The Asian Transport Outlook (ATO) project-supported by the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank – together with the Urban Electric Mobility Initiative (UEMI) and the EU-supported SOLUTIONSplus project, are producing e-mobility profiles that focus on taking stock of the main developments relating to e-mobility transition in Asian economies. This edition of the newsletter presents the profile for Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan is looking towards an upward trajectory in the electric mobility sector. Electric vehicle manufacturing has grown significantly; charging infrastructure has been installed in various areas.
The Kazakh Ministry of Internal Affairs reports a 200% increase in electric vehicle use between March 2022 and March 2023 from 631 to 1,900.
Identified as a priority area for industrial development, the automotive industry of Kazakhstan thrives with state support. In-country car manufacturing started in 2003 with NIVA cars. Delivery of electric vehicles, including 15 buses, started in 2014.
Kazakhstan had a total of 230 electric buses by 2020, including 100 units procured from China’s Yutong Group. The initiative prompted the City of Nur-Sultan to aspire for acquisition of zero-emission vehicles under a collaboration between Yutong and Kustanai-based manufacturer Saryarka AvtoProm.
The domestic manufacturer rolled out 140 electric vehicles since it opened in 2016. It has also started assembling the Chinese JAC IEV7S and Kia EV6’s, making them available to the local market. The First Vice Minister of Industry and Infrastructure Development launched other EV models in 2022. These products are being produced in Saran, Almaty and Kustanai.
The country’s EV rollout is supported by battery charging stations provided by government and private businesses and individuals, as well as electric power accessible countrywide and 15th cheapest worldwide - estimated in 2021 to be at an average price of 0.04 USD/kWh. As of 2023, the Kazakh government had installed 50 charging stations in Astana, 57 in Almaty and 2 in the territory of Rixos Borovoe Hotel in Schuchink. In spite of its apparent advantages, however, the electric grid is still dominated by fossil fuels (84%), followed by hydroelectric power (12%). The electricity grid emits an estimated 656 kgCO2 per mWh, ranked 193rd globally.
Read the full-length report here.
