Cheaper and electric: why Ukrainians choose Chinese cars
17 February 20:46
In January , Ukrainians purchased nearly 1,400 passenger cars imported from China, which is 71% more than in the same period last year. The market continues to shift toward Chinese electric vehicles, which are becoming increasingly popular in Ukraine.
This was reported by Ukravtoprom , according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
New cars from China: growth faster than the market
Of the total number:
- 1,216 cars are new (80% year-on-year);
- 181 are used (25%).
Thus, it is new cars of Chinese origin that have become the key driver of growth.
Experts explain this by a combination of several factors:
- relatively affordable price;
- a wide range of electric vehicles;
- active presence of Chinese brands in European and neighboring markets.
Electric vehicles continue to dominate
The vast majority of cars from China are electric vehicles:
- 78% in January this year;
- 82% in January last year.
Experts attribute the slight decline in the share of electric cars to the emergence of more hybrids and internal combustion engine models, but the overall trend toward electrification remains unchanged.
Which brands do Ukrainians choose
Chinese and brands localized for China lead among new cars:
- BYD — several models in the top sales;
- Volkswagen — due to its electric lineup produced for the Chinese market;
- ZEEKR — the premium segment of electric vehicles.
The market for used cars from China is also dominated by electric vehicles, in particular ZEEKR and BYD models, which were previously actively sold within the PRC.
General context of the car market
For comparison: in January, the Ukrainian car fleet was replenished with more than 5,100 new passenger cars. Of these:
- 66% were purchased by private buyers;
- 34% were purchased by legal entities.
Thus, every fourth new car is actually of Chinese origin, taking into account all import channels.
Why China is strengthening its position
Analysts point to several reasons for the growing interest in cars from China:
- the rapid development of Chinese electric technologies;
- better equipment for the same price;
- a shortage of affordable new cars from the EU and the US;
- demand for electric cars as a way to reduce fuel costs during wartime.
