Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers are increasing their global presence as more countries shift towards electrification. One such country is Jordan, where hundreds of Neta U and Neta V models from Chinese startup Hozon have arrived as of last week. “Fuel is expensive in Jordan so there is a big potential for new energy vehicles,” said a Hozon spokesperson. In January, Jordan imported 2,036 EVs, up 72% year-on-year, with last year’s total EV imports reaching 16,990 units. Hozon launched its overseas campaign in August 2022, making Thailand its first international market. It now has three models available in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Europe.
Israel is another major destination in the Middle East for Chinese electric cars, with China becoming Israel’s largest supplier of imported passenger cars in January, according to statistics from the Israel Vehicle Importers Association. In the same month, BYD’s electric model Atto 3, which only began deliveries in Israel in October, became the best-selling EV in the country, with almost 3,000 units sold. Geely’s Geometry C took the top spot in 2022, with sales totaling 5,381 units, ahead of Tesla’s Model 3, which sold 2,959 units.
Voyah, a premium brand of State-owned Dongfeng, introduced its electric SUV in Israel in January, with the model boasting a range of up to 500 kilometers and able to charge from 20 to 80 percent in just 45 minutes. “In the future, we will bring more green and smart cars to the Israeli people,” said Voyah CEO Lu Fang in a video address.
BYD and Geely are also looking to expand into Panama. The two Chinese automakers showcased their models at an e-mobility expo held in late February, and EVs are expected to see a boom this year in the Central American country, thanks to a new Electric Mobility Law enacted in April last year. The law encourages government agencies and companies to move from fossil fuel-burning vehicles to electric ones. BYD expects its market share to grow 40-50% in 2023, after expanding its business over the last two years, according to German Mendez, BYD’s commercial manager in Panama. Geely is set to present its first electric car in Panama in June.
Yutong, a Chinese bus maker, has received an order from Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan, for 800 new energy buses, the largest of its kind from Uzbekistan for Chinese buses. The order, which consists of 300 electric buses and 500 compressed natural gas ones, will improve public transport in Tashkent, with all vehicles due to be delivered this year. Yutong’s global accumulative exports stand at around 86,000 buses, of which 68,000 were sold in countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. Its new energy buses have been operating in more than 30 countries and regions.