China fuels global EV surge as Kazakhstan accelerates charging infrastructure

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers are rapidly expanding beyond their domestic market, reshaping the global automotive landscape, according to the BBC. Leading players such as BYD, Xpeng, Geely/Zeekr and Leapmotor are leveraging competitive pricing, advanced technologies and strong state backing to challenge established Western brands.

At the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, these companies showcased innovations including ultra-fast charging systems, autonomous driving features, and sleek, high-end EVs, reinforcing China’s growing influence in the global EV market. In the U.K., EVs accounted for nearly 47% of all car sales in May, while Chinese car exports rose by approximately 13.5%.

China’s dominance is rooted in strategic advantages: generous government subsidies, a mature supply chain, and a deep talent pool. As a result, China accounted for roughly 58% of all battery and plug-in electric vehicle sales globally in 2023.

Kazakhstan is also riding the EV wave. According to the Bureau of National Statistics, the country’s EV market grew by over 60% year-on-year. As of December 1, 2024, Kazakhstan had 12,587 registered EVs, up from 7,680 the previous year. Most of this growth came from passenger cars, which increased from 7,383 to 12,119 units. Electric trucks and buses also saw gains, with 338 and 130 units registered, respectively.

Almaty leads the country in EV adoption with 8,400 registered EVs as of April 1 — a 1.5-fold increase from the previous year. To support this expansion, the Almaty Social Entrepreneurial Corporation has designated 311 sites for new EV charging stations. Backed by local investment, the initiative aims to add over 600 EV charging parking spaces by the end of the year.

Each station will be equipped with at least 60-kilowatt chargers and serve two vehicles, enabling simultaneous charging for up to 622 EVs. Almaty currently has over 300 privately installed charging stations; once this project is complete, the total will exceed 600. This initiative forms part of a national infrastructure roadmap running through 2029, designed to support clean mobility and improve urban air quality.