{"id":657026,"date":"2024-12-13T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-12-13T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2024\/12\/13\/the-guide-to-going-electric\/"},"modified":"2024-12-13T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2024-12-13T00:00:00","slug":"the-guide-to-going-electric","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/enterpriseam.com\/egypt\/2024\/12\/13\/the-guide-to-going-electric\/","title":{"rendered":"The guide to going electric"},"content":{"rendered":"

A dive into the local EV market: <\/strong>While the electric vehicle (EV) market in Egypt is still nascent, options are available for those interested in plugging in. In Part 1<\/a> 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\u2019ll look at the models on the market, where to find them, and a few points to consider before making a purchase.<\/p>\n

\n

WHAT TO LOOK FOR-<\/p>\n

Range matters most: <\/strong>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. \u201cPower is not as important,\u201d El Tawil told us. \u201cDriving at higher speeds consumes the battery a lot quicker, so it ends up depleting the range,\u201d eventually causing range anxiety, he said. Range is a particularly important consideration due to Egypt\u2019s limited charging infrastructure, EgyptSat Auto Chairman Mohamed El Ghamry agreed.<\/p>\n

Battery life and brand credibility also count<\/strong>, 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\u2019s 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\u2019s important to buy an EV that will continue to have spare parts and receive support, he explained.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s better to buy an EV that\u2019s built as one from the ground up: <\/strong>It\u2019s a rule of thumb that purpose-built EVs are superior to converted EVs \u2014 i.e. traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) car models that have been retrofitted or modified to use an electric powertrain \u2014 said El Tawil. Purpose-built EVs deliver<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

\n

WHERE TO GO-<\/p>\n

There are a number of channels through which you can buy an EV in Egypt<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n

How does personal importation work? <\/strong>The process involves issuing an Advanced Cargo<\/a>Information Declaration (ACID)<\/a> \u2014 a unique number for customs clearance generated by the Egyptian customs platform NAFEZA<\/a> \u2014 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 \u2014 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.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a risky business: <\/strong>Personal importation is fraught with risks, Kotb said. There's no guarantee of warranty coverage or compatibility with local charging infrastructure and market standards. \u201cThe buyer goes through the hassle because they think they\u2019re saving money, but they\u2019re actually faced with unforeseen expenses and complications in the long run,\u201d said Kotb. \u201cI 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\u2019s not supported here,\u201d he explained. \u201cIf the headlights break, for instance, you\u2019d have to order it online and find someone to install it here. There are no certified shops to repair Tesla cars.\u201d<\/p>\n

Official agents are the safest route: <\/strong>Purchasing an EV from an authorized agent ensures access to after-sales support \u2014 including warranty coverage, repair services, and spare parts \u2014 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.<\/p>\n

But also the most expensive: <\/strong>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. \u201cBesides potential damages to cosmetic and exterior components like lights, accessories, and bulbs, EVs have very little failures and require minimal maintenance,\u201d he explained. \u201cAdditionally, most local sellers who import EVs will help you. They usually have the parts shipped in easily. It\u2019s been an indie experience. It's a community and it's growing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

THE MODELS-<\/p>\n

Top picks:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

For the petrolheads: <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n

So what\u2019s on the market? <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n

MERCEDES-<\/strong><\/p>\n