From Electric to Hybrid: Kazakhstan’s Changing Auto Market
Photo: Pixabay
In the first two months of 2026, sales of cars on new energy sources (NEV, including electric cars and rechargeable hybrids) increased sharply in Kazakhstan, the Automobile Union of Kazakhstan (KAO) reports. At the same time, hybrid cars saw significantly stronger growth compared to traditional electric cars, Orda.kz reports.
In January–February, official dealers sold 708 NEVs, which is 4.2 times more than a year ago. Of these, 438 units were rechargeable hybrids and 270 were battery electric cars. As a result, the NEV market share reached 2.6%. In addition, dealers sold 107 traditional hybrid cars (HEV), which are not included in the NEV category, as they involve refueling with gasoline and internal recuperation (conversion) of it into electricity when necessary. Most of the HEVs sold came from the Toyota model line.
The association notes the rapid development of the domestic NEV segment, as well as the growing interest of Kazakhstanis in rechargeable hybrids, which is due to the emergence of new players. Rechargeable hybrids combine the advantages of electric cars and a traditional engine, the union notes.
New energy cars are gradually strengthening their position in the world market. Electric cars in Kazakhstan also attract customers and become a practical choice for a wide audience. The share of NEV in the sales structure will grow, but in the coming years, pure electric cars may cede a significant part of the market to more versatile hybrids.said the head of the association, Anar Makasheva.
Among manufacturers, the leader at the beginning of the year was Chinese BYD with 428 cars sold. The top five also included Li Auto (164 cars), Zeekr (42), Geely Galaxy (28) and Rox (20).
Last summer, Senator Lyazzat Rysbekova called the global spread of electric cars, along with declining world oil prices, exchange rate fluctuations and increased public spending, one of the main threats to Kazakhstan's oil‑dependent economy.
Original author: Alexey Afonsky
Read also:
Latest news
- Ecology Ministry Explains 13 Million Tenge Fine For Picking Dandelions
- Kazakhstan Refineries Increase Oil Processing Depth To 90%
- High Rates No Longer Keep Kazakh Banks’ Profits Rising, Analysts Say
- Almaty Health Officials Prepare for Possible Hantavirus Cases
- Ministry Says Saiga Deaths Remain Within Natural Limits
- Kazakhstan Faces Shortage of Doctors and IT Specialists
- Kazakhstan Petition Calls for VAT Removal on Feminine Hygiene Products
- Kazakhstan to Publish Register of Convicted Economic Crime Offenders
- Kazakhstan’s Economy Grew 3.6% in Four Months
- Shymkent Colleges Used Fictitious Students to Steal Over 1.3 Billion Tenge
- Almaty Court Extends Chechen Activist’s Extradition Arrest
- Record Rainfall Hits Almaty
- Falling Caspian Sea Level Reshapes Northern Coastline
- Kazakhstan Says It Is Ready To Help Resolve Iran’s Nuclear Issue
- Pashinyan Explains Why He Will Skip The EAEU Summit In Astana
- Kazakhstan To Gradually Cut University Programs In Oversupplied Fields
- Kazakhstan Offers Indonesia A Route To Central Asia And Europe
- Kazakhstan Tightens Rules for Master Plans and Urban Development
- Kazakhstan Approves Rules for Digital Tenge Circulation
- Military Jets to Conduct Training Flights Over Astana
