Electric vehicles are gaining strong traction in war-torn Ukraine, with a record number of registrations in September driven largely by imported used models from China. Data from the Ukrainian Automobile Association UkrAutoprom and the Institute for Automotive Market Research indicate that the trend has accelerated through the third quarter of 2025.
According to UkrAutoprom, approximately 6,800 new cars of all drive types were sold in Ukraine in September, up 20% from a year earlier. Of these, 2,261 were fully electric, accounting for about one-third of the total. However, the majority of new electric car registrations in the country came from imported used vehicles rather than brand-new models.
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The Institute for Automotive Market Research reported that 6,473 imported used electric cars were registered in Ukraine during the month—nearly three times the number of new electric vehicles and almost equal to the total number of all new car sales across powertrains. Including domestic resales, Ukraine saw 12,113 electric car transactions in September, underscoring the growing importance of the segment despite the ongoing conflict.
Among automakers, Chinese brand BYD topped new car sales across all drive types, recording 989 new registrations, followed by Toyota and Volkswagen. Volkswagen’s China-exclusive ID. UNYX model was particularly successful, leading new registrations across all vehicle categories with 432 units in September. The model, originally designed for the Chinese market, is believed to be entering Ukraine through grey import channels.
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The surge in imports from China is also influencing infrastructure development. Local energy providers such as Okko, Ukraine’s largest fuel retailer, are installing fast chargers compatible with China’s GB/T standard at around 50 locations nationwide. Some imported vehicles are also being adapted to fit European charging systems, reflecting the increasingly diverse and flexible nature of Ukraine’s electric vehicle market.
Source: eauto.org.ua, ukrautoprom.com.ua, dev.ua
