Electric Vehicle Owners Miss Out on Benefits Despite Trillions Collected
The demand for electric vehicles in Uzbekistan is being stifled by high utilization fees, according to a recent resolution by the Cabinet of Ministers. The fees for imported electric vehicles have significantly increased, making it more challenging for residents to switch to environmentally friendly transportation options.
The resolution states that starting from May 1, 2025, the utilization fee for imported electric vehicles will be raised from 30 times the base calculation unit (BCU) to 120 times for vehicles less than three years old, and to 210 times for vehicles older than three years. This steep increase has raised concerns about the real purpose of the utilization fee and whether it is truly aimed at protecting the environment or simply a way to boost the cost of imports and protect domestic automotive monopolies.
The lack of transparency around utilization fees and the absence of financial assistance for electric vehicle owners have led to questions about where the collected funds are being allocated. There have been no subsidies or support for electric vehicle owners, leaving consumers unsure about what they are paying for.
Comparisons to other countries like Russia, Kazakhstan, and European nations show that Uzbekistan’s utilization fees are much higher and may be hindering the growth of the electric vehicle market. In countries like Kazakhstan, there are no utilization fees for electric vehicles, while in European countries, the fees are significantly lower than in Uzbekistan.
Overall, the increase in utilization fees in Uzbekistan has created barriers for residents looking to switch to electric vehicles as a more sustainable transport option. The sudden financial burden imposed by these fees raises questions about their true purpose and impact on the country’s environmental goals.
