According to the Kazakhstan Automobile Union (KAU), in January–February 2026 official dealers sold 708 passenger vehicles powered by new energy sources (NEV), including 438 plug-in hybrids and 270 battery electric vehicles, which is 4.2 times higher than a year earlier. The share of NEV vehicles in the new car market over the two months increased to 2.6%.

In addition, in January–February 2026 official dealers sold 107 conventional hybrid vehicles (HEV), mainly Toyota models. Unlike NEV vehicles, such hybrids do not require external charging and use two energy sources – an internal combustion engine and an electric motor – automatically switching between them depending on driving conditions.

The new energy vehicle market in Kazakhstan continues to develop rapidly. If 1,083 electric vehicles were sold in the country in 2024, then in 2025 dealers sold 4,242 NEV vehicles. This year, changes in consumer preferences are being observed: with the arrival of new market players, more and more Kazakhstanis are choosing plug-in hybrids, which combine the advantages of electric vehicles and traditional engines.

Anar MAKASHEVA, President of KAU: “New energy vehicles are gradually strengthening their positions in the global market. Electric vehicles in Kazakhstan are also attracting buyers and becoming a practical choice for a wide audience. The share of NEVs in total sales will continue to grow; however, in the coming years, fully electric vehicles may give up a significant portion of the market to more versatile hybrids.”

Based on the results of the first two months, BYD electric and hybrid vehicles were the most in demand –  dealers sold 428 units. Chinese brand Li Auto ranked second, having only recently entered the market – 164 units, while Zeekr took third place with 42 vehicles. The top five is rounded out by Geely Galaxy (28 units) and ROX with 20 hybrid crossovers.

Among the top 10 most popular NEV models, the hybrid BYD Song Plus DM-i leads (127 units). Second place is held by the electric crossover BYD Yuan Up (121 units), followed by the hybrid Li L6 (102 units). The hybrid BYD Chazor (87 units) ranks fourth, and the battery electric BYD Song Plus EV (63 units) is fifth. The top 10 best-selling models also include: Li L7 (41 units), BYD Sealion 7 (27 units), Geely Galaxy EX5 EM-i (25 units), ROX 01 (20 units), and Zeekr X (20 units).

NEV (New Energy Vehicles) are vehicles that use alternative energy sources instead of traditional gasoline or diesel fuel. These include electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and extended-range electric vehicles equipped with an internal combustion engine that functions solely as a generator to recharge the battery.