Environmental protection and the introduction of clean technologies are becoming important global trends. Kyrgyzstan is gradually joining these initiatives, and one of the key elements of the green economy is the use of electric vehicles, which help to reduce harmful emissions and improve the environmental situation.

According to the National Statistics Committee, 71,293 passenger cars worth $1.1 billion were imported into Kyrgyzstan in the first half of 2024, of which 655 were electric cars.

“Akchabar” decided to find out which brands of electric cars are most demanded by Kyrgyz buyers by contacting the State Agency for Vehicle Registration (Unaa). According to its data, between the beginning of the year and the end of June, 9 brands of electric cars were registered in Kyrgyzstan. At the same time, the predominance of Chinese brands in the Kyrgyz electric car market is obvious. All but one (Nissan) were manufactured in China.

At the same time for the last year and a half (from January 2023 to June 2024) 904 BYD cars were imported to the Kyrgyz Republic, Volkswagen - 495, Zeekr - 337, Weltmeister - 249, Honda - 221, Changan - 139 and FAW - 100.

Thus, while BYD, Volkswagen and Zeekr were the most popular in 2023, this year the picture has changed - BYD (1st place), Changan (2nd) and FAW (3rd).

Even though some part of all these cars is sent to Russia, the interest of the population is growing. Today, the cost of electric automobiles in Kyrgyzstan starts from $15,000. For example, BYD Dolphin 2024 will cost the buyer $19,500, Volkswagen ID.6 Crozz 2024 - $31,300, Zeekr 001 Restyling, which charges in 30 minutes, costs $54,000 on the Kyrgyz market, and the compact crossover Zeekr X is sold for $34,700.

For those who want to switch to electric vehicles, but find them expensive, banks offer special “green” credit lines to purchase electric automobiles, which are 1% lower than regular car loans. Such programs can be found at Aiyl Bank, Dos Kredobank, Mbank and Bakai Bank. It is also possible to lease electric automobiles.

In addition, in March 2024, President Sadyr Zhaparov signed a law providing benefits for owners of electric vehicles, as well as the development of charging infrastructure. In particular, such car owners will receive green registration plates, which will allow them to enjoy special privileges, including reduced fines for traffic violations and lower registration costs.

In addition, the duty-free regime for importing electric vehicles into Kyrgyzstan has been extended until 2025. This regime, together with plans to develop a network of charging stations, should stimulate demand for environmentally friendly transportation and improve the environmental situation in the country.

It was discussed earlier that the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Ministry of Economy were considering switching the fleets of government agencies and the OJSC “Kyrgyz Pochtasy” to electric automobiles. It is also planned to install electric charging stations and transfer experience of the development of electric transportation from South Korean partners.

At the same time, according to AUTOSTAT agency, in the world market at the end of the first half of 2024, Tesla Model Y again became the best-selling car in the world - 581,500 units were sold, which is 1.9% more than in the analogous period of last year. It is followed by Toyota Corolla with sales of 544,400 units and Toyota RAV4, which sold 498,100 units.