“Electric Car Sales Skyrocket in Turkey, Attracting Global Giants”
Electric Car Sales on the Rise in Turkey: 7,527 Sold in Four Months
Turkey’s electric car market continues to grow rapidly, with sales increasing by 442 percent in the January-April period of 2022 compared to the same period in the previous year. A total of 7,527 electric cars were sold in the period, pushing the share of electric cars in total automobile sales in Turkey to 3 percent.
The arrival of Turkey’s first domestic car, the Togg, on the roads has further boosted the appetite of global brands for the Turkish market. Tesla has already started operations in Turkey and is preparing to deliver its first vehicles this month, and China-based companies, including Leapmotor, have started entering the market.
Leapmotor has launched its new electric car T03 for sale in Turkey, which has a 417 km urban range and is designed for 5 people. The car has a max speed of 130 km and consumes 10.1 kW per 100 km on average, making it an ideal choice for urban use. The company plans to deliver 2,000 vehicles by the end of this year, with a goal of approaching 40,000 electric vehicle sales in Turkey by the end of the year.
Even though an additional 40% customs tax has been imposed on electric vehicles imported from China, some experts believe it could lead foreign brands to establish factories in Turkey, given the country’s potential as an investment destination, coupled with abundant raw materials and a highly skilled workforce.
The CEO of Leapmotor’s distributor in Turkey, Mahmut Ulubaş, said that electric car sales could reach 20 percent of total automobile sales next year, with most vehicles purchased from 2030 being 100 percent electric or chargeable hybrids. The company also plans to establish a production center in Turkey to further expand its market reach.
The increase in sales of electric cars in Turkey indicates a growing trend towards more sustainable transportation alternatives. As the infrastructure, service, and charging concerns are resolved, electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly attractive choice for consumers in the country.
