Astana vs. Almaty: Which City is Best for Connected Cars and EVs?
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Kazakhstan is at a crossroads when it comes to smart mobility. With electric vehicles (EVs) and Connected Cars becoming the future of transportation, the country’s two largest cities—Astana and Almaty—are stepping up their game. But which city is better suited for this future?
To answer that, we’ll look at infrastructure, weather, and the overall readiness of each city to embrace EVs and Connected Cars. Let’s dive in and see if Astana’s modern layout gives it the edge or if Almaty’s larger population and energy drive make it the real winner.
Last time I was comparing overall differencies EVs and Connected Cars - article
Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, was designed with modern infrastructure in mind. Unlike Almaty’s more organic city growth, Astana’s wide roads and planned layout make it ideal for future mobility tech.
✅ Smart Roads: The city has already piloted smart traffic lights that adjust in real-time to traffic flows. This is a big win for Connected Cars, which rely on real-time data.
✅ Newer Roads: Because it’s a newer city, Astana’s roads are wider, straighter, and better maintained, making them perfect for autonomous vehicles.
✅ EV Charging Expansion: The government is actively installing new EV charging stations, with 30+ stations already operational in key locations.
Almaty is the country’s largest city, meaning more cars, more traffic, and more pollution. But it also has a head start in certain areas.
✅ Bigger EV Market: Almaty has more registered EVs than Astana—about 3,000 vs. 1,500—mainly due to a higher number of wealthy early adopters.
✅ EV Charging Network: With 50+ public chargers, Almaty currently beats Astana, but the high population density makes finding an available spot tricky.
✅ Traffic Challenges: The city’s older road network is narrower and more congested, making it less ideal for Connected Car tech unless major upgrades happen.
🏆 Astana – Its modern layout and smart infrastructure make it more "Connected Car-friendly." But Almaty leads in EV adoption—for now.
Weather plays a big role in EV performance and the reliability of Connected Car systems. So, how do Astana and Almaty compare?
Astana is famous for brutal winters with temperatures dropping to -40°C. While it makes the city look like a futuristic ice kingdom, it’s a nightmare for EVs:
❌ Battery Drain: Cold weather can reduce EV battery performance by 40% or more, meaning shorter driving ranges and longer charging times.
❌ Road Conditions: Ice and snow-covered roads create challenges for autonomous and connected vehicle systems.
✅ Future-Proofing Efforts: The government is already testing heated roads in some areas, which could make EVs more reliable in the long run.
Almaty’s weather is more EV-friendly, with warmer winters (-10°C on average) and longer summers. This means:
✅ Better Battery Efficiency: EVs last longer per charge, making them more practical for daily use.
✅ Less Charging Strain: The charging grid is under less stress than in Astana, where energy demand spikes in winter.
❌ Natural Hazards: Almaty’s real problem? Landslides, floods, and earthquakes. These can disrupt charging infrastructure and smart road systems, making Connected Cars less reliable.
🏆 Almaty – Milder winters mean EVs perform better, but infrastructure resilience still needs work.
A city can have the best roads and climate, but if people aren’t ready for change, nothing happens. Let’s see how Astana and Almaty stack up in embracing smart mobility.
Astana is Kazakhstan’s political and innovation hub. The government sees it as a testbed for smart city solutions, including:
✅ Kazakhstan’s First 5G Connected Car Pilot: In 2023, a 5G-powered self-driving car was successfully tested on Astana’s roads.
✅ National EV Policies Take Root: The capital is pushing for EV tax incentives and subsidies, encouraging adoption.
✅ Less Car Ownership Mentality: Since public transport and shared mobility are prioritized, residents may embrace car-sharing over car ownership.
Almaty has the highest number of young, tech-savvy people, meaning adoption of new mobility trends happens faster here.
✅ More EV Buyers: More early adopters of EVs in Almaty than anywhere else in Kazakhstan.
✅ Private Sector Push: More ride-hailing and car-sharing services are launching EV options here before expanding to Astana.
❌ Slower Smart City Implementation: Despite public demand, bureaucratic delays mean Almaty’s smart mobility policies are moving slower than Astana’s.
🏆 Astana – The government is actively investing in smart mobility, making it Kazakhstan’s first truly connected city.
🏆 Astana – If we look at future potential, Astana is better prepared for Connected Cars and EVs due to its infrastructure and smart city policies.
BUT… if you want to buy an EV right now, Almaty is a better place to own one because of its milder climate and larger charging network.
Kazakhstan is moving fast towards a smart mobility future, and both cities have unique advantages. Astana is designed for the future, while Almaty is leading EV adoption today.
The real question is: Which city will adapt faster?
- If Astana can solve its extreme winter challenges, it could become Central Asia’s #1 Connected Car hub.
- If Almaty accelerates smart infrastructure projects, it could become the EV capital of Kazakhstan.
Either way, one thing is clear—Kazakhstan’s mobility revolution has begun.
What do you think? Would you rather drive a Connected Car in futuristic Astana or cruise in an EV through Almaty’s scenic streets? Let’s discuss!
Комментарии 7
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Асел Есетбай · Фев. 18, 2025 09:39
еееее
Assel Alimbet · Фев. 18, 2025 09:38
как круто
Асел Есетбай · Фев. 18, 2025 09:36
керемет мәлімет
Каринэ Магалова · Фев. 18, 2025 00:39
Ата конечно там ж теплее
Аңсар Кеңес · Фев. 14, 2025 09:54
Тараз
Balzhan I · Фев. 13, 2025 11:56
астана слишком молодой и только из за этого выигрывает
Ilias Zholaman · Фев. 12, 2025 18:32
Алматы пока что на первом месте и по количеству и по качеству реализации зарядных станции.