Belgee eX50: Belarus Unveils Its First Electric Car in May 2025

Belarusian automotive engineering is reaching a significant milestone in its development – in May 2025, the long‑awaited presentation of the first domestic electric vehicle, the Belgee eX50, will take place. This event marks an important step in the development of Belarus’s automotive industry and demonstrates the country’s commitment to technological progress in the field of electromobility.

History of Development and Current Status

The development of the Belarusian electric vehicle began several years ago, and to date the project has passed several major stages. Five pilot‑industrial prototypes have been produced, which are now completing tests at the republican test site. According to Gennady Svidersky, General Director of CJSC “BelGee,” testing is nearing completion and should fully conclude by April of this year. The testing includes comprehensive assessments of the vehicle’s characteristics, including a handling test on slippery surfaces, known as the “moose test.” Despite an increase in the curb weight of the electric vehicle compared to the base model, the developers managed to achieve commendable results even without modifying the braking systems.

Technical Specifications of the Belgee eX50

The Belgee eX50 is an electric crossover built on the Belgee X50 platform. The developers take particular pride in the high level of localization of production – about 70% of the electric vehicle’s components are manufactured by Belarusian enterprises:

• The electric motor was developed and manufactured by the “Mogilevliftmash” plant
• The power electronics were created at the “Izmeritel” plant
• The battery packs are produced by the “First Battery Company” (although currently using Chinese cells)
• The software and control systems are also domestically developed

The claimed driving range is approximately 400 kilometers on a single charge, and the top speed reaches 135 km/h. The vehicle is fully adapted for the Belarus‑Russia market; as the General Director of BelGee notes, “all aspects have been Russified.”

Production Prospects and Cost

Final assembly of the first electric vehicles is planned to begin in the second quarter of 2025, immediately after the official presentation. However, mass production, according to experts’ estimates, will not start earlier than 2026. For series production, some reconstruction of the assembly line at the BelGee plant will be required. One of the key issues remains the project’s economics. The developers aim to ensure that the cost of the electric vehicle does not exceed $30,000 (approximately 92,442 Belarusian rubles). For comparison, existing Belgee models with internal combustion engines range in price from 57,600 to 77,640 Belarusian rubles (from $18,690 to $25,200). A serious challenge is the high cost of domestic components, which may negatively impact the vehicle’s competitiveness. According to Alexander Belevich, Deputy Director of the United Institute of Mechanical Engineering of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, technically they are already ready to produce a Belarusian electric car, but the economic component does not yet allow it to be competitive in the market.

Prospects for the Development of Electromobility in Belarus

In addition to producing electric vehicles, Belarusian automakers also plan to create hybrid vehicles and methane‑powered transport. This indicates a comprehensive approach to the development of environmentally friendly transport in the country. It is important to note that the successful deployment of electric vehicles also requires the development of the necessary infrastructure – charging stations and service centers. Gennady Svidersky emphasizes that customers will be offered a full range of service offerings. The development and production of their own electric vehicle not only contributes to the country’s technological advancement but also allows Belarusian engineers and enterprises to acquire valuable expertise in creating modern means of transportation. As Svidersky notes, “the manufacture of a pilot‑industrial batch has allowed us to take several steps toward mastering passenger car competencies.” The first Belarusian electric vehicle, the Belgee eX50, will constitute an important step in the development of the domestic automotive industry and may open new prospects for exporting Belarusian products to international markets.