What is the Situation in the EV Industry in Georgia?

According to official statistics, more than 1.6 million cars are registered in Georgia, the majority of which are equipped with internal combustion engines (running on gasoline and diesel). While electric vehicles (EVs) still represent a small portion of the total vehicle count, their numbers are steadily increasing. Currently, there are over 6,000 electric cars registered in Georgia, and this number continues to grow each month.

Several factors influence the adoption of electric cars in the country. The first is the socio-economic situation—EVs are generally more popular in wealthier countries. However, the introduction of affordable electric cars from Chinese manufacturers is helping to drive up adoption. Additionally, favorable tax policies and other benefits in Georgia, such as exemptions from customs duties and free parking, further incentivize the purchase of EVs. The legislative environment is also relatively liberal, making the country an attractive market for EVs.

The development of electric charging infrastructure in Georgia has been spearheaded by both public and private entities. One of the key players in this space is e-space, a Georgian company that has installed approximately 250 chargers since its inception. According to Davit Iosava, the general director of e-space, there are now about 400 electric chargers installed throughout the country, with the majority located in Tbilisi.

"In total, 400 chargers have been installed in Georgia, both private and public. Most of them are concentrated in Tbilisi, as that's where most electric cars are located. However, it’s now possible for an electric car owner to travel from Tbilisi to Batumi without needing to worry about charging—there are around 15 chargers along this route," - Iosava explained in an interview with TECH INFORM.

The demand for electric car chargers is also growing in residential complexes, where many EV owners want to install chargers near their homes. The cost of installing a charger depends on its power, with an average charger costing several thousand GEL. For example, a 7-kilowatt charger costs around 3,500 GEL, while a 22-kilowatt charger, which can charge a car like the Porsche Taycan, costs up to 6,000 GEL.

When owning an electric car, the main costs include the price of the car, the charging infrastructure, and the electricity required to charge it. While EV prices vary widely, charging an electric car is significantly cheaper than fueling a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle. Iosava noted that fully charging an electric car can be up to six times cheaper than filling a gas tank.

"The key factor is the size of the car’s battery. On average, 1 kilowatt costs about 20 tetri, so charging a 100-kilowatt Tesla would cost around 20 GEL. By comparison, a gasoline-powered car covering the same distance would require around 50 liters of fuel, at a much higher cost. Additionally, electric cars don't require the frequent replacement of parts like traditional cars," - Iosava added.

According to vehicle registration data, EV imports to Georgia nearly doubled last year. In 2022, 981 electric cars were imported, while in 2023, that number increased to 1,914—a 95% growth in just one year. As of 2024, these numbers continue to rise as more Georgians choose electric vehicles.

Source: bm.ge