In August, the sun beat down on Amman, the Jordanian capital. Inside a Chinese EV dealership on Mecca Street, the atmosphere was equally "hot." Customers crowded around brand-new BYD "Dolphin" and ATTO 3 models; some leaned in to examine the design, while others sat in the driver's seat to test the large central control screens. In recent years, Chinese EV brands such as BYD, Xpeng, Changan, and Dongfeng have entered the Jordanian market, offering local consumers a diverse range of choices and supporting the local transition to green transportation.
Just a few years ago, Chinese EVs were a rare sight on Jordanian streets. Jihad Nasser, an automotive sector representative for the Investors' Commission at the Zarqa Free Zone—a key hub for vehicle imports—told reporters that while only 72 Chinese EVs cleared customs at the zone in 2019, the figure rose to 12,800 in 2022 and climbed further to approximately 33,400 in 2023. "In just a few short years, Chinese EVs have begun to offer Jordanian consumers more options for eco-friendly travel," Nasser said.
According to Jordanian customs statistics, approximately 48,400 imported electric vehicles cleared customs in Jordan in 2025. Of these, 42,300 were Chinese-made, accounting for 87% of the total—an increase from the roughly 82% share recorded in 2024.
The rapid growth in Chinese EV sales is driven by a combination of factors. Regarding daily driving costs, domestic gasoline prices in Jordan are high, with 90-octane unleaded petrol costing around $1.30 per liter. Faced with these high fuel prices, many Jordanians are opting for electric vehicles. Hiba Khaled, a Jordanian government employee, broke down the numbers for the reporter: she previously spent about $183 a month on gasoline, but since switching to a Chinese EV, she only needs to charge it once a week, and the cost is far lower than that of petrol. Local businessman Shadi Zatari told reporters that after switching to an electric vehicle, his monthly private car-related expenses dropped from $170 to $40, noting that "for an average family, these savings are significant."
In recent years, Jordan has made the electrification of the transport sector a key strategy for reducing air pollution, integrating it into its overall plans for energy transition and green development. The transport sector's development strategy for 2024–2028 aims to accelerate the green transition through measures such as expanding charging infrastructure, encouraging the public to use electric vehicles and buses, and increasing government procurement of electric vehicles. Meanwhile, the energy sector is formulating an electric mobility transition strategy to refine relevant policies, infrastructure, and market mechanisms. The government's "National Energy Strategy 2025–2035" sets a goal for electric vehicles to account for 60% of new car sales and for the total number of electric vehicles in the country to reach approximately 500,000 by 2035. To promote adoption, the Jordanian government applies import tariffs on electric vehicles that are far lower than those on internal combustion engine vehicles; at their lowest, electric vehicle tariffs range from just 10% to 15%, whereas tariffs on fuel-powered cars can exceed 80%. These preferential rates lower the final retail price, benefiting a wider range of consumers.
In terms of product quality, Chinese electric vehicles have earned a strong reputation for their excellent value for money. Hashem Akel, an expert in Jordan's automotive industry, attributes the rapid growth of Chinese electric vehicles in the local market to their reasonable pricing, reliable quality, superior efficiency, and extended driving range, noting that "advanced technology and high levels of comfort appeal to a broad consumer base." Local importers highlight the growing advantages of Chinese electric vehicles: they are insulated from fuel price volatility and offer simpler, more convenient routine maintenance.
Chinese electric vehicle brands have generally established comprehensive networks of authorized dealerships and after-sales service centers across Jordan. Haitham Hassan, a sales consultant at a Changan Auto dealership in Amman, reported that the store's monthly electric vehicle sales have risen from 60–70 units to over 100, adding, "A new Chinese electric vehicle dealership appears in Jordan every two or three months." Rami Sahib, a local distributor, noted that Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) enjoy high recognition in the Jordanian market; continuous improvements in after-sales service have ensured a positive experience for customers.
As the number of EVs on the road rises, Jordan is accelerating the expansion of its charging network. Currently, there are approximately 250 public EV charging stations nationwide, with over 1,000 additional stations either permitted or undergoing operational licensing; charging infrastructure is extending from the capital to other cities and along major highways. The Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission is attracting private investment by streamlining the permitting process for charging stations and encouraging investment in fast and ultra-fast charging facilities, while also expediting approvals for the installation of dedicated home charging units. The power sector is further encouraging owners to charge during off-peak hours through time-of-use electricity pricing. The simultaneous development of public charging networks and home charging facilities is making EV travel increasingly convenient.
"Jordan requires cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable modes of transportation, and the development of Chinese EVs offers us a significant opportunity," said an official from Jordan's transport sector. They noted that Chinese EVs feature mature technology and diverse product ranges capable of meeting the travel needs of various consumer groups; these vehicles help reduce Jordan's reliance on traditional energy sources and provide strong support for achieving the country's green transition goals in transportation. Guo Wei, China's Ambassador to Jordan, stated that Jordanian consumers recognize Chinese EV brands and market demand continues to grow; Chinese EVs will serve the Jordanian market with stricter industry standards, superior quality, and enhanced after-sales service.
