·         Sales of NEV vehicles in Kazakhstan grew almost fivefold over four months

According to Kazakhstan Automobile Union (KAU), in January–April 2026 official dealers sold 2,122 NEV (New Energy Vehicles) passenger cars, which is almost five times higher than in the same period last year. The main sales volume came from plug-in hybrids (PHEV) and extended-range electric vehicles (EREV) – 1,499 units, while 623 pure battery electric vehicles were sold.

The market for new energy vehicles in Kazakhstan continues to develop actively. While in 2024 electric vehicles were still a niche segment, today NEV models are gradually becoming a full-fledged part of the new car market. Their growing popularity is supported by the expansion of the model range, the official entry of new brands, and a gradual shift in consumer preferences.

Anar MAKASHEVA, President of KAU: “Technology is developing rapidly, and this also applies to vehicles powered by new energy sources. Just a few years ago, the segment in Kazakhstan was largely made up of battery electric vehicles only. Today, buyers are increasingly choosing plug-in hybrids and extended-range vehicles. For many Kazakhstan citizens, these models offer the optimal balance of efficiency, driving range, and everyday convenience, taking into account the country’s long distances and climate conditions.”

BYD vehicles recorded the highest demand over the four-month period, with dealers selling 1,181 units of the brand (+432%). Li Auto ranked second with 384 vehicles. Geely Galaxy took third place with 367 hybrids and electric vehicles. The top five also included Zeekr (89 units) and ROX (46 units).

In January–April 2026, the most popular NEV model in Kazakhstan was the hybrid BYD Song Plus DM-i with 413 vehicles sold. Second place went to the Geely Galaxy EX5 EM-I with 345 vehicles, while the BYD Chazor ranked third with 284 units. The five most popular models also included the Li Auto L6 (231 units) and the all-electric BYD Yuan Up (213 units).

Among vehicles with a conventional hybrid powertrain (HEV), the Toyota Camry remains the leader: dealers sold 274 vehicles over four months. It is followed by the Lexus RX (19 units) and the Toyota RAV4 (17 units).

NEV (New Energy Vehicles) refers to vehicles that use alternative energy sources instead of traditional gasoline or diesel. These include battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and extended-range electric vehicles, which have an internal combustion engine that works exclusively as a generator to recharge the battery.