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Recently, the Municipality of Panama issued a new policy announcing that owners of electric vehicles in the Panama District will be exempt from transportation taxes for the first five years of ownership. Ana Polo, director of fees at the municipal treasury, explained that this measure is part of the Green License Program, which aims to improve environmental standards in the province of Panama. “The green license plates have already been issued and vehicle owners need only go to the municipal office to complete the registration of their vehicles to benefit from the tax exemption.” Polo elaborated. She further revealed that the relevant authorities are currently updating and refining their statistics and expect to complete the detailed registration of this new batch of vehicles in the coming weeks, as well as checking the data with the companies selling the electric vehicles. According to data provided by the State Secretariat for Energy (SNE), sales of electric vehicles reached 371 units in 2023, a growth rate of more than 50 percent compared to 160 units in 2022. In addition, sales figures for the first four months of 2024 show strong growth in the electric vehicle market: Juan Navarro, president of the Panamanian Energy Chamber of Commerce, said on TVN News that the starting price for these electric cars is $10,000 with no ceiling. There is reasonable pricing for the various brands on the market, while local banks offer financing for the purchase of these vehicles, further lowering the barrier to purchase. Regarding how the electric vehicles work, Navarro explains, “Instead of relying on gasoline, these vehicles are powered by rechargeable batteries that have a range of up to about 300 kilometers, which is equivalent to the distance from the capital to Santiago de Veraguas.” Users can charge them at home or anywhere by installing a charger, or even by utilizing solar panels. In terms of maintenance, Navarro noted that EVs cost about 50 percent less to maintain than traditional gasoline vehicles and are simpler. Since electric cars have no internal combustion engine components, only the battery and conventional parts, such as tires and shock absorbers, need to be maintained, and the warranty on the battery is usually up to 10 years. He also emphasized that Panama is ready for these environmentally friendly and economical vehicles, with more than 170 charging stations for electric vehicles already in place throughout the country.

Guyana, a country located in northeastern South America, is not prominent on the global economic map, but the development of its electric vehicle industry has its own unique history and current status. Guyana’s electric vehicle industry got its start late, but in recent years it has begun to emerge as the global focus on sustainable energy and reducing carbon emissions has intensified. The history of Guyana’s electric vehicle industry dates back to the early 21st century, when global interest in electric vehicles began to rise. However, initial investment and development was relatively slow due to the small domestic market. It is only in the last decade, as technology has advanced and costs have fallen, that the Government of Guyana has begun to place greater emphasis on electric vehicles as a way to reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels. The government has introduced a range of incentives, including tax incentives, subsidies for vehicle purchases, and support for the construction of charging infrastructure to promote the adoption of EVs. In terms of the current state of the market, the electric vehicle industry in Guyana is still in its growth phase. Currently, there are limited brands and models of electric vehicles available in the market, but with the entry of international brands such as Tesla and Nissan into the market, consumers’ choices are gradually increasing. Additionally, local companies have begun to venture into the production and sale of electric vehicles, albeit on a smaller scale, signaling the potential for growth of the local industry. At the policy level, the Guyana government has developed a clear roadmap to promote the development of the electric vehicle industry. According to official releases, the government plans to significantly increase the number of public charging stations and encourage private investment in more charging facilities in the coming years. At the same time, the government is also considering imposing higher taxes on traditional fuel vehicles as a way to further stimulate demand for electric vehicles. In terms of economic impact, the growth of the electric vehicle industry has brought new jobs and business models to Guyana. The entire industry chain, from car sales to maintenance services to battery recycling, is gradually improving. In addition, with the popularization of electric vehicles, the demand for electricity will increase, which may prompt Guyana to accelerate the development of its renewable energy projects, such as hydroelectric power and solar power, thus promoting the transformation of the energy structure of the entire country. Environmental benefits are another major driver for the development of Guyana’s electric vehicle industry. As a country rich in natural resources, Guyana is committed to protecting its ecosystem. The promotion of electric vehicles will help to reduce emissions and improve urban air quality, and is also in line with international initiatives to combat climate change. Although the development of Guyana’s electric vehicle industry faces many challenges, such as inadequate infrastructure, low consumer awareness, and high maintenance costs, the outlook for its development remains optimistic. As technology continues to advance and costs are further reduced, it is expected that electric vehicles will be more widely used in Guyana in the coming years. In conclusion, Guyana’s electric vehicle industry has made some progress despite its short history of development. Under the active promotion of the government and in conjunction with the trends in the international market, this industry is expected to become an important force driving Guyana’s economic transformation and sustainable development. With the implementation of more relevant policies and the maturity of the market, the future of electric vehicles in Guyana will be even brighter.

