Serbia: Chinese EVs gaining traction in Serbia.

Storyline Chinese EVs gaining traction in Serbia 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. On the track, a Chinese electric supercar shows its power. Chinese manufacturers are also turning heads in Serbia's growing electric vehicle market. Mladen Alvirovic, Co-founder, SAT Media Group: "Audience has 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 didn't accept actually the cars coming from China, but now understanding that whole packaging is completely different from what they thought it is, interest has been much, much, much bigger." 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 Sara Pavkov, Serbian Minister of Environmental Protection: "This year alone, and I am especially proud of this, since March 1, we have five and a half times more demands than in 2025." The recent Belgrade Motor Show highlighted that shift in consumer demand, particularly for Chinese models. Nikola Samardzic, Head of Sales & Network Development, BYD Serbia & Montenegro: "Just finished motor show, Belgrade motor show, where BYD has sold, I would not use names, but has sold more, more units than other five European brands combined. And when I say brands, I see, I mean, mass producers and very well recognized French and German producers." Market watchers have also linked the growing interest in EVs to concern about oil price volatility due to the Iran crisis. And government subsidies of up to 5800 dollars for new EV purchases are also sweetening the deal. Aljosa Milenkovic, Reporter: "For years, Serbia viewed electric vehicles as costly niche products. But Chinese manufacturers are now pushing EVs much deeper into the mainstream market, forcing some traditional European brands to adapt faster." Officials say even though applications for EV incentives have skyrocketed five fold this year, subsidies for new electric car buyers will be honored. Sara Pavkov, Serbian Minister of Environmental Protection: "As far as funding goes, the citizen and the economy should not worry. Regardless of the fact that funds are currently taken up due to the volume of requests we have seen, we are providing additional funds." 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. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]