Wave of Used Electric Vehicles: How the Global Market Is Shaping Georgia

The global electric vehicle (EV) boom is entering a new phase — incentives in the EU and US have created significant demand for new EVs, gradually generating a “global stream” of used ones. Georgia has become part of this wave, where the vast majority of imported electric vehicles are second-hand, often arriving not directly from the manufacturing country but via third-party nations.

In 2024, more than 4,000 EVs were imported into Georgia, with the average price dropping to around $18,800, according to bm.ge — a 33% decrease compared to the previous year. This price decline is largely due to the rising share of used vehicles, especially those originating from China, Japan, and the United States.

Globally, this trend is becoming increasingly structural. According to BloombergNEF, used EV sales in the EU surged by 70% in 2023 compared to the previous year. In the US, used EVs now account for more than 30% of all electric vehicle transactions. In many major countries — including Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands — government subsidies are often aimed at first owners, pushing EVs into the used market after just a few years.

Georgia is becoming a recipient of this process — absorbing vehicles that have already been cycled out in more developed countries. As a result, the country is integrating into a technological “second cycle,” which brings both opportunities and risks.

However, used EVs also raise questions that are less pressing with new cars: what is the condition of the battery? Is the vehicle’s software functioning properly? Is the car suitable for Georgia’s climate and road conditions?

A particularly noteworthy issue is that some EVs arriving on the Georgian market pass through countries where battery health is not verified or transparently reported. For example, a vehicle exported from the US to Japan and then imported to Georgia may be technically repaired or partially modified. Consumers often lack sufficient information about the actual condition.

Globally, there is growing discussion around battery passports or standardized diagnostic protocols. The European Union plans to implement mandatory electronic battery documentation by 2027, which will record battery cycles, durability, and quality history. Introducing or recognizing similar practices in Georgia could make the market more reliable and predictable.

Ultimately, the inflow of used electric vehicles offers a broader population the opportunity to switch to eco-friendly transport — but this will only be feasible if a supporting service ecosystem develops in parallel, including reliable diagnostics and better-informed consumers.