More and more consumers in Costa Rica are joining the ranks of electric vehicle use, realizing that reducing emissions is good for the environment. According to data from the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), in 2010 there were 233 electric vehicles in Costa Rica; as of June 2024, the number of electric vehicles has increased to 16,531 vehicles. The Costa Rican website adiariocr.com reports that cars make up the majority of all electric vehicles, followed by specialized motor vehicles, then motorcycles, and to a lesser extent light vehicles, pickups, buses and minibuses. The growth of the electric vehicle sector is also reflected in the import figures. The Association of Vehicle and Machinery Importers (AIVEMA) reports that in the first half of 2024, Costa Rica imported 6,739 electric vehicles; the number of electric vehicles imported in 2023 exceeds the total number of imports in the period between 2018 and 2022. From an economic point of view, electric vehicles have advantages over vehicles that use fossil fuels, reducing consumers’ daily expenses. In addition, in the long run, electric vehicles are maintained less frequently compared to fuel vehicles. Carlos Aguilar, head of the Association of Importers of Vehicles and Machinery (AIVM), said that 30 EV models were on display at the car show held at the ALESTE shopping center in Curridabat from July 5 to 7, 2024, for consumers who are still considering whether to buy an electric vehicle. In 2018, Costa Rica enacted the Electric Mobility Incentives and Promotion Act, which implements tax exemptions for the importation and sale of electric vehicles, however it has been abused by dealers. Congressman Gilbert Jiménez noted that some dealerships have exceeded 40% marketing margins. In an effort to ensure that EV consumers ultimately benefit from the tax credit, Jiménez has introduced a bill that would set a maximum marketing profit of 20 percent for EVs. If the bill is approved, dealers earning more than 20 percent of a vehicle’s value would be fined for failing to pay the tax correctly.

Despite the fact that Guatemala is vigorously promoting clean energy vehicles, data released by the relevant agencies show that sales of electric and hybrid vehicles are still not as good as they could be. What are the reasons? A recent article in the Guatemalan press analyzes the situation. More than a year after the law regulating the importation and sale of electric vehicles came into force (August 30, 2022), Guatemala’s transition to clean energy vehicles is still progressing very slowly. According to official data, in 2023, Guatemala’s vehicle fleet stood at approximately 5,184,000 vehicles, of which gasoline accounted for 4,500,000, diesel 567,000, electric vehicles 1,428, and hybrids 5,905. Among the electric vehicles, motorcycles accounted for the most at 883, private cars for 166 and buses and coaches for only 17. Expensive prices dissuade consumers Jean Pierre Devaux, president of the Association of New Vehicle Importers and Dealers, noted that a total of 146 electric vehicles were sold in 2023, an increase of 123 over 2022. By contrast, sales of hybrids increased even more: 1,509 hybrids were sold in 2023, compared to 1,004 last year, an increase of 505 units. Devaux believes that buying an electric or hybrid car has become a popular trend, and that the main factor preventing people from switching to hybrids or electric cars is cost, in addition to a lack of infrastructure, charging ports, and related knowledge. “Many people who are interested in purchasing these types of vehicles believe that they may face the dilemma of running out of power when they go on long trips.” Devaux said, explaining that this is rare because more than 94 percent of such vehicles are residential and are only driven in cities. At the same time, the Electric Vehicle Incentive Act partially banned the importation of used EVs and hybrids, thus reducing the supply in the market, so there are very few of these low-cost or commonly used commercially branded vehicles, which limits the public’s access to them. In addition, price is a decisive resistance for people to shift their purchasing goals to electric and hybrid vehicles. The average price of an electric vehicle is as high as $180,000, compared to about $100,000 for the same level of internal combustion vehicle, making the former almost twice as expensive as the latter. Similarly, hybrids are far more expensive than internal combustion vehicles. What do the officials say? Guatemala’s Minister of Energy and Mines (MEM), Manuel Eduardo Arita, said that they are already heavily campaigning on the incentives in the law as well as the benefits of using electric vehicles, which in addition to aiming to promote them, also aims to encourage people to increasingly invest in electric vehicles. Regarding the issue of high prices, Nancy Chacón, President of the Electric Vehicle Association (Amegua), argued that although electric vehicles are currently more expensive than traditional internal combustion vehicles, 100% electric vehicles save on operating costs: not only do they save on fuel costs, but they are also simpler to maintain due to the fact that there are fewer parts and they can save between 80% and 90% of the costs.

