Ukraine's electric vehicle market more than doubled in 2025. The Ukravtoprom Association of Automobile Manufacturers released new data this week. It shows 107,470 electric passenger cars registered last year. The country also added 2,773 electric commercial vehicles and five electric buses. This surge comes despite ongoing regional challenges. Kenyan business leaders are now studying this growth. They see parallels for East Africa's own EV ambitions.

Ukraine's EV Registration Numbers

Ukraine recorded 107,470 new electric passenger car registrations in 2025. That number represents a dramatic increase from previous years. Commercial electric vehicle registrations reached 2,773 units. The country also registered five new electric buses. These figures come from the Ukravtoprom Association's annual automotive report. The association compiles data from all regional registration offices. Ukraine's EV adoption rate now exceeds many European markets. The growth occurred despite infrastructure limitations and economic pressures.

Kenya's Current EV Landscape

Kenya has approximately 1,350 registered electric vehicles as of early 2026. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority tracks these numbers. Most are passenger cars used in urban centers like Nairobi and Mombasa. The Kenya Bureau of Statistics reports EV imports increased 40% in 2025. Companies like BasiGo and Roam Electric are expanding operations. BasiGo has deployed 20 electric buses on Nairobi routes. Roam Electric produces electric motorcycles at its Nairobi factory. The government offers import duty exemptions for EVs. It also reduced excise duty from 20% to 10% in 2023.

Why It Matters

Ukraine's EV surge shows rapid adoption is possible in emerging markets. Kenya aims to reach 5% EV penetration by 2030. The National Climate Change Action Plan sets this target. Ukraine's experience suggests policy consistency drives growth. Kenya's EV policy includes the Draft National Electric Mobility Policy of 2023. The Kenya Revenue Authority reports EV imports generated KES 850 million ($6.5 million) in 2025. Infrastructure remains a challenge. Kenya has about 30 public charging stations nationwide. The Rural Electrification Authority plans 100 more by 2027.

What Businesses Should Watch

Watch for Kenya's new EV financing programs. The Kenya Bankers Association launched green vehicle loans in 2025. Interest rates start at 12%, below conventional auto loans. Monitor the Nairobi Securities Exchange. Companies like Safaricom (NSE: SCOM) are investing in EV charging networks. Safaricom installed 15 charging stations at its retail outlets last year. Watch manufacturing developments. Associated Vehicle Assemblers began pilot EV assembly in Mombasa. The pilot produced 50 units in 2025. Watch regulatory changes. The National Environment Management Authority may introduce EV emissions credits in 2026.

Key Players and Investments

BasiGo continues expanding its electric bus fleet. The company plans to add 50 more buses in 2026. Roam Electric secured $7.5 million in funding last year. It will expand motorcycle production to 5,000 units annually. Kenya Power is installing charging infrastructure at 15 substations. The project costs KES 120 million ($920,000). Chinese automaker BYD entered the Kenyan market in 2025. It sold 80 electric vehicles through local dealer CFAO Motors. Simba Corporation plans to launch EV showrooms in Nairobi and Kisumu this year.

Challenges and Opportunities

Kenya faces high EV upfront costs. A new electric car averages KES 4.5 million ($34,500). That compares to KES 2.2 million ($16,900) for similar petrol models. electricity reliability concerns persist. Kenya Power reports 85% national connectivity but frequent outages in some regions. Opportunities exist in battery recycling. The Kenya Association of Manufacturers estimates 500 tons of EV batteries will need recycling by 2030. Solar charging presents another opportunity. M-KOPA Solar installed 200 EV solar charging points in 2025. Each point costs KES 500,000 ($3,800) to install.

Government Initiatives and Timelines

The Ministry of Energy targets 100,000 EVs on Kenyan roads by 2030. The Draft National Electric Mobility Policy outlines this goal. The Kenya Roads Board will allocate KES 2 billion ($15.3 million) for EV infrastructure from 2026 to 2028. The National Transport and Safety Authority will publish EV safety standards by mid-2026. The Kenya Revenue Authority will review EV tax incentives in 2027. County governments are also acting. Nairobi County plans dedicated EV parking zones starting next year. Mombasa County will convert 10% of its fleet to electric by 2028.

Market Projections and Statistics

Kenya's EV market could grow 50% annually through 2030. The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics projects this growth. EV sales reached 450 units in 2025, up from 320 in 2024. The used EV market is also expanding. Japan exports about 200 used electric cars to Kenya monthly. Average prices range from KES 1.8 to KES 3 million ($13,800-$23,000). Charging infrastructure investment will reach KES 5 billion ($38.3 million) by 2030. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority forecasts this investment. Kenya's electricity generation is 90% renewable. This makes EV charging cleaner than in many other markets.