A dive into the local EV market: While the electric vehicle (EV) market in Egypt is still nascent, options are available for those interested in plugging in. In Part 1 of this guide, we took a deep dive into the benefits and challenges of owning an EV in Egypt, including the state of our charging infrastructure. In part 2, we’ll look at the models on the market, where to find them, and a few points to consider before making a purchase.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR-

Range matters most: The distance that an EV can travel on a single full charge, known as its range, is the single most crucial spec to look for, said car reviewer Maged El Tawil, host of famed YouTube channel Cars by Maged. “Power is not as important,” El Tawil told us. “Driving at higher speeds consumes the battery a lot quicker, so it ends up depleting the range,” eventually causing range anxiety, he said. Range is a particularly important consideration due to Egypt’s limited charging infrastructure, EgyptSat Auto Chairman Mohamed El Ghamry agreed.

Battery life and brand credibility also count, said El Ghamry. Battery life is often measured in cycles. Over time, the battery's capacity will gradually degrade. For example, a battery can last 4k cycles before its capacity is reduced to 80%, El Ghamry said. It’s also advisable to opt for a reputable, well-established brand to ensure continuity, he added. The Chinese EV market has experienced a high rate of failure, with many startups shuttering after facing financial hardships and struggling to compete with established players. It’s important to buy an EV that will continue to have spare parts and receive support, he explained.

It’s better to buy an EV that’s built as one from the ground up: It’s a rule of thumb that purpose-built EVs are superior to converted EVs — i.e. traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) car models that have been retrofitted or modified to use an electric powertrain — said El Tawil. Purpose-built EVs deliver better range, handling, performance, and interior space, in part because batteries are strategically placed and unnecessary ICE components are removed. EV conversion is a process that involves removing the engine, installing an electric motor, and adding battery packs.

WHERE TO GO-

There are a number of channels through which you can buy an EV in Egypt, including official agents and local distributors. Personal importation, while not without risks, is by far the most popular option due to its perceived lower cost. Privately imported vehicles account for nearly 90% of EVs in the country, Auto Samir Rayan Sales Manager Tarek Ahmed told us.

How does personal importation work? The process involves issuing an Advanced CargoInformation Declaration (ACID) — a unique number for customs clearance generated by the Egyptian customs platform NAFEZA — and having it approved by the Industrial Development Authority, Abou Ghaly Motors Vice President Tamer Kotb explained. With an ACID, you can import an EV through a local dealership or an import company. Alternatively, you can procure the vehicle directly from a seller abroad — in which case you would need to go the extra mile of arranging for a wire transfer, seeking out a shipping company, and hiring a customs broker, Kotb said.

It’s a risky business: Personal importation is fraught with risks, Kotb said. There's no guarantee of warranty coverage or compatibility with local charging infrastructure and market standards. “The buyer goes through the hassle because they think they’re saving money, but they’re actually faced with unforeseen expenses and complications in the long run,” said Kotb. “I advise those who choose to import EVs to at least opt for a brand that is supported by dealerships here so that they can find spare parts if anything goes wrong. Tesla, for example, is very popular abroad. But it’s not supported here,” he explained. “If the headlights break, for instance, you’d have to order it online and find someone to install it here. There are no certified shops to repair Tesla cars.”

Official agents are the safest route: Purchasing an EV from an authorized agent ensures access to after-sales support — including warranty coverage, repair services, and spare parts — Kotb said. Agents employ specialized technicians and engineers who are trained to address the complex nature of EV repairs. They are also connected to the diagnostic system of the EV's parent company. In the event of a malfunction, the agent can use the tool to identify the issue. However, this tool is only compatible with EVs configured for the Egyptian market, he said, explaining that car manufacturers often adapt EV designs to different markets.

But also the most expensive: Agents often charge substantially higher prices compared to other dealerships and self-imports, El Tawil said, suggesting that the perks are not worth the heftier price tag. “Besides potential damages to cosmetic and exterior components like lights, accessories, and bulbs, EVs have very little failures and require minimal maintenance,” he explained. “Additionally, most local sellers who import EVs will help you. They usually have the parts shipped in easily. It’s been an indie experience. It's a community and it's growing.”

THE MODELS-

Top picks: Three of our sources named the Volkswagen ID.4 as one of the most reliable EVs on the market due to its popularity and wide availability, factors that make spare parts and maintenance more accessible. BYD was also consistently cited as a dependable option. Expanding on the why, Kotb highlighted the advantages of Chinese EVs, which are technologically superior in some regards, he said.

