In February, Ukrainians bought 6,100 new and used electric cars. This is 166.2% more than last February 2023 and 10% more than January 2024.
The head of the Car Market Research Institute, Stanislav Buchatskyi, spoke on the air of "Suspilny" about how the market of electric cars looks like in Ukraine and why the demand for electric cars has increased.
The following is a shortened text version of the conversation:
- Suspilne TV: The automobile market in Ukraine is gaining new momentum, especially in the segment of electric vehicles. This February, Ukrainians purchased more than 6,000 new and used electric cars, which is 166% more than last February 2023, and 10% more than January 2024. Stanislav, why, in your opinion, has there been such a growth in interest in electric cars?
Stanislav Buchatskyi: This growth is related to the increase in the number of offers from manufacturers of electric cars. Most electric cars come to us used, mainly from European and American countries. The development of the electric car market also depends on the availability of charging stations, as most owners now charge their cars at home.
- Suspilne TV: What are the advantages of customs clearance of electric cars compared to traditional cars?
Stanislav Buchatskyi: Electric vehicles have significant advantages, such as exemption from duty and VAT, which makes them at least 30% cheaper, compared to ICE vehicles, and lower excise duty. This stimulates the import of electric cars, especially used ones, from abroad.
The most popular car among Ukrainians remains the Nissan Leaf, which has been leading the market for about five years. Tesla Model 3 takes the second place — it is the most affordable model from Tesla, which usually arrives in Ukraine from America, mainly after road accidents, the so-called "auction battles". There is also the popularity of the Volkswagen e-Golf, which is often imported from Norway. As for the Volkswagen ID.4, this model is relatively new on the market, but it is also actively bought in Ukraine, since it is available at a price of 23-25 thousand dollars for a new car (made in China), which is quite attractive compared to similar ones European models.
- Suspilne TV: Do you feel that Ukrainians have sufficient purchasing power to purchase electric cars?
Stanislav Buchatskyi: Electric cars are not cheap; to buy them, you need to have 10-12 thousand dollars. Most cars bought in Ukraine cost less than $8,000. Thus, electric cars will be purchased by those who have the opportunity to charge them at home or use them as a second car in the family.
By the way, since March 1, we have additional benefits for the import of small commercial equipment and electric trucks, which makes their purchase especially profitable for small and medium-sized businesses. Until now, such cars were subject to an additional 20% VAT, which made them less attractive compared to passenger electric cars. This change allows you to save an additional 20% on imports, contributing to the increase in the number of electric vehicles in the business segment.
- Suspilne TV: What is the situation with the environmental friendliness of electric cars and their disposal?
Stanislav Buchatskyi: Electric vehicles are environmentally friendly during operation, but the production of electricity and disposal of used batteries remain challenges. The EU is working on recycling programs, but there is no such infrastructure in Ukraine.
- Suspilne TV: What happens to electric cars that fail?
Stanislav Buchatskyi: There are companies in Ukraine that offer repacking or replacement of used batteries. Thanks to this, many cars get a second life. The general tendency is to repair and use cars as much as possible due to low purchasing power.
- Suspilne TV: Thank you, Mr. Stanislav, for your insights into the development of the electric car market in Ukraine.
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