Uzbekistan Car Imports Surge 137% Amid EV Boom

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The total value of passenger car imports into Uzbekistan increased by 137% year-on-year, reaching US$508.3 million compared to US$214.0 million in 2025, according to data from the State Customs Committee. The sharp rise was primarily driven by rapid consumer adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles.

Electric vehicles reshape the market

Fully electric vehicles have become the dominant force reshaping Uzbekistan’s domestic car market structure. In 2025, the country imported 5,863 electric vehicles worth US$88.5 million. In 2026, this figure surged to 23,079 units valued at US$309.3 million — a 294% increase in volume and a 250% rise in value.

The share of electric vehicles in total passenger car import spending reached approximately 61%, compared to 41% a year earlier, solidifying their position as the leading segment in the market.

Hybrids show record growth

An even more dramatic increase was recorded in the hybrid vehicle segment, which combines gasoline and electric powertrains. Imports rose from 329 units worth US$7.5 million in 2025 to 2,829 units worth US$81.7 million in 2026 — an increase of 760% in volume and about 996% in value.

The sharp growth suggests that consumers who previously hesitated between conventional and fully electric vehicles are increasingly choosing hybrid technologies as a transitional solution, supported by expanding dealership networks and gradually improving maintenance infrastructure.

Gasoline segment stagnates

In contrast, imports of traditional gasoline-powered vehicles — historically the backbone of the Uzbek market — remained largely stable. Shipments declined slightly from 5,793 to 5,568 units, while value edged down from US$117.5 million to US$115.8 million, a decrease of about 1–2%.

Gasoline vehicles still rank second in import value at US$115.8 million, but their share of total passenger car import spending fell sharply from 55% in 2025 to 23% in 2026, underscoring a rapid transformation of the market.

Diesel remains niche but grows in value

Diesel passenger vehicles continue to occupy a marginal position in imports. Volumes fell from 30 to 18 units, but total value increased from US$595,000 to US$1.4 million. This indicates a shift toward more expensive models, likely premium European vehicles, rather than a broader resurgence in diesel demand.