As the world shifts towards sustainable transportation, Kazakhstan is slowly warming up to the idea of electric vehicles (EVs). Despite a surge in interest, the country’s EV market remains limited due to late market entry, public skepticism, and inadequate charging infrastructure. Yet, the role of EVs in Kazakhstan’s future transport strategy and sustainable development cannot be understated.
These insights originate from a recent study that explores the current state of Kazakhstan’s EV fleet and recommends measures for improving urban electric transport infrastructure.
Official data reveals that over 19,000 electric cars and motorcycles were registered in Kazakhstan during the first half of 2025, indicating a growing interest in EVs.
Challenges in Charging Infrastructure
Seydulla Abdullaev, Doctor of Technical Sciences and Head of the School of Transport Engineering and Logistics at Satbayev Kazakh National Research Technical University, predicts a potential tenfold increase in the EV fleet by 2030, provided current trends persist. However, charging infrastructure development is not keeping pace.
“Even with the current ratio of 25 electric vehicles per charging station, Kazakhstan will need between 4,000 and 8,000 charging points by 2030. This will require significant investment, an updated regulatory framework, and more active participation from the private sector,” Abdullaev told The Times of Central Asia.
In contrast, China, a leader in EV production and infrastructure, maintains one station per ten vehicles, a benchmark deemed high by industry standards. Europe installs EV charging stations approximately every 50 km along highways, while Kazakhstan operates just 23 such stations.
International examples emphasize the importance of equipping residential complexes with courtyard chargers, supported by state subsidies.
A roadmap adopted in 2023 stipulates the establishment of necessary EV infrastructure in major cities by 2029. However, the progress is slow, as seen in Almaty, where only 23 out of 40 planned charging stations were completed by 2024.
“Our analysis shows that the key barriers to electric transport development include inadequate infrastructure, a limited service base, and underdeveloped technical documentation. Moving forward, progress will largely depend on political decisions, particularly in areas such as EV production subsidies, charging station expansion, and buyer incentives,” Abdullaev noted.
Impact of Incentive Cuts
Kazakhstan’s EV market, heavily influenced by Chinese manufacturers, faces new challenges with the potential removal of import privileges. Currently, about 70% of EVs originate from China, with the U.S., Germany, Belgium, Austria, and Japan sharing the remainder. Natalya Tokmurzina-Kobernyak of Satbayev KazNITU points out the need for a robust service infrastructure to support this technological diversity.
Globally, the EV fleet has grown significantly, reaching nearly 400 million by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency. In Kazakhstan, only battery electric vehicles are classified as EVs, excluding hybrids under the Law “On Road Traffic.”
The current exemption from customs duties capped at 15,000 vehicles is already exhausted. Starting January 1, 2026, buyers will face a 16% VAT, although transport and disposal taxes remain zero. This could inflate EV prices by 30-40%.
EV charging network operators are reconsidering their business strategies amid concerns about extended payback periods and tighter financing. Bulat Pultambekov from the EVS charging network emphasizes the need to adjust expectations under current conditions.
Globally, government incentives for EVs are robust. For instance, the UK offers subsidies of up to $7,800, and France covers up to 30% of a car’s value. Other incentives include tax exemptions, free parking, use of public transport lanes, toll-free road access, zero VAT, and customs duty waivers.
The study outlines three EV mobility scenarios in Kazakhstan by 2030. In the optimistic scenario, state support could expand the EV fleet to 120,000 units. A realistic projection estimates 78,000 units, about 12% of the national fleet, while an inertial scenario with limited policy support forecasts growth to 42,000 units.
“With the removal of import subsidies in 2025, we expect slower growth, even if the overall upward trend continues. As a result, the EV share will remain at 12-16%,” the study notes.
Navigating Regulatory Frameworks
Kazakhstan has implemented a foundational legislative framework for EV regulation, including 17 national and 8 interstate standards for vehicles and chargers. Energy usage rules and electrical safety are covered in separate regulations.
Despite this, Tokmurzina-Kobernyak highlights the fragmented regulatory environment, lacking a comprehensive law ‘On Electric Vehicle Transport’ to unify existing regulations. She stresses the need for a dedicated state body to coordinate EV policy.
To address these issues, she advises enacting a specialized EV law, revising the Urban Planning Code, and creating unified technical standards for charging station installation, tailored to regional climatic differences.
“Without systemic action, we cannot achieve zero harmful emissions,” she stressed.
Battery disposal remains an unresolved challenge, given their 5-7 year lifespan, posing an environmental threat. Safety concerns, like lithium-ion battery thermal runaway, are also pressing. While rapid heat-suppression systems are being tested globally, Kazakhstan’s fire services are exploring new techniques for extinguishing battery fires. The nation has recorded three EV-related fires in the past four years, prompting stricter future regulations for charging station safety.
Experts agree that Kazakhstan’s EV sector development hinges on active state involvement. The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a World Bank entity, is drafting a roadmap for 2025-2035, drawing on global best practices, proposing financial incentives, and identifying pilot projects.
Competing globally with leaders like China and the U.S. poses challenges due to their production and technological advantages. Therefore, researchers emphasize the need for Kazakhstan to harness advanced technologies and alternative fuels, capitalizing on its domestic resources.
Original Story at timesca.com