Egypt halts electric cars with Chinese charging ports

From the newsletter 

Electric cars that use Chinese standard charging ports will no longer be allowed in Egypt from September. This is despite thousands of such cars already ordered from Chinese OEMs and suppliers. The Egyptian-Arab Association for Smart Mobility and Electric Vehicles has urged the Egyptian government to delay the implementation of the ban until the end of the year.

• The decision comes just four months after the Egyptian Electricity Regulatory Authority adopted the CCS2 charging standard for electric cars. It is expected to slow EV adoption in Egypt, as Chinese models are generally more affordable than other options.

• With Chinese EVs making up 95% of Egypt’s registered EVs, China is likely to invest more in producing compliant models for a proven and profitable market. But this is also an opportunity for non-Chinese OEMs to capture market share.

More details

• Alaa El-Fanagily, Chairman of the Egyptian-Arab Association for Smart Mobility and Electric Vehicles, has warned that Chinese-made electric vehicles are expected to arrive in the coming months. Once the CCS2 charging regulation takes effect, it could trigger a major crisis in the nascent EV sector, as companies will be unable to refund customers. 

• Given the market’s infancy, an immediate ban risks disrupting supply chains, alienating investors, and slowing EV adoption. A phased implementation, coupled with active consultations between government, investors, and suppliers, could mitigate these risks. This would allow OEMs time to adapt manufacturing and ensure a smoother consumer transition.

• Recent data from the Egyptian Compulsory Vehicle Insurance Pool shows that 817 electric vehicles were insured and licensed in June 2025. Only 274 of the licensed EVs were from Chinese manufacturers, suggesting a gradual diversification of consumer preferences towards non-Chinese brands despite their historical dominance.

• In the broader vehicle market, sales surged 43% in the first half of 2025. Chevrolet, now the top brand, grew 212.6%, while Nissan rose 24.1% and Chery increased 15.1% despite slipping to third place. In the EV space, MG (owned by SAIC, China) now leads, followed by Citroën and Hyundai, both using CCS2, indicating that charging standard compliance is becoming a competitive advantage.

• EU EV brands such as Mercedes, BMW, Volkswagen, and Citroën are active in Egypt. While these manufacturers already produce CCS2-compliant models, their market penetration will depend on whether consumers perceive them as offering comparable value to Chinese alternatives. Affordability remains a key concern, meaning these brands may need to adjust pricing or offer financing options to win over price-sensitive buyers.

• Egypt continues to position itself as a regional e-mobility leader. Authorities met with BYD in July 2025 to encourage local manufacturing, and in June they launched the country’s first electric BRT service. BYD’s ongoing investment in a Hungarian plant could enable it to adapt production for Egypt’s new charging standards and maintain its market position.

Our take

• Many African nations use a mix of GB/T, CCS1, CCS2, and CHAdeMO connectors, making standardisation challenging. Insights from Egypt’s decision could provide a practical roadmap for other markets.

• Automakers such as El Nasr Automotive, BAIC Group, EgyptSat Auto, Geely, GV Auto, and SAIC, building a combined capacity of 155,000 units a year, must renegotiate to meet new compliance standards. As charging networks shift to CCS2 for seamless customer access, OEMs will be compelled to adapt their models accordingly.

• Infrastructure players such as Ikarus Electric, Sha7en, and Elsewedy Plug will also be affected. This highlights the scale of disruption the policy could cause if it takes effect in September.