Electric vehicles (EVs) accounted for 10.2% of the 1,014,830 cars registered between January and December 2024. However, overall, as of the end of 2024, only 183,776 (1.1%) of the 16,232,458 cars registered in traffic were EV. Given the minor percentage, the number of EVs on Turkish roads increased more than double, from 80,043 at the end of 2023 to 183,776 by the end of 2024, in a market where total vehicle sales rose only 0.5%. This highlights the potential for significant expansion in EV adoption, especially as most vehicles remain reliant on traditional fuel types, with 34.1% being diesel, 31.9% LPG-fueled, and 30.2% gasoline-powered, while hybrids make up 2.4%[1].
2019 only 1,176 EVs were used, a negligible share of the total vehicle fleet. However, compared with 2024 data, this indicates a rapid increase in EV adoption over the past five years, driven by technological advancements, policy incentives, and consumer interest in sustainable transportation.
Assuming the recent growth trend continues, the number of EVs on the road is likely to rise significantly. If the pace of adoption mirrors recent acceleration — particularly the sharp increase seen between 2022 and 2024 — EVs could comprise at least 5-10% of the total vehicle fleet in 5 years by 2029. This projection would be approximately 800,000 to 1.6 million EVs, depending on supportive policies and infrastructure developments. Ten years into the future, by 2034, EV adoption is expected to achieve even greater penetration, potentially reaching 20% or more of the total vehicle fleet. This would translate to around 3.5 to 4 million EVs on the roads of Türkiye, aligning with global trends towards decarbonization and electrification in the transportation sector.
According to the projections of the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EMRA), the number of electric vehicles will reach 776,362 in the low scenario, 1,321,932 in the medium scenario, and 1,679,600 in the high scenario in 2030. In 2035, the number of electric vehicles will increase to 1,779,488 in the low scenario, 3,307,577 in the medium scenario, and 4,214,273 in the high scenario[2].
Leading manufacturer of EVs:
TOGG (Türkiye’s Automobile Joint Venture Group) emerged as Türkiye’s leading EV manufacturer in 2023, with 19,583 unit sales, and in 2024, with 30,093 unit sales[3]. The company is Türkiye’s first domestically developed EV brand, representing a significant milestone in the country’s automotive industry. TOGG’s facility has an annual production capacity of 175,000 vehicles, which is expected to grow with increasing demand.
Tesla, a global leader in EV technology, secured the second position in Türkiye with 12,150 vehicles sold in 2023 and 11,534 in 2024.
Hyundai and Renault have introduced hybrid and fully electric models, leveraging their existing production facilities in Türkiye to cater to local demand.
BYD, a leading Chinese EV manufacturer, has aggressively entered the Turkish market, offering affordable EV options that compete with domestic and international brands. BYD has committed to building a $1 billion EV production plant in Türkiye. The plant, scheduled to commence operations by late 2026, will have an annual production capacity of 150,000 vehicles, catering to domestic and export markets. In 2024, BYD achieved 8,331 unit sales.
According to detailed reports from the survey conducted by Sarjagel.com[4] with 500 participants from 7 different regions, consumers in Türkiye prefer European-origin electric vehicles with 45.1%, followed by Türkiye with 26.1% and China with 14.8%.
The number of public and private charging stations currently available:
Electric vehicle charging infrastructure is growing rapidly in Türkiye. EV charging installations in new residential and commercial developments are mandatory.
As a result of the investments made by charging network operators licensed by the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EMRA), the number of charging points (sockets) across Türkiye, which was 3,081 (2,706 AC (Slow) and 375 DC (Fast)) at the beginning of 2023[5], has increased to 26,046 (15,714 AC (Slow) and 10,332 DC (Fast)) in 2024[6]. One third of the charging points in Türkiye have a fast charging (DC) feature. This allows electric vehicle users to charge their vehicles in a shorter time. The number of electric vehicles per socket is 6.
According to 2030 projections of EMRA, the number of charging sockets will be 83,543 in the low scenario, 142,824 in the medium scenario and 181,274 in the high scenario. In 2035, the number of charging sockets is expected to be 146,916 in the low scenario, 273,076 in the medium scenario and 347,934 in the high scenario[7]. In line with the national 2053 net zero emissions target, the electric vehicle infrastructure will develop further.
Key private sector players are leading the charge, while government initiatives promote infrastructure development, including subsidies for private investments. There are currently 177 licensed companies operating in the sector[8]. EMRA continues its inspections to ensure that charging services are high quality and affordable.
The geographical locations of all charging stations offering charging services in Türkiye, the number of charging units and sockets, their types and powers, payment methods, availability status and charging service prices can be viewed instantly via the “Şarj@TR” mobile application developed by the EMRA.
Impact of EV usage on emission trends in the country:
In Türkiye, transportation is the third-largest energy-consuming sector, following industry and buildings, and remains highly dependent on fossil fuels. This sector accounts for approximately 22% of the country’s CO₂ emissions, with over 90% originating from road transport. Transitioning to electric mobility is essential for the decarbonization of the transportation sector for Türkiye to achieve a net-zero emission economy by 2053, the transportation sector must reach significant levels of electrification. By 2035, this will require 11 million electric vehicles on the roads. This shift is projected to lower emissions from passenger vehicles by 41% and reduce total carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by 20 million tons[9].
Contact for the agency and person in charge:
For more details on Türkiye’s EV initiatives, you can contact:
T.C. Enerji Piyasası Düzenleme Kurumu – Energy Market Regulatory Authority
Mr. Mustafa YILMAZ – President
Phone: +90 (312) 201 40 00
This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard Türkiye Country Manager Ms. İpek Gülkaya Taşgın.
[1] https://data.tuik.gov.tr/Bulten/Index?p=Motorlu-Kara-Tasitlari-Aralik-2024-53463&dil=1
[2] https://www.epdk.gov.tr/Detay/Icerik/1-4448/enerji-donusumuelektrikli-arac-sarj-agi-altyapis
[3] https://www.odmd.org.tr/web_2837_1/neuralnetwork.aspx?type=36
[4] https://drive.google.com/file/d/19yeVYVa8tJsM_0pxCxIC6xRfbLL4RiAg/view
[5] https://www.epdk.gov.tr/Detay/Icerik/1-4448/enerji-donusumuelektrikli-arac-sarj-agi-altyapis
[6] https://www.epdk.gov.tr/Detay/Icerik/3-0-222-1040/enerji-donusumusarj-hizmeti-piyasasi–istatistik#
[7] https://www.epdk.gov.tr/Detay/Icerik/1-4448/enerji-donusumuelektrikli-arac-sarj-agi-altyapis
[8] https://lisans.epdk.gov.tr/epvysweb/faces/pages/lisans/elektrikSarjAgiIsletmeci/elektrikSarjAgiIsletmeciOzetSorgula.xhtml
[9] https://temizenerji.org /2024/07/10/shura-elektrikli-araclara-gecis-2035e-kadar-emisyonlarda-yuzde-41-dusus-saglayabilir/