Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – Electric vehicles produced in Uzbekistan will be significantly cheaper than imported counterparts. This was stated by the CEO of BYD Uzbekistan Factory, Shafkatbek Alimov, in an interview with the TV channel "Uzbekistan 24".

According to him, the reduction in cost will be possible due to localization of production and reduced logistics costs. Alimov noted that the cost of electric vehicles is most influenced by the battery.

"Last year, the price of a battery cell was US$132 per 1 kWh, this year it has decreased to US$100. According to forecasts, by 2025 the cost will reach US$50," he said.

This is made possible by technological advancements and increased production volume, which will inevitably impact the final cost of the vehicle.

At the end of June, the BYD Uzbekistan plant in Jizzakh produced its first mass-produced electric vehicle — the BYD SONG PLUS DM-i CHAMPION.

The factory is now ramping up mass production of BYD passenger vehicles powered by new energy sources for consumers in Uzbekistan, starting with two of the most popular models: the BYD SONG PLUS DM-i CHAMPION (a C-segment SUV) and the BYD CHAZOR CHAMPION (a sedan). Both vehicles are equipped with BYD’s innovative Super DM-i technology.

Initially, the plant’s production capacity will be up to 50,000 vehicles per year. The factory’s products will also be exported to Central Asian countries.

The company plans further expansion of production. In the second stage of the project, an investment of US$300 million is planned to increase capacity to 200,000 electric vehicles per year. In the third stage, an investment of US$500 million is planned to further increase production capacity to 500,000 electric vehicles per year.

BYD also plans to produce popular models such as the E2, Seagull, and Yuan.