A giant ship carrying Chinese EVs is ready to travel abroad from Suzhou City, East China’s Jiangsu Province, January 24, 2024. /CFP

In the Egyptian capital Cairo, Poula Mounir, an electric vehicle (EV) seller, recently transitioned from using a gasoline-powered car to a Chinese-made EV. Mounir chose a BYD Song L SUV after a thorough evaluation, praising the technology and battery quality of Chinese EVs as distinct from their European counterparts.

“I noticed a big difference in terms of cost, maintenance, and efficiency,” Mounir told Xinhua, highlighting the impressive range of over 600 kilometers on a single charge provided by the BYD’s battery.

The Egyptian market is experiencing significant growth in the number of electric cars, with Chinese-made EVs becoming increasingly common on its roads. Brands like BYD, Geely, ZEEKR, and NIO are gaining traction among Egyptians.

In the first quarter of 2024, electric car sales surged in Egypt, with over 1,419 electric vehicles licensed—nearly one-third of the total number licensed in the past three years, according to the Egyptian Compulsory Motor Insurance Pool. From July 2021 to June 2024, the total number of licensed electric vehicles reached 7,213, with BYD being the second most popular brand.

“There is a growing demand for Chinese-made electric cars,” said Tamer Sabry, owner of an EV dealership in Cairo. He noted that in light of challenging economic conditions, people are drawn to electric cars that offer affordability and quality, qualities well-met by Chinese brands.

Osama Aboul-Magd, head of the Egyptian Automotive Dealers Association, acknowledged the rapid influence of Chinese EVs in Egypt. He emphasized the significant impact Chinese electric cars have had on the global industry, opening new horizons.

Looking ahead, Aboul-Magd expressed optimism about future cooperation in the electric car industry, noting that China’s leadership in EV manufacturing offers ample opportunities for collaboration. Such partnerships could play a crucial role in advancing Egypt’s strategy to localize the EV industry.