A total of 25,408 vehicles were sold in the Belarusian automotive market in 2023, with Chinese automotive brands accounting for 82.6% of total Belarusian sales. 78 vehicles from 20 brands were sold in Belarus in 2023, with Chinese car brands accounting for 82.6% of total Belarusian sales, and Geely (which has an assembly plant in Belarus) brand accounting for 90% of the sales among the Chinese brands. Geely (which has an assembly plant in Belarus) accounted for 90% of the sales. The top 4 sales charts in Belarus are all occupied by Geely vehicles of different styles. Electric cars are seeing a significant uptick in sales in Belarus, but based on very low sales in 2022. 422 electric cars were sold in Belarus in 2023, an increase of 667% from 2022. The top three EV sales are all Chinese brands. Lantu FREE in first place with 244 units sold, Geely Geometry c in second place with 137 units sold, and FAW Bestune NAT in third place with 21 units sold. Chairman of the Belarusian Automobile Association Varivoda noted that sales on the Belarusian automobile market will grow by 25% in 2024. The growth in electric car consumption will also be strong, growing to 1,900 units in 2024. This is due to the good roads in Belarus, the continued construction of charging piles, and the surplus domestic electricity market.

Kazakhstan New Energy Electric Vehicles and Charging Piles Market Analysis Kazakhstan, the economic giant of Central Asia, is in a critical period of energy transition. The country is known for its rich oil and gas resources, but is now facing challenges of energy security and environmental pollution. In order to address these challenges and promote economic diversification, the government of Kazakhstan is giving a major push to the development of new energy sources and electric mobility. According to the latest market analysis, Kazakhstan’s new energy and electric vehicle market is growing strongly despite its late start. Over the past year, the number of electric vehicles has increased significantly by 65.4% to 812. Nonetheless, EVs still account for less than 0.02% of the country’s total vehicle fleet, indicating a huge market potential. In terms of charging infrastructure, Kazakhstan currently has a limited number of charging stations, concentrated in the two main cities of Almaty and Nursultan. According to eDrive.kz, there are only 81 charging stations available in the country. This falls far short of market demand, especially considering that Kazakhstan’s automotive industry association, Kazavtoprom, expects that in order to support the growth of e-mobility, the country will need to establish at least 40,000 charging posts or 8,000 charging stations by 2030. This demand provides a huge opportunity for the charging piles market. The new energy electric vehicle and charging pile market in Kazakhstan, although currently small, is expected to achieve rapid growth in the future with government policy support and increasing social acceptance. This not only provides a favorable market environment for manufacturers, distributors, service providers and investors of electric vehicles and charging piles, but also opens up a new path for the country’s green transformation and sustainable development. Kazakhstan’s new energy electric vehicle and charging pile industry segmentation Kazakhstan’s new energy electric vehicle and charging pile industry segmentation can be divided from multiple perspectives, including product type, technology level, market demand and competitive landscape. The following is a detailed analysis based on these dimensions: Product Type Segmentation Electric Passenger Vehicles & Charging Piles: This category includes sedans, SUVs, buses, etc., which are mainly used for personal or family travel. The advantages of electric passenger cars include energy saving and environmental protection, low operating costs, low noise, easy maintenance, etc. The corresponding charging piles are divided into fast charging piles and charging piles. The corresponding charging piles are categorized into fast charging piles and slow charging piles, as well as AC charging piles and DC charging piles. Electric buses and charging piles: Mainly serving the urban public transportation system, the advantages include reducing exhaust emissions, improving operational efficiency and lowering operational costs. Types of charging piles include station charging piles and yard charging piles, as well as mechanical power exchange, wireless charging, rail charging and other methods. Electric Logistics Vehicles and Charging Piles: Including vans, trucks, trailers, etc., mainly used for urban logistics and distribution. These vehicles improve transportation efficiency, reduce transportation costs, and adapt to urban traffic rules. Charging piles are divided into special charging piles and public charging piles. Electric motorcycles and charging piles: Including motorcycles, electric bicycles, electric tricycles, etc., suitable for personal