China s electric vehicles find customers in Serbia

追加: 2026-05-27

[00:00:00]Chinese EVs are rapidly gaining popularity in Serbia due to competitive prices, government subsidies, and of course those rising fuel costs. Our correspondent Aljosa Milenkovic reports from Belgrade.

[00:00:12]A Ferrari supercar connected to an electric charger in a hangar at the Navak testing track near Belgrade, a sign of the revolution happening across the automotive industry.

[00:00:24]On the track, a Chinese electric supercar shows its power.

[00:00:29]Chinese manufacturers are also turning heads in Serbia's growing electric vehicle market. Audiences have started looking up to Chinese models and Chinese manufacturers much more thoroughly because before they didn't trust, they didn't trust the brand, they didn't trust they they didn't accept actually the cars coming from from China. But now, understanding that whole packaging is completely different from what they thought it is, interest has been much much much bigger.

[00:00:55]Competitive pricing and a wide range of models have put Chinese brands in pole position as the EV race revs up in Serbia. Great news for the government's drive to greener energy.

[00:01:09]This year alone, I'm especially proud of this. Since March 1st, we have five and a half times more demand than in 2025.

[00:01:19]The recent Belgrade motor show highlighted that shift in consumer demand, particularly for Chinese models.

[00:01:26]Just finished motor show, Belgrade motor show, where BYD has sold, I would not use names, but has sold uh more more units than other five European brands combined. And when I say brands, I say I mean mass producers and very well-recognized French and German producers.

[00:01:49]Market watchers have also linked the growing interest in EVs to concern about oil price volatility due to the Iran crisis.

[00:01:59]And government subsidies of up to $5,800 for new EV purchases are also sweetening the deal.

[00:02:06]For years, Serbia viewed electric vehicles as costly niche products. But Chinese manufacturers are now pushing EVs much deeper into the mainstream market, forcing even some traditional European brands to adapt faster.

[00:02:22]Officials say even though applications for EV incentives have skyrocketed fivefold this year, subsidies for new electric car buyers will be honored.

[00:02:35]As far as funding goes, the citizens and the economy should not worry. Regardless of the fact that funds are currently taking up due to the volume of requests we have seen, we are providing additional funds.

[00:02:46]While charging infrastructure is still getting up to speed in Serbia, the EV race is well underway with Chinese electric vehicles helping to accelerate the transition to cleaner transport.

[00:02:59]Aljosa Milenkovic, CGTN, Belgrade.