As the world continues to embrace electric vehicles (EVs), the Ugandan market is also witnessing a growing interest in electric mobility. Whether you are looking to go green or reduce your fuel expenses, electric cars offer a sustainable and economical alternative. This article outlines some of the top electric cars to consider in Uganda in 2024, with a focus on options that fit within a budget of UGX 50M to 300M (including shipping, import duty, and taxes). We’ll cover both used and brand-new options to help you make an informed decision.

Import Costs for Electric Cars in Uganda

When considering buying an electric car in Uganda, it's important to factor in the additional costs associated with importing these vehicles. Currently, Uganda imposes a 25% import duty on electric cars, which is lower than the 35% import duty for traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. However, this cost, along with shipping, insurance, and registration fees, raises the overall price by more than 50% from the initial purchase cost.

Shipping costs for electric vehicles are significantly higher due to the regulations surrounding the transportation of large lithium-ion batteries, which are considered “dangerous goods.” These factors need to be considered when calculating the total budget for acquiring an electric vehicle.

1. Nissan Leaf (Used)

• Price Range: UGX 50M - 150M
• Range: 150-350 km (depending on the model and year)
• Features: The Nissan Leaf is one of the most popular used electric cars in the world, known for its affordability, reliability, and decent driving range. Earlier models (2013-2017) offer a range of about 150-200 km, while the newer models (2018 and later) provide up to 350 km per charge. The car’s battery management system helps preserve battery health, making it a practical choice for city commuting in Kampala. Maintenance costs are low, and the car has a comfortable interior with modern features.

2. BYD Dolphin (New)

• Price Range: UGX 150M - 300M
• Range: 300-405 km
• Features: BYD, a Chinese automaker, is renowned for producing high-quality electric vehicles at an affordable price. The BYD Dolphin is a compact, brand-new electric car with a sleek design and advanced features, such as a large touchscreen display and a spacious interior. With a range of up to 405 km, it is suitable for both city and highway driving. The car's efficient battery and regenerative braking system help to maximize range, making it an excellent choice for daily commuting and longer trips.

3. MG ZS EV (Used/New)

• Price Range: UGX 180M - 300M
• Range: 263-370 km
• Features: The MG ZS EV offers the convenience of an SUV with electric efficiency. It’s a practical choice for families or anyone who prefers a bit more space. The MG ZS EV comes with a well-equipped interior, featuring a digital dashboard, modern infotainment system, and safety features such as autonomous emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Used models may be more affordable, but brand-new versions also fall within the upper budget range.

4. Wuling Bingo (New)

• Price Range: UGX 60M - 120M
• Range: 170-200 km
• Features: The Wuling Bingo is an affordable, brand-new electric car ideal for budget-conscious buyers. While it has a smaller range compared to other models, it is perfect for short trips around town, daily commutes, or as a second car for city use. The compact design makes it easy to maneuver in Kampala's traffic, and its low cost makes it a great entry-level EV for those new to electric mobility.

5. Hyundai Ioniq (Used)

• Price Range: UGX 150M - 250M
• Range: 280-310 km
• Features: The Hyundai Ioniq is a versatile electric car that provides a balanced mix of range, comfort, and technology. It offers advanced safety features, a comfortable interior, and a modern infotainment system. The Ioniq is known for its efficient energy consumption and is well-suited for both urban and long-distance driving. It's a reliable option for anyone looking for a used electric car with a good range and modern features.

6. Volkswagen ID.4 (Used)

• Price Range: UGX 250M - 300M
• Range: 350-520 km
• Features: The Volkswagen ID.4 is an electric SUV that combines practicality and performance. It has a spacious interior, making it suitable for families, and comes with various advanced features such as adaptive cruise control and a large infotainment screen. The ID.4’s extensive range makes it ideal for both city and highway driving, while its build quality and technology ensure a premium driving experience.

7. Geely Geometry EX3 (New)

• Price Range: UGX 90M - 180M
• Range: 300 km
• Features: The Geely Geometry EX3 is a budget-friendly electric SUV offering modern features and a competitive range. It has a stylish design and comes equipped with safety features such as lane departure warning and autonomous emergency braking. With a range of 300 km, it is suitable for both city and highway driving, offering a comfortable and practical option for daily commutes.

