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Ukraine’s EV Imports Near $1.2B YTD: Used Cars Dominate, China Leads New Sales

by Roman Cheplyk
Thursday, October 30, 2025
2 MIN
Ukraine’s EV Imports Near $1.2B YTD: Used Cars Dominate, China Leads New Sales

January–August 2025: 61.7k EVs entered Ukraine (+52% YoY); customs value ~$1.20B. Secondary market surges; China supplies 92% of new EVs

Key numbers (Jan–Aug 2025):

  • Total EVs imported: 61,700 (+52% YoY)

  • Customs value: ~$1.2B

    • Used EVs: $906.3M (47.6k units, +62% YoY)

    • New EVs: $363.5M (14.1k units, +26% YoY)

Supply geography

  • New EVs by origin: China 92%, Japan 3%, Germany 2% (others ~3%)

  • Used EVs by origin: USA 40%, Korea 16%, Germany 15% (others ~29%)

Why it matters

  • Mass adoption: EVs in Ukraine have moved from niche to mainstream—driven by affordability of the secondary market and supportive import rules.

  • Budget & forex angle: Even with wartime constraints, strong EV inflows signal resilient consumer demand and expanding charging/service ecosystems.

  • Product mix: The dominance of used imports implies continued demand for cost-effective models; China’s near-monopoly in new EVs shapes brand presence and parts/service footprints.

  • Seasonality: Autumn is historically active; current momentum suggests the market could set a new annual record.

Quick table

Segment Units YoY change Customs value
Total EVs 61,700 +52% ~$1.20B
Used EVs 47,600 +62% $906.3M
New EVs 14,100 +26% $363.5M

Takeaways for market players

  • Dealers/Logistics: Prioritize U.S./Korean/German pipelines for used EVs; ensure parts availability and refurb capacity.

  • Charging operators: Concentrate build-out where used EV density is highest; plan DC fast charging near highway corridors and IDP-dense cities.

  • Insurers/Financiers: Tailor products for older-battery risk and high-mileage imports; offer bundled service/warranty extensions.

  • Policy watch: Stable incentives and streamlined customs continue to underpin growth; any change to VAT/excise preferences would be a key swing factor.

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