The Serbian Association of Vehicle and Parts Importers announced that the share of fully electric passenger cars in Serbia from January to September was 1%, while hybrids accounted for 30% of the total number of newly registered cars.
Comparing this with data from 2019, when only a few dozen electric vehicles were sold and slightly more hybrids, it is evident that the number of hybrid and fully electric passenger cars has increased over the past five years, despite the relatively low absolute figures, the statement noted. The latest data for new passenger car registrations in September 2023 showed a 4% increase compared to the same month last year, with realistic projections indicating a return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year.
When it comes to the number of electric cars, Serbia ranks near the bottom among European countries, similarly to its standing in the number of public chargers per 100,000 residents, a common comparison metric. Serbia has only three public chargers per 100,000 inhabitants, while Norway leads with 538 chargers per 100,000 residents, according to the Serbian Association of New Vehicle and Parts Importers.
A concerning issue for not only the association but also experts, ecologists, healthcare workers, and traffic safety authorities is the import of used cars, which has exceeded 130,000 units annually for years. The percentage of vehicles meeting Euro 3 and Euro 4 emission standards in the total import of used passenger cars in Serbia is exceptionally high—over 50% of all imported used cars each year.
The Serbian government, through its Air Protection Program adopted at the end of 2022, defined that the import of used vehicles meeting Euro 3 and Euro 4 standards would be halted as of January 1, 2023, and those meeting Euro 5 standards from January 1, 2025. However, this measure has yet to be implemented, as stated by the Serbian Association of New Vehicle and Parts Importers.