8. Wuling Hongguang Mini EV (Used/New)

• Price Range: UGX 50M - 70M
• Range: 120-170 km
• Features: The Wuling Hongguang Mini EV is a compact and affordable electric car, ideal for city driving. With its small size and practical design, it's perfect for navigating crowded streets. It offers basic features and is a top choice for first-time electric car buyers on a tight budget.

9. BYD Seagull (New)

• Price Range: UGX 90M - 180M
• Range: 300 km
• Features: The BYD Seagull is another budget-friendly electric vehicle from BYD, offering a competitive range and modern features at an affordable price. It has a compact design, making it easy to navigate city streets, and comes equipped with essential safety features and a user-friendly infotainment system. It's a great choice for daily commuting and short trips.

10. Kia Soul EV (Used)

• Price Range: UGX 130M - 220M
• Range: 240-280 km
• Features: The Kia Soul EV offers a unique, boxy design that provides plenty of interior space. It’s well-suited for city driving, with a practical range and regenerative braking system that helps extend battery life. The Soul EV is known for its reliability, ease of maintenance, and distinctive style, making it a good used option for those seeking a versatile and affordable electric vehicle.

11. Changan Benni E-Star (New)

• Price Range: UGX 70M - 150M
• Range: 160-300 km
• Features: The Changan Benni E-Star is a small, budget-friendly electric car with a decent range for city use. It offers modern features such as a digital dashboard, infotainment system, and a comfortable interior. The car’s compact size makes it ideal for navigating narrow streets and congested traffic in Kampala, while its low cost of ownership and efficient electric motor make it a practical choice for daily use.

12. Audi E-Tron (Used)

• Price Range: UGX 250M - 300M
• Range: 350-400 km
• Features: The Audi E-Tron is a luxury electric SUV offering a premium driving experience. It comes with a spacious, well-appointed interior, advanced infotainment systems, and various driver-assistance features. The E-Tron's air suspension and all-wheel-drive system provide a smooth ride, making it suitable for both city and highway driving in Uganda. The car's fast charging capabilities and quality build further enhance its appeal.

13. Mercedes-Benz EQS (Used)

• Price Range: UGX 280M - 300M
• Range: 550-700 km
• Features: The Mercedes-Benz EQS is a high-end electric luxury sedan known for its long range and cutting-edge technology. It features an expansive, futuristic dashboard with a massive digital display, luxurious materials, and spacious seating. With advanced driver assistance systems and a high-capacity battery, the EQS is ideal for long-distance travel and offers an unmatched driving experience.

14. BMW iX (Used)

• Price Range: UGX 280M - 300M
• Range: 400-600 km
• Features: The BMW iX is a premium electric SUV that combines performance with luxury. It features a minimalist interior with sustainable materials, a large curved display, and advanced safety technology. The iX’s dual-motor system provides strong acceleration and all-wheel-drive capability, making it suitable for a variety of terrains. Its long range and fast charging capabilities are perfect for both city commuting and longer journeys.

15. Tesla Model X (Used)

• Price Range: UGX 250M - 300M
• Range: 470-560 km
• Features: The Tesla Model X is an all-electric SUV known for its distinctive falcon-wing doors and cutting-edge technology. It offers a spacious interior with seating for up to seven passengers, a massive touchscreen display, and autopilot capabilities. The Model X delivers impressive acceleration, a long driving range, and access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, making it a top choice for electric SUV enthusiasts.

16. Tesla Model Y (Used)

• Price Range: UGX 200M - 280M
• Range: 390-525 km
• Features: The Tesla Model Y is a compact electric SUV that offers excellent performance and a spacious interior. With a minimalist design, a large touchscreen, and advanced autopilot features, the Model Y is a versatile option for families. Its long range and rapid acceleration make it suitable for urban use and road trips, while Tesla’s extensive charging infrastructure enhances convenience.

17. Volvo XC40 Recharge (Used)

• Price Range: UGX 250M - 300M
• Range: 340-400 km
• Features: The Volvo XC40 Recharge is an electric compact SUV that combines Scandinavian design with modern technology. It offers a stylish interior, a high-quality sound system, and an intuitive infotainment system powered by Google. The XC40's safety features, all-wheel drive, and reasonable range make it a practical choice for both urban and off-road adventures.

