Key facts
- Chinese EVs are increasingly popular in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan due to competitive pricing and quality.
- Uzbekistan imported over 40,000 electric vehicles between January and September 2025.
- Chinese manufacturers accounted for virtually the entire EV import stream into Uzbekistan.
- Temporary duty exemptions and tax incentives have stimulated EV demand in Kazakhstan.
- Chinese investment in Central Asia is diversifying from extractives to manufacturing and renewables.
Central Asia's transition to electric mobility is rapidly accelerating, with Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) emerging as the dominant force. In Kazakhstan, car dealers are shifting from European imports to Chinese EVs due to increasing demand from both local and Russian customers, citing competitive pricing and quality. One dealer noted a growing interest in models like the BYD Han.
This market transformation is more decisive than predicted, driven by China's industrial capacity, pricing power, and strategic positioning rather than premium branding or climate narratives. By the end of 2025, Chinese manufacturers captured the overwhelming share of EV imports in key Central Asian states, particularly Uzbekistan. Between January and September 2025, Uzbekistan imported over 40,000 EVs, approaching half a billion dollars in declared value, with total EV imports reaching nearly 57,000 units by year-end, constituting over 70% of all imported passenger cars by volume. Chinese-made vehicles accounted for virtually the entire EV import stream into the country.
Kazakhstan's EV market has also grown rapidly, with around 19,000 registered EVs by mid-2025. Adoption in Kazakhstan has been sensitive to policy design, with temporary duty exemptions and tax incentives playing a significant role. Beyond vehicle imports, China's engagement in Central Asia is deepening, with foreign direct investment shifting from extractives towards manufacturing, renewables, and downstream processing, reflecting China's domestic pressures and Central Asian governments' desire for value addition.