Popular Electric Vehicles in Ukraine and Service Considerations

Ukraine's EV fleet has grown noticeably in recent years, and the roads of Dnipro see everything from premium Teslas to affordable Chinese models. Each manufacturer has its own technical quirks worth knowing, especially when it comes to a breakdown, an accident, or needing a tow. Here's a look at the most common models.

Why the EV population keeps growing

The rise in EVs on Ukrainian roads comes down to a few factors: an expanding charging network, imported used EVs from Europe and the US, and a gradually widening model lineup available directly from dealers. For owners, that means more choice, but also more nuances in ownership worth knowing ahead of time.

Tesla: the most common premium EV

• Model 3 and Model Y are the most common on Ukrainian roads thanks to relatively accessible used-market pricing;
• We covered the specifics of towing a Tesla in a dedicated article on towing a Tesla: service mode, a sensitive alarm, and low clearance on some models;
• An extensive Supercharger network makes planning long trips easier compared to some other brands.

Zeekr: a new player gaining ground

• A Chinese premium brand that's been gaining traction in the European and Ukrainian markets in recent years;
• Zeekr models, like most modern EVs, have their own service mode for safe towing. Check your owner's manual for the exact activation procedure for your model;
• Since the brand is relatively new to the market, its official service network isn't as widely established as longer-standing brands. Worth factoring into repair planning after a breakdown;
• Towing a Zeekr follows the same general principles as any EV: flatbed only, no load on the wheels or drivetrain.

BYD: affordable EVs from China

• BYD is actively expanding its presence in the Ukrainian market, offering everything from compact city cars to crossovers;
• BYD's proprietary Blade Battery has a reputation for improved safety under mechanical impact, but this doesn't eliminate the need for careful transport if underbody damage is suspected;
• As with other brands, a dead battery or technical fault means the only safe transport method is a tow truck flatbed.

Nissan Leaf: one of the first mass-market EVs

• The Nissan Leaf is one of the most common EVs on Ukraine's used market thanks to steady imports from Japan and the US;
• Older Leaf batteries (especially first-generation models) tend to lose capacity more noticeably than some competitors over time. Owners of used models should keep a closer eye on actual range;
• The same standard rule applies to the Leaf: no towing on the wheels with a dead battery or fault; call a flatbed tow truck instead.

Hyundai Kona Electric and other Korean models

• Korean EVs, such as the Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV, and similar models, are popular for their combination of reasonable pricing and solid range;
• These brands' official service networks in Ukraine are relatively well established, making routine maintenance and post-breakdown repairs easier;
• Towing principles remain the same general ones that apply to all EVs. Covered in detail in our article on towing an EV.

General advice regardless of brand

• Check your specific model's owner's manual for its towing service mode. Most modern EVs have one, though activation varies;
• Never try to tow an EV of any brand on a rope with a dead battery or a technical fault. This applies equally to premium and budget models;
• When buying a used EV, check the battery's condition and the availability of official service for that specific brand in your area. This greatly affects how convenient ownership will be;
• Save the contact details of a towing service experienced with EVs in advance. Not every company is equally familiar with the specifics of loading an electric vehicle.

Bottom line

Regardless of brand, whether Tesla, Zeekr, BYD, Nissan, or Hyundai, the basic principles of safely towing an EV are the same: a flatbed, the body fully secured, no load on the wheels. That said, every brand has its own service mode quirks and design details worth knowing ahead of time. We work with EVs from every common brand and always account for the specific model's needs when towing.

Frequently Asked Questions