Electric Revolution in Kyrgyzstan: How EVs are transforming the Land of Mountains
Photo by Steven Bieri
I recently returned from a refreshing three-week trip to Kyrgyzstan, where I not only caught up with family and friends but also had the chance to visit a few clients and witness firsthand the rapid growth of electric vehicles (EVs) in the country. While this isn’t a travel blog, I have to say—Kyrgyzstan is a stunning place to visit, and I’d be happy to share some recommendations if you’re curious. But let's dive into what’s happening with EVs in this vibrant region. Over the past two years, the popularity of EVs has absolutely skyrocketed.
Drivers want EVs
In Kyrgyzstan locals are increasingly drawn to electric vehicles, and it’s not just for the eco-friendly benefits. Drivers here appreciate the cutting-edge technology that comes with EVs, often seeing them as more advanced than traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Factors like range and charging speed matter, of course, but they don’t dominate the conversation the way they do in Europe or the US. One driver I spoke with who just purchased an EV said that they “loved the quietness and not having to stop for gas.” People seem excited about the overall experience—how EVs can integrate into their daily lives.
Government incentives fueling the shift
To combat rising pollution from vehicle emissions and encourage the adoption of clean transportation, the Kyrgyz government has eliminated import duties on electric vehicles and significantly reduced them for hybrids, both plug-in and traditional. This policy shift has led to a surge in the number of EVs being imported into the country, and there’s even been a noticeable improvement in air quality as a result. It's a win-win: cleaner air and a more sustainable transport future. Additionally the country generates about 85% of its power from hydroelectric further increasing the benefit for EVs.
Photo by Steven Bieri - BYD AC charger for home use
Charging landscape
In the capital Bishkek, many residents live in multi-unit apartment buildings with underground parking. This makes home charging a more viable option than you might expect. Most EV buyers are opting to install AC chargers in their parking spots, which reduces the need for frequent public charging. Often, these chargers come bundled with the car itself, branded by the manufacturer. And while public DC fast chargers are available and expanding across the country, it’s clear that home charging is taking off in a big way.
For public DC charging, stations are beginning to open across the country. On our drives across the country, charging stations were available on the highway or at destination locations like restaurants and resorts. Power outputs ranged from 50kW to 120kW, and there were multiple connector options. GB/T was the most common option but there were a few stations equipped with CCS2 cables. Charging was managed via CPO apps or RFID charge cards - no credit card or ad hoc options unfortunately.
Driving electric in Kyrgyzstan is also far more economical than sticking with petrol-powered cars. The cost of electricity at home is about 3-5 KGS (Kyrgyzstani som) per kWh, which, at 93 KGS to 1 Euro, translates to around 0,035-0,055 €/kWh. For public DC charging, prices range from 15-20 KGS/kWh (roughly 0,16-0,22 €/kWh). Meanwhile, petrol prices sit between 67-95 KGS/l, or around 0,72-1,02 €/l. Even if you're using public chargers exclusively, driving an EV costs about half as much as filling up a petrol tank.
Photo by Steven Bieri
Chinese OEMs dominate
Kyrgyzstan has always relied on imported vehicles, but the landscape is changing fast. Historically the most popular car brands were from Europe and Japan. However, with the growing interest in electrified vehicles, Chinese automakers are quickly taking the lead in this market. Brands like BYD, Geely, Li Auto, and Zeekr are becoming increasingly common on the streets of Bishkek. This trend will continue for the foreseeable future with the growth of GB/T infrastructure and the competitive nature of Chinese EVs especially with a shared border. Non-Chinese EVs are less frequent, though I did spot a few Teslas, a Volkswagen ID.4, and even a couple of Nissan Leafs. Interestingly, the very first EV I saw in Kyrgyzstan was a Leaf during a trip back in 2019.
Photo by BYD
Conclusion
Kyrgyzstan’s electric vehicle revolution is well underway, driven by a mix of government incentives, technological curiosity, and a rising desire for sustainable transportation. The combination of affordable electricity, expanding home and public charging infrastructure, and the increasing presence of Chinese EV manufacturers has created the perfect environment for electric mobility to thrive. While the country still faces challenges in building a seamless charging network, the enthusiasm for EVs is undeniable. It’s exciting to see how this mountainous nation is embracing the future of transportation, setting an inspiring example for other regions on the cusp of their own electric transformations.
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