BYD, China’s largest new energy vehicle manufacturer, has officially entered the Kazakhstan market in partnership with local distributor Astana Motors. The company launched two models, the Han EV battery electric vehicle (BEV) and the Song Plus plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), which were adapted for Kazakhstan’s harsh climate and road conditions. The launch events took place at multiple dealerships across Almaty, with the primary event held at the flagship BYD Al-Farabi outlet.
The Han EV features BYD’s in-house Blade Battery and CTB (cell-to-body) technology, providing 380 kW of power and a range of 565 km on a single charge. The battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes using 120 kW fast charging. Kazakhstan, with a population of around 21 million, has a growing automotive market, with an estimated 205,000 units sold in 2022, with around 190,000 produced locally.
The country is seen as a strategic transportation hub along the China Silk Road, making it an important location for BYD to expand its reach. The partnership with Astana Motors is expected to bring a range of benefits, including greater market access, technical support, and after-sales services. The launch of BYD’s electric vehicles in Kazakhstan is expected to contribute to the country’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable transportation.