18. Kia EV6 (New)

• Price Range: UGX 240M - 300M
• Range: 400-510 km
• Features: The Kia EV6 is a stylish, high-performance electric crossover with a long range and fast charging capabilities. It features a futuristic interior with dual digital displays and a spacious cabin. The EV6 offers an engaging driving experience with various driving modes, making it suitable for both spirited driving and daily commuting.

19. Kia Niro EV (Used)

• Price Range: UGX 150M - 250M
• Range: 380-455 km
• Features: The Kia Niro EV is a versatile compact SUV that provides a comfortable ride, a decent range, and a well-equipped interior. It features a user-friendly infotainment system, active safety features, and good cargo space. With its efficient electric motor and smooth handling, the Niro EV is a solid choice for city driving and weekend getaways.

20. Hyundai Kona Electric (Used)

• Price Range: UGX 180M - 250M
• Range: 390-480 km
• Features: The Hyundai Kona Electric is a popular compact SUV offering a blend of range, performance, and value. It features a comfortable interior with a digital dashboard, smartphone connectivity, and various safety features. Its long range and compact size make it suitable for city commuting and longer trips.

21. Wuling Air EV (New)

• Price Range: UGX 70M - 100M
• Range: 150-200 km
• Features: The Wuling Air EV is a compact and budget-friendly electric car suitable for urban use. It features a small footprint, making it easy to park and maneuver in tight spaces. Despite its size, it offers a surprisingly roomy interior for two to four passengers and is ideal for short daily commutes.

22. Wuling Cloud EV (New)

• Price Range: UGX 80M - 120M
• Range: 200-280 km
• Features: The Wuling Cloud EV, also known as the Baojun Cloud, is a practical electric car for city driving. It features a modern design, comfortable seating, and basic infotainment options. Its compact size and affordable price make it an attractive entry-level electric vehicle for daily use.

23. Neta V (New)

• Price Range: UGX 90M - 150M
• Range: 300-401 km
• Features: The Neta V is an affordable compact electric car that offers a stylish design and modern technology. It has a spacious interior with a digital dashboard and safety features such as collision warning and lane departure alert. With a good range for its price, the Neta V is well-suited for daily commuting.

24. Leap Motor T03 (New)

• Price Range: UGX 70M - 110M
• Range: 300 km
• Features: The Leap Motor T03 is a compact and affordable electric hatchback that combines practicality with modern features. It comes with a touchscreen infotainment system, digital gauges, and a surprisingly spacious interior for a small car. Its range and budget-friendly price make it ideal for city dwellers.

26. Geely Panda (New)

• Price Range: UGX 60M - 90M
• Range: 150-200 km
• Features: The Geely Panda is an entry-level electric car designed for urban use. It offers a simple yet functional interior, basic infotainment, and efficient energy consumption. With its low cost and compact design, it’s perfect for city commutes and short trips.

27. Dongfeng Nano Box (New)

• Price Range: UGX 60M - 100M
• Range: 180-260 km
• Features: The Dongfeng Nano Box is a small, budget-friendly electric car ideal for city driving. It features a simple design, compact size, and essential interior features. Its affordable price and decent range make it suitable for those looking to switch to electric mobility on a budget.

28. Ora Good Cat (New)

• Price Range: UGX 180M - 280M
• Range: 300-500 km
• Features: The Ora Good Cat stands out with its retro-inspired design and high-quality interior. It offers advanced safety features, modern technology, and a spacious cabin. With its competitive range, the Ora Good Cat is suitable for daily commuting as well as longer journeys.

29. Young Guang Xiao Xin (New)

• Price Range: UGX 70M - 130M
• Range: 200-300 km
• Features: The Young Guang Xiao Xin is an affordable, compact electric vehicle suitable for city use. It features a modern design, decent range, and a practical interior. The car's small size and efficient energy use make it a great option for navigating through urban traffic.