For the petrolheads: The Porsche Taycan stands out as the top EV when it comes to driving dynamics, with engineering that effectively masks its weight and challenges traditional perceptions of EV performance, El Tawil said. Tesla follows closely, having designed its vehicles from the ground up as electric cars, he said.

So what’s on the market? We spoke to a number of dealerships about a handful of models to find out just how much they will set you back and where to buy them. The figures below are cross-referenced with information from local experts.

MERCEDES-

  • EQA 350: EGP 2.5 mn — range: 420 km
  • EQB 350: EGP 2.75 mn — range: 400 km
  • EQE 350+: EGP 4.5 mn — range: 635 to 673 km
  • EQE 500: EGP 5.4 mn — range: 480 to 600 km
  • EQS 450+: EGP 6.3 mn — range: 750 to 780 km
  • EQS 500: EGP 7.2 — range: 520 to 620 km
  • Where to buy: Mercedes has a handful of authorized agents — Abou Ghaly Motors, Alexandria National Automotive (ANA), Ezz Elarab Star, German Auto Service (GAS), and Star National Automotive (SNA).

GEELY-

  • Geometry C: EGP 1.7 mn — range: 500 km
  • Where to buy:Geely’s authorized agents are Abou Ghaly Motors and Auto Mobility.

VOLKSWAGEN-

  • ID.4 Pro Crozz 2024: EGP 2.2 mn, depending on seller — range: 560 km

BMW-

  • i4 2025: EGP 4.8 mn — range: 491 to 600 km
  • i5 2025 and 2024: EGP 6.2 mn — range: 498 to 582 km
  • i7 2025: EGP 10.7 mn — range: 590 to 625 km
  • iX1 2024: EGP 3.4 mn — range: 430 to 475 km
  • iX1 2025: EGP 3.5 mn — range: 430 to 475 km
  • iX2 2024: EGP 3.6 mn — range: 439 to 478 km
  • iX2 2025: EGP 3.7 mn — range: 439 to 478 km
  • iX 2024: EGP 7.3 mn — range: 570 to 620 km
  • iX 2025: EGP 7.4 mn — range: 570 to 620 km
  • Where to buy: Global Auto Group is the official importer of BMW models in Egypt.

MG-

  • MG4 2024 Standard: EGP 1.4 mn — range: 350 km
  • MG4 2024 Luxury: EGP 1.7 mn — range: 450 km
  • Where to buy:Mansour Automotive is MG’s official agent.

VOLVO-

  • EX30 2025 Single Core: EGP 1.9 mn
  • EX30 2025 Single Plus: EGP 2 mn
  • EX30 2025 Single Ultra: EGP 2.2 mn
  • EX30 2025 Twin Plus: EGP 2.2 mn
  • EX30 2025 Twin Ultra: EGP 2.3 mn
  • Range: Single motor variants sport a range of up to 442 km, while dual-motor models feature a range of up to 426 km.
  • Where to buy: Ezz El Arab Motors is Volvo’s official agent.

DONGFENG-

  • Dongfeng Aeolus E70 Pro: EGP 1.2 mn — range: 412 km
  • Where to buy:Misr Helwan Automotive is Dongfeng’s official agent. The current stock has sold out, and new vehicles will only be available early next year, a sales source at the company told us.

TESLA-

  • Cybertruck: EGP 3.3 mn — range: 550-650 km
  • Where to buy: Eleman Electric Cars has it. Most of the Tesla EVs available at the dealership were imported before April and are 2023 models, a source at the company said.

COMING SOON-

The market is gearing up for local production: GV Investments’ automotive arm GV auto will start locally manufacturing Chinese state-owned auto manufacturer FAW Group’s cheapest EV model in the first quarter of 2025, and China’s BAIC Group and its local agent Alkan Auto are slated to kick off production at a new EV factory at the end of next year. EgyptSat Auto is also expected to start production at its EV factory in Tenth of Ramadan City at the end of 2Q 2025, El Ghamry told us.

And more imported models could be making their way here: Abou Ghaly Motors will bring in the Subaru Solterra at the end of next year, Kotb told us. Alkan Auto is also preparing to launch BAIC subsidiary Arcfox’s EVs to the market in 1Q 2025, while Natco is planning on launching Chinese firm Neta Auto’s EV models here in 1H 2025.

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