or small commercial trips. These vehicles are flexible, convenient, inexpensive and have a long range. Charging piles are also divided into specialized charging piles and public charging piles. Technology Level Breakdown Traditional electric vehicles and charging piles: Lead-acid batteries or nickel-metal hydride batteries are used as the power source, and AC motors or DC motors are used as the drive system. The technology level of these vehicles and charging piles is relatively low. New energy electric vehicles and charging piles: using lithium-ion batteries or other new types of batteries as the power source and permanent magnet synchronous motors or brushless DC motors as the drive system. These vehicles and charging piles represent the mainstream of the industry and a high technical level. Intelligent Electric Vehicles and Charging Piles: Intelligent transformation using internet, big data, artificial intelligence and other technologies to improve safety, comfort and convenience. The charging pile adopts wireless connection or contactless connection, representing the cutting edge of the industry and the highest technical level. Although Kazakhstan’s new energy EV and charging pile industry started not long ago, it has formed a diversified product and technology structure, laying a solid foundation for future development. With the advancement of technology and market expansion, it is expected that these market segments will further develop and mature Kazakhstan’s Government Policy on New Energy Electric Vehicles and Charging Piles The government of Kazakhstan attaches great importance to the development of new energy electric vehicles and charging piles industry, and has formulated a series of policies to support the growth of this industry. The following are the main policy measures in the field of new energy electric vehicles and charging piles in Kazakhstan: Energy Strategy 2030: This strategy aims to realize energy security, energy efficiency and energy diversification. New and renewable energy is an important part of this strategy, of which electric vehicles and charging piles are important vehicles for new and renewable energy. The government plans for new and renewable energy sources to account for 10% of total energy consumption and electric vehicles to account for 10% of the total vehicle fleet by 2030. Environmental Protection Policy: The government of Kazakhstan has developed the National Environmental Action Plan 2020, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and combat climate change. Transportation is one of the main sources of GHG emissions, and electric vehicles and charging piles are effective measures to reduce transportation emissions. The government plans to reduce GHG emissions by 15% from 2008 levels and air pollutant emissions by 10% from 2010 levels by 2020. National Strategy for Industrial Innovation and Development 2025: The strategy aims to promote industrial structural transformation, improve industrial competitiveness and create jobs. New energy vehicles and charging equipment are one of the key areas of industrial innovation development, and electric vehicles and charging piles are the core products

Automotive Industry Profile Overview of the production sector: The automotive manufacturing sector in Kyrgyzstan is small and mainly focused on assembly and modification. Most vehicles are imported due to local production costs and market size constraints. Sales in 2023: According to the National Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan, the sales of automobiles in Kyrgyzstan reached approximately 20,000 units in 2023, representing an increase of 5% compared to the previous year. The share of new car sales was about 40%, while the share of used car sales was 60%. Top 10 Branded Vehicle Sales: In 2023, the top 10 selling car brands were, in order, Toyota (4,000 units), Hyundai (2,500 units), Kia (2,000 units), Renault (1,500 units), Volkswagen (1,200 units), Ford (1,000 units), Skoda (800 units), Chevrolet (700 units), Nissan (600 units), and BMW ( 500 units). These figures reflect the dominance of international brands and consumers’ quest for quality and value for money. Consumer car market Passenger Vehicles and Freight Transportation Vehicles: The passenger transportation market in Kyrgyzstan is dominated by small cars and light commercial vehicles, while the freight transportation market is dominated by light vans and heavy trucks.In 2023, sales of small cars will be approximately 10,000 units, light commercial vehicles will be 3,000 units, light vans will be 2,000 units, and heavy trucks will be 500 units.The passenger transportation market in Kyrgyzstan is dominated by small cars and light commercial vehicles, while the freight transportation market is dominated by light vans and heavy trucks. Vehicle Ownership and Ownership per 1,000 Population: By the end of 2023, Kyrgyzstan’s vehicle ownership was approximately 400,000 vehicles and 66 vehicles per 1,000 