30. Ora R1 (New)

• Price Range: UGX 90M - 140M
• Range: 300 km
• Features: The Ora R1 is a small and affordable electric car that offers modern features and a stylish design. It has a user-friendly touchscreen, digital gauges, and advanced safety options. Its compact size and efficient motor make it perfect for urban commuting.

31. Dongfeng e1 (New)

• Price Range: UGX 60M - 100M
• Range: 200-300 km
• Features: The Dongfeng e1 is a compact electric vehicle that offers affordability and efficiency. It features a simple, functional design, with enough range for city driving and occasional trips outside town. The car’s low cost and small size make it accessible for first-time electric car buyers.

32. JMC Little Unicorn (New)

• Price Range: UGX 70M - 120M
• Range: 250-300 km
• Features: The JMC Little Unicorn is a budget-friendly electric car with a compact design suitable for city use. It comes with basic features, a digital display, and efficient energy consumption. Its affordable price and decent range make it a practical choice

33. Changan Lumin (New)

• Price Range: UGX 70M - 150M
• Range: 210-305 km
• Features: The Changan Lumin is an affordable, new electric car that combines compact design with modern features. It has a digital dashboard, comfortable interior, and an efficient motor that makes it suitable for city use. The car’s low cost and decent range make it a practical choice for those looking to make the switch to electric mobility.

34. MG4 Electric (New)

• Price Range: UGX 180M - 250M
• Range: 350-450 km
• Features: The MG4 Electric is a stylish compact electric hatchback that offers a blend of practicality and modern features. It comes with a spacious interior, a digital driver display, and a user-friendly infotainment system with smartphone connectivity. The MG4 also includes advanced safety features such as lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control, making it a good choice for both city and highway driving. Its competitive range and fast charging capabilities add to its appeal for long-distance travelers.

35. NETA S (New)

• Price Range: UGX 200M - 300M
• Range: 500-715 km
• Features: The NETA S is a premium electric sedan that stands out for its long range and futuristic design. It features a sleek, aerodynamic exterior and a luxurious interior with high-quality materials, a large touchscreen, and advanced driver assistance systems. The NETA S offers an impressive driving range, making it suitable for long-distance travel. It also provides strong acceleration and a smooth, comfortable ride, appealing to those who seek a blend of performance and luxury in an electric vehicle.

Considerations for Importing Electric Cars in Uganda

When importing electric vehicles into Uganda, there are some challenges to be aware of. Most cars from China are left-hand drive, while we prefer right-hand drive vehicles in Uganda. However, our global team can source right-hand drive versions directly from manufacturers in China. We also ensure that the cars we provide support the English language in their infotainment systems, making them user-friendly for Ugandan drivers.

Conclusion

When buying an electric car in Uganda, it's crucial to consider factors such as range, battery condition (for used cars), maintenance costs, and the possibility to charge from home.  (We discuss more about this in article: Before you buy an electric car in Uganda, Ask These Questions.) Newer models often come with better battery technology and longer ranges, while used cars can be more affordable but may require careful inspection to ensure the battery's health.

The above options offer a mix of affordability, range, and features to suit different needs and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a brand-new electric car like the BYD Dolphin or a used, reliable option such as the Nissan Leaf, there is something for everyone. With the right choice, you can enjoy the benefits of electric mobility and contribute to a greener environment.

Ultimately, the choice between new or used electric car depends on your budget and circumstances. Brand new low-speed electric vehicles (LSEVs) also offer a budget-friendly alternative, often priced similarly to or even lower than used high-speed electric vehicles. They can be a practical choice for daily urban commutes, especially in Kampala, where traffic congestion keeps average driving speeds around 40 km/h. LSEVs are well-suited for city driving, providing a cost-effective and efficient solution for navigating the traffic on our streets.

We specialize in helping customers import electric cars into Uganda. Our experienced team can assist with every step of the process, from sourcing the vehicle to handling shipping, import duties, and registration. While this list includes some of the most recommended electric vehicles in Uganda, we are not limited to these options. If there’s a specific car you have in mind that’s not on this list, don’t hesitate to contact us, and we will help you find the perfect electric vehicle to suit your needs.

Electric mobility is not only about adopting new technology but also about embracing a cleaner, more sustainable future. With our support, you can transition smoothly into this new era of transportation.