BYD leads Egyptian new energy vehicle sales

From the newsletter 

Chinese EV manufacturer BYD led in new energy vehicles sales in June 2025 in Egypt, according to the Egyptian Compulsory Vehicle Insurance Pool. BYD sold 137 of the 619 electric cars acquired in that month. The report shows that BYD is in direct competition with Zeekr and Volkswagen, indicating Egyptian buyers are open to Chinese EV technology. 

• Egypt presents an attractive market for electric vehicles, with Chinese brands already making significant inroads. Leading models like Xpeng, Avatar, and Zeekr are competing directly with global giants such as Volkswagen, Mercedes, BMW, and Nissan.

• In the motorcycle sector, most completely knocked-down (CKD) kits are sourced from China or India. These countries also dominate the electric three-wheeler market in Africa.

More details

• While BYD led with 137 licensed vehicles, Volkswagen followed with 70 vehicles, while Zeekr closely trailed with 69. Other notable brands included Nissan (45), Mercedes (44), BMW (24), XPeng (24), and Avatar (18), pointing to a diversifying EV landscape.

• Although electric vehicles represented just 0.16% of the 379,083 total vehicle licenses issued in June, the sector is showing early signs of momentum. The wide range of models now available suggests competition is beginning to solidify. This shift is occurring despite Egypt’s continued reliance on gasoline and diesel, which together account for more than 93% of vehicle registrations.

• Fuel licensing data for June shows gasoline at 262,215 and diesel at 93,557, with hybrids and EVs slowly gaining traction. Only 619 electric vehicles were licensed, but this marks a notable rise compared to previous months. The expansion of charging infrastructure and the introduction of new models are gradually nudging the market toward electric mobility.

• BYD may continue to lead EV sales in Egypt due to its strong brand recognition, competitive pricing, and growing after-sales support. Its early entry into the market has positioned it ahead of rivals like Zeekr, Volkswagen, and XPeng. As charging infrastructure expands and brand familiarity deepens, BYD is well-placed to retain its lead in the near term.

• While EVs accounted for just 0.16% of June 2025 vehicle registrations, Egypt's population of over 112 million and its status as Africa’s third-largest economy suggest untapped potential. The fact that only 619 EVs were sold in such a large market underscores the even steeper challenges smaller African economies may face. Nonetheless, this modest starting point sets the stage for exponential growth as awareness, affordability, and infrastructure improve.

• Egypt is rapidly emerging as a competitive EV hub, rivalling South Africa in diversity and pace of adoption. Brands like Zeekr, XPeng, BYD, and Avatar are now active in the country, alongside established players like Volkswagen, Nissan, and BMW. This influx of manufacturers reflects growing investor and consumer interest in Egypt’s evolving clean mobility ecosystem.

Our take

• BYD, now present in 17 African countries, has steadily expanded its footprint by tailoring its offerings to local preferences. Initially focused on a few electric models, the company is now introducing plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) to appeal to a wider range of buyers, from budget-conscious consumers to those seeking performance and flexibility. This diversified portfolio strengthens BYD’s position across both urban and semi-urban markets.

• Entering key African markets early gives BYD a strategic advantage in establishing brand loyalty and shaping consumer perception. As infrastructure develops and EV adoption accelerates, early movers like BYD are likely to dominate distribution networks, partnerships, and after-sales service ecosystems. This head start may be difficult for late entrants to overcome.

• Egypt’s EV market shows strong potential across various vehicle classes including SUVs, sedans, and hatchbacks, spanning both mainstream and luxury segments. With a population of over 112 million and increasing model availability, Egypt is becoming a prime launchpad for global and Chinese EV brands. As demand grows and infrastructure improves, the country could emerge as one of the continent’s most diverse and lucrative EV markets.