population, which is lower than the global average, but shows the potential for market growth. Automobile imports: In 2023, the total value of automobile imports into Kyrgyzstan was about USD 200 million, of which the value of automobiles imported from China was USD 40 million, accounting for 20% of the total imports. Imported automobiles mainly come from China, Japan and South Korea. Used Car Market MARKET OVERVIEW: The used car market in Kyrgyzstan traded around 12,000 units in 2023, accounting for 60% of total car sales. The dynamism of the used car market reflects consumers’ price sensitivity and practical considerations regarding the need to use their vehicles. Major markets: Auto City in Bishkek and Auto Plaza in Osh are the largest used car markets in Kyrgyzstan, offering a wide selection of models and convenient trading services. Auto Parts Market Size of the industry: In 2023, Kyrgyzstan’s auto parts imports will total $150 million, of which the value of parts imported from China will be around $30 million. Import of Chinese components: The top 20 imported Chinese auto parts and components by trade name and import value include: engine parts (US$5 million), tires (US$4 million), braking systems (US$3.5 million), suspension systems (US$3 million), etc. The trade names and import volumes of the top 20 importers cover specific products in the above categories, e.g. 10,000 engine parts, 100,000 tires, 5,000 sets of braking systems, etc. Aftermarket situation: the main automobile repair market and parts sales market are located in major cities such as Bishkek and Osh etc. In 2023, the market size of Kyrgyzstan’s automobile repair and maintenance service market will be about USD 30 million, of which the share of Chinese automobile parts and components in this market will be about 15%.

In Central Asia, with the global emphasis on clean energy and sustainable development, the development of new energy electric vehicles (NEVs) and their supporting facilities a charging piles is seeing unprecedented opportunities. In particular, the government of Uzbekistan, as a major economic and population country in Central Asia, has not only given strong support in terms of policy, but also further promoted the development of the new energy vehicle and parts market by organizing a series of international exhibitions. In this article, we will discuss three aspects of the policy favor, market demand and Uzbekistan new energy vehicles and parts exhibition. Policy favoritism: escorting the development of new energy charging piles The government of Uzbekistan deeply recognizes the importance of new energy electric vehicles and charging piles in reducing carbon emissions and promoting the transformation of energy structure, and therefore has introduced a series of preferential policies to promote the development of this industry. First of all, the government has reduced the import tariffs and subsidized the purchase of new energy electric vehicles, which directly reduces the cost of consumers and stimulates the market demand. In addition, the government has increased financial support for charging infrastructure construction and encouraged enterprises to invest in charging pile projects. These policies have not only created favorable conditions for the popularization of new energy electric vehicles, but also laid a solid foundation for the rapid development of the charging pile market. It is particularly worth mentioning that the Uzbek government has also issued a number of presidential decrees aimed at accelerating the localized production of new energy EVs and promoting the construction of EV operation infrastructure. For example, the government plans to phase out import tariffs on new energy EVs by 2030 and promote localized production and consumption by increasing subsidies and providing loan concessions. At the same time, the government has also stipulated that from January 1, 2024, new commercial centers, entertainment centers, gas stations, hotels and other venues will be required to be equipped with vehicle charging piles, or else their construction will not be approved. This series of policy measures provides a strong guarantee for the rapid development of the new energy charging pile market. Market Demand: Strong Driving Force for Continuous Growth With the improvement of environmental protection awareness and the government’s promotion of new energy policies, the market demand for new energy electric vehicles and charging piles in Uzbekistan has shown a rapid growth trend. According to data, the import of electric vehicles has increased significantly in Uzbekistan in recent years, especially Chinese electric vehicle brands such as BYD, Geely and Great Wall, which have made remarkable achievements in the Uzbek market. BYD’s electric car Song Plus is a breakout success in Uzbekistan, with sales of more than 2,000 units. Meanwhile, the charging pile market has also seen explosive growth. As of 2022, about 100 EV charging stations