Bishkek–Osh EV Test Drive: BYD Yuan Up & BYD E5

Test Drive from Bishkek to Osh: BYD Yuan Up 2024 and BYD E5 2019

In this article, we’ll share our experience of a test drive on the Bishkek–Osh route in two electric vehicles: the modern BYD Yuan Up 2024 and the time-tested BYD E5 2019. This was not just a trip but a true challenge, testing the capabilities of EVs on one of the most demanding roads in Kyrgyzstan — through the Too-Ashuu Pass, Toktogul, and winding mountain roads. We’ll give you real numbers on energy consumption, charging stops, the pros and cons of such a journey, and useful tips for those who are planning a similar adventure.

 

We set off early in the morning, at 9:00 a.m., from Bishkek. Our route would take us through mountains, changing weather, and several charging stations along the way. The first stop was Voenno-Antonovka, where we visited the “Narodny” store to buy a tow rope — just in case. By 10:42 a.m., we reached Kara-Balta: the Yuan Up still had 84% battery, while the E5 was at 56%. Next, we made a short stop in Sosnovka at the “Ak-Niet” store, where there’s a charging station. We didn’t need to charge yet but made a note that it was operational. At that point, we had covered about 100 km, and the Yuan Up was at 77% charge.

 

Approaching the foot of the Too-Ashuu Pass, the Yuan Up had 66% left, and the E5 only 20%. The climb was steep and challenging: at the top, the readings dropped to 45% and 20% respectively. Just before entering the tunnel, they went down further — 37% for the Yuan Up and a critical 8% for the E5. We switched both cars to maximum regenerative braking mode to regain some energy on the descent, but before that, we had to wait nearly an hour in a traffic jam at the tunnel entrance.

 

During the wait, the weather turned — snow started falling, and the temperature dropped. We switched on the heater to keep warm. Even with the extra energy draw from the heater, both cars performed admirably. They remained stable, responsive, and reliable despite the cold and wet conditions.

 

Once through the tunnel, we began the long descent. Regenerative braking worked perfectly: the Yuan Up climbed back to 43%, and the E5 to 17%. In the Zhayyl District, we stopped for a full recharge — Yuan Up reached 98%, E5 reached 77%.

 

Our next goal was Toktogul. The weather continued to change dramatically: snow, heavy clouds, then suddenly clear skies. On some downhill sections, regeneration added a few more percent — up to 69% on the Yuan Up and 50% on the E5. By that time, we had already driven over 300 km.

 

This road has its pros and cons for EVs. On the plus side, electric cars can overtake on climbs more confidently than many gasoline or diesel vehicles. On the minus side, there’s the constant concern about range and the urge to charge to 100% whenever possible. There can also be surprises — sometimes a charging station listed in an app turns out to be without electricity. We experienced this, but luckily, there was another station nearby.

 

In Kara-Kul, both cars charged to 100%. But the road threw another challenge our way — the E5 suffered a flat tire due to small rocks on the roadside. We replaced it quickly and continued the trip. After 600 km, with about 150 km left to Osh, we made our final charging stop in Bazar-Korgon: Yuan Up reached 88%, E5 hit 100%.

 

We arrived in Osh early in the morning, around 7 a.m. The Yuan Up finished with 40% battery, and the E5 with 20%. Throughout the journey, we faced changing weather, long waits at the tunnel, tested several charging stations, and confirmed that even this challenging mountain route is manageable for electric cars — as long as you plan your trip and charging stops carefully.

 

Today, EV owners in Kyrgyzstan have convenient tools to make such trips easier — mobile apps like Sitronics Electro, Spark KG, Evion+, Evion, and Charge 24. They help you find nearby stations, track your route, and even plan charging times to avoid unnecessary stress.

 

If you’d like to experience a similar trip yourself and see what an electric car is capable of in real-world conditions, visit us for a test drive. We’ll help you choose the right model, explain how to get the most out of your battery, and prepare you for any challenges the road might bring. Driving an EV isn’t just transportation — it’s a new sense of freedom, and it’s already here in Kyrgyzstan.