Russia lifts electric car tariffs
- July 15, 2016
- Posted by: Alan Feldberg
- Category: Industry News
Electric cars will be 15% cheaper to buy in Russia after the lifting of customs duty.
The Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC), the body responsible for implementing decisions taken by Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, has approved tax-free imports of vehicles equipped with electric engines.
The new amendment, which does not apply to hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, will come into effect in September and last till the end of August, 2017.
EEC Trade Minister Veronika Nikishina said, ‘Scaling down the duties aims to encourage the use of eco-friendly transport within the boundaries of the Eurasian Economic Union and provide a background for developing the e-vehicle market.’
Earlier this month, the government introduced a wide-ranging program to encourage ‘green’ transportation in Russia. The initiative includes introducing reduced tariffs on toll roads, free parking in cities and cancelling transport tax.
E-car drivers will get the right to use bus lanes with energy providers to be able to build charging stations without bureaucratic hurdles. The program is intended to be implemented by 2025.