are already in operation in Uzbekistan, and the government plans to increase the number of charging stations to 2,500 by 2025, starting from December 1, 2023, when large-scale construction of charging stations will begin. This ambitious plan not only reflects the importance the government attaches to the new energy charging station market, but also signals the market’s huge potential for future development. Exhibition: An Important Platform for International Cooperation and Exchanges In order to further promote the development of the new energy electric vehicle and parts market, Uzbekistan regularly organizes international exhibitions, which provide domestic and foreign companies with excellent opportunities to showcase their latest technologies and products. For example, AUTO PARTS EXPO 2025 will be held from April 23 to 25, 2025 at the National Exhibition Center in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. The exhibition not only gathers automobile manufacturers, dealers and buyers from the five Central Asian countries and China, but also attracts a large number of industry players from Turkey, Egypt, Georgia and other countries. The following is the scope of its exhibits. New Energy Vehicles Pure electric vehicles, programmable electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, solar vehicles and other new energy vehicles, etc.; new energy commercial vehicles, new energy passenger cars; new energy special vehicles and special vehicles, etc.; electric vehicles, connected automatic vehicles, LEV light electric vehicles (<350kg), electric motorcycles, electric scooters, electric golf vehicles, electric commercial vehicles, connected & Automatic Vehicles, Electric Vehicles, Connected Automatic LKWs, Electric Buses, Connected & Automatic Buses, Electric Forklifts + Electric Vehicle Transportation & Storage, Electric Vehicle Recovery, Electric Ambulances, Other Vehicles Charging Stations Charging station smart network project planning and achievement demonstration, fueling and charging integrated service station demonstration, solar and wind energy complementary new energy vehicle charging station technology products, charging station power distribution equipment, chargers, power monitoring system, charging piles, transformers, distribution cabinets, cables, direct charging equipment, management auxiliary equipment, rechargeable and exchangeable batteries and battery management system, parking lot charging facilities, charging station power supply solutions, Charging station-smart grid solutions, etc. Battery motor electric control Power battery, raw materials, shell, power battery PACK production equipment, non-standard automation, test instruments and battery management system, etc.; new energy vehicle motors, magnetic materials, iron core, stator and rotor, insulating materials, winding equipment, silicon carbide, shells, automated assembly lines, etc.; new energy vehicle electronic control, IGBT, chips and special devices, supercapacitors, vehicle MCU, electronic control modules, vehicle sensors, system integration, etc. sensors, system integration, etc. Energy and Infrastructure Electric energy suppliers, hydrogen energy suppliers, energy infrastructure, energy networks, energy management, smart grids V2G, electrical cables + connectors + plugs, charging/power stations, solar energy, solar garages, hydrogen, fast charging stations, charging system inductors, energy and charging systems, AFI(D) Alternative Fuel Infrastructure (Directive) EU, conductive charging infrastructure, wireless charging infrastructure (static and dynamic), hydrogen fuel infrastructure, smart charging, V2G, V2X and vehicle/infrastructure communications charging/refueling standardization and regulation, ICT data definition Processing and Manufacturing Technology and Equipment for New Energy Vehicle Triboelectric Products New Energy Vehicle Manufacturing Process Equipment, New Energy Body Connection Technology and Equipment, New Energy Vehicle Parts Processing Equipment, New Energy Vehicle Intelligent Factory, New Energy Vehicle

High prices have long been one of the main reasons for the low demand for electric and hybrid vehicles. However, statistics show that Ukrainians are increasingly choosing these vehicles despite the war. When choosing a new electric car, buyers prefer models made in China. The fact is that over the past few years, many versions with a range of up to 500 kilometers have appeared in the Middle East, and their prices have fallen due to increased competition in the market. Among used electric cars, Ukrainians prefer the Tesla from the USA (which is often shipped to Ukraine after traffic accidents) and the Nissan Leaf from the EU countries. According to the Automobile Market Research Institute, the purchase of new and used electric cars in November 2023 set a new record – 6,200 units, an increase of 190% over last year. According to the Ukrainian Automobile Industry Association, sales of hybrid vehicles