litres with the rear seats folded. These figures are manufacturer claims and may vary by market and test cycle.

Technology and features

Mays states that its vehicles make extensive use of in-car software and artificial intelligence (AI), with an emphasis on driver monitoring and voice interaction. According to the company's website, the Alive SUV incorporates vision and voice systems intended to interpret driver expressions, posture and tone in order to infer emotional state and support more natural human–machine interaction. The brand presents this as part of a broader focus on stress reduction, wellbeing and "human-centric" car design, although such claims have largely been reported in the context of company marketing material rather than independent technical evaluations. Mays Logo Text Only

Operations

Manufacturing

Media reports have linked Mays vehicle manufacturing to facilities in the Duqm Special Economic Zone, where the company is said to assemble vehicles using imported components. This localisation has been described as part of broader "Made in Oman" and industrial diversification policies pursued by the Omani government.

Market and distribution

Mays Motors primarily targets the domestic Omani market, with plans to expand to other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and further afield. Initial sales emphasis has been on institutional and fleet customers, including public-sector entities, with deliveries of the first batch of vehicles to these clients reported in early 2025. Retail customers can reserve vehicles and book test drives via the DriveMAYS website and through showrooms and partner locations in Oman.

Reception and impact

Regional media coverage has highlighted Mays Motors as a milestone for the Omani automotive sector, noting the iE1 and Alive models as contributions to domestic manufacturing capabilities and electric-mobility adoption. Commentators have framed the company's projects as supporting Oman's long-term sustainability and net-zero targets by promoting the uptake of electric vehicles and related infrastructure.

At the same time, coverage has noted challenges common to new EV manufacturers, including scaling production, building charging infrastructure, and competing with established international brands in terms of cost and technology.

See also

  • Electric car
  • Automotive industry in Oman