Yerevan City Goes Green, Spends $644K on 21 Electric SUVs

In a significant move towards sustainability, the Yerevan Municipality recently invested $644,000 to purchase 21 electric vehicles. The bulk of the acquisition includes 20 BYD Song Plus electric crossovers from China, as well as a high-end 2023 Mercedes EQE500 SUV. Hetq Media broke the story in an investigative piece. These purchases reflect the municipality’s growing commitment to adopting environmentally friendly technology, as electric vehicles (EVs) represent a more sustainable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars.

The Yerevan Municipality confirmed that the 20 BYD Song Plus crossovers were purchased at a unit price of approximately $28,000. These 2024 models were acquired through an electronic auction process, with Eco Motors Group LLC, founded in 2021, submitting the lowest price offer. Each BYD vehicle is equipped with a 71.8 kWh battery that delivers a power output of 204 horsepower and a driving range of up to 520 kilometers (323 miles) on a single charge.

In addition to the BYD fleet, the municipality also purchased a single 2023 Mercedes EQE500 electric SUV for $85,200. This luxury vehicle offers all-wheel drive, a 96.1 kWh battery, and a driving range of up to 609 kilometers (378 miles). The purchase of the Mercedes SUV has drawn attention due to its price, as it was noted that the funds spent on the vehicle could have bought three more BYD cars.

According to the municipality, these electric vehicles will serve various structural units within Yerevan’s government. They are expected to replace older, less eco-friendly cars in the municipal fleet, contributing to the city’s overall goal of reducing its carbon footprint. This shift towards electric cars aligns with global efforts to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector.

The BYD Song Plus models, with their five-year or 150,000-kilometer warranty, are well-suited for everyday municipal use. The extended eight-year warranty on the vehicles’ battery and engine also ensures long-term durability and performance, making them a reliable choice for public service.

While the acquisition of electric vehicles has been welcomed as a positive environmental move, the purchase of the Mercedes EQE500 has raised questions. Critics have pointed out that the cost of the single luxury SUV could have been used to buy three additional BYD crossovers, which would have been more practical for expanding the fleet. The Yerevan Municipality has yet to provide a clear answer as to why the high-end Mercedes was necessary, though it is speculated that the vehicle may be designated for the mayor’s use.

The Mercedes EQE500, though significantly more expensive than the BYD models, offers superior performance with a 480-horsepower engine and a larger battery capacity. Its extended range of 609 kilometers on a single charge and additional features may have factored into the decision to include it in the purchase.

The vehicles were purchased from Eco Motors Group LLC, a company founded in 2021 by Armen Abrahamyan. The firm has become a significant supplier of electric vehicles to both municipal and state organizations in Armenia. Abrahamyan also has a business partnership with Artavazd Tarkhanyan, an advisor to the chairman of the Urban Development Committee, through their joint venture, Eco Build Group LLC. This company, founded in 2024, provides construction design, planning, and management services.

Eco Motors Group's involvement in multiple government contracts has raised eyebrows, but the company’s ability to deliver affordable electric vehicles has positioned it as a key player in Armenia’s push towards modernizing its transportation infrastructure.

Yerevan's decision to purchase electric vehicles is part of a broader trend toward sustainable urban development. Electric cars produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them a cleaner alternative to traditional vehicles. As the city faces growing environmental challenges, including air pollution and traffic congestion, the switch to electric cars is seen as a necessary step in creating a more livable urban environment.

The adoption of electric vehicles also supports Armenia's energy transition, as the country looks to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. With advancements in renewable energy and improvements in charging infrastructure, electric cars are becoming an increasingly viable option for both public and private transportation.