in October 2023 exceeded pre-war figures for the first time. Almost 1,800 of these vehicles were registered during the reporting period, a record number for the past 22 months. Boom in electric vehicles According to statistics, the electric vehicle market in Ukraine is growing at a frantic pace. Not long ago, only 8,541 vehicles had been registered in the country by the end of 2021. As of January 1, 2023, according to the data of the Main Service Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, their number had reached 46,830. In less than a year, the number had almost doubled to 83,116 units by the end of November 2023. Data from the Institute of the Automotive Market shows that the proportion of electric vehicles among all passenger cars registered in Ukraine in the same period rose from 8.4% to 16.6% over the past year. Zero tariffs and VAT exemptions have helped to increase demand for electric vehicles. For example, only excise duty is payable on import (1 euro per kilowatt-hour of battery capacity) – up to a maximum of 100 euros per vehicle. Another reason is the emergence of models with a range of 300–500 kilometers, which are not much more expensive than vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE). Rising fuel prices have spurred demand. Among the new electric cars, the VW ID.4 is leading the way in terms of sales in 2023. This model with a range of up to 600 kilometers has been on the market for three years. In the used electric car segment, Ukrainians prefer the Nissan Leaf – a car with a relatively small range (200 kilometers) but at an affordable price. Depending on the year of manufacture and condition, prices range from 10,000 to 20,000 US dollars. Price stimulates demand Thanks to the low cost of battery production, China has managed to make electric cars as affordable as possible. The Volkswagen ID.4 is produced in almost identical versions in three countries: the USA – for the American market, Germany – for Europe, and China – for the rest of the world. The Chinese version is popular in Ukraine, where it is delivered by unofficial dealers. The delivery and customs clearance costs start at 25,000 US dollars, while the cost in Europe would be over 42,600 euros. In the USA, it starts at 42,000 US dollars. Against the backdrop of growing interest in electric vehicles, the size of loans is also increasing. The Ukrainian National Savings Bank noted that customers who chose to finance an electric vehicle had the greatest demand for the Volkswagen ID.4, while the greatest demand for a hybrid vehicle was for the Toyota RAV4. “Against the backdrop of a deficit and rising fuel prices, the recovery of car loans was followed by the first significant increase in demand for electric car loans in 2022. Even the possibility of power outages did not stop this trend.” ‘For the second year in a row, we have observed a dynamic increase in the share of electric and hybrid cars in new car sales, which is reflected in credit sales,’ said Anton Timoshenko, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ukraine’s National Savings Bank. Delivery of used Teslas Despite the popularity of new Chinese electric vehicles, the Ukrainian market is driven by used electric vehicles. Tesla is clearly leading the way here. In 2021, Ukraine imported 454 such vehicles, 1,100 in 2022 and 4,669 in 2023. The most popular models are the more economical Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y, of which more than 700 were delivered in November 2023 alone. Most Ukrainians buy cars that have been repaired after road accidents. The car sales website auto.ria has almost 3,200 Tesla offers. Of these, only 600 have not been in a traffic accident, as the sellers claim. The popular Tesla Model 3 costs between 25,000 and 40,000 US dollars, depending on the equipment. In the USA, they are usually bought at insurance auctions for 10,000 to 15,000 dollars cheaper. In October, Ukrainians bought 433 used Tesla Model 3s, 226 Tesla Model Ys and 192 Tesla Model Ss in the USA. Most of these road-safe Teslas entered Ukraine from the EU. Market growth cannot be stopped In October 2023, China announced that electric vehicle sales had reached a record high. Despite the end of the 11-year subsidy program in 2022, monthly sales increased by 29%. From January to September, the global electric vehicle market grew by 34%. In Ukraine, despite the war, the popularity of electric vehicles is still growing, while China is actively occupying the domestic market. Ukrainians are not deterred by the lack of warranties and services, nor by the limited number of fast charging stations. Car sales in Ukraine in the first four months of 2024 In the first four months of 2024, Ukrainians imported 118,100 used and new passenger cars, as reported by Ukravtoprom. Ukraine imported the highest number of passenger cars from Germany, totaling over 23,600 units. The United States and China also made it into the top three exporters of cars to Ukraine. Top 10