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Importing an EV from China to Rwanda
China is where most of Rwanda’s EVs originate. Importing directly can undercut dealer prices - if you handle shipping, compliance and the charging-standard mismatch.
The landed-cost stack
Vehicle (FOB China) + sea freight to Dar es Salaam or Mombasa + inland transport to Kigali + clearing.
- Pure EVs: 0% import duty, VAT and excise to 30 Jun 2028 - the big saving.
- Budget shipping + inland + clearing on top of the FOB price.
- Confirm the charging connector (GB/T in China vs CCS2 / Type 2) before you ship.
The risks
- Battery state-of-health on used units.
- Software / region locks and app support in Rwanda.
- Warranty usually does not travel with a private import.
Relevant models
Pure EV from RWF 38,276,781
Geely EX5
Pure EV from USD 47,500
BYD Atto 3
Pure EV from RWF 11,000,000