Starting from January 1st, 2020, the zero import duty on electric cars will be abolished in Russia. This decision was made by the Russian government in an effort to boost the production and sales of electric vehicles in the country.
The zero import duty on electric cars was implemented in 2011 as a means to encourage the use of eco-friendly vehicles and reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels. However, after almost a decade, the government has decided to revoke this policy in favor of promoting domestic production of electric cars.
This new measure is expected to have a significant impact on the Russian automotive market, as the country has been lagging behind in terms of electric car sales compared to other European countries. According to the Association of European Businesses (AEB), only 1,235 electric cars were sold in Russia in 2018, which is significantly lower than the 214,000 electric cars sold in the UK in the same year.
The decision to abolish the zero import duty on electric cars is part of the Russian government’s larger plan to increase the share of electric vehicles in the country’s total car sales to 10% by 2024. This ambitious goal was set by the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, in an effort to reduce air pollution and promote sustainable transportation.
The new policy is also expected to have a positive impact on the Russian economy. With the increasing global demand for electric cars, the production and export of domestic electric vehicles will create new job opportunities and boost the country’s GDP. It will also attract foreign investment and promote the development of new technologies in the automotive industry.
In addition to the zero import duty, the Russian government has also announced other measures to support the growth of the electric car market. This includes tax breaks for electric car manufacturers and subsidies for buyers of electric cars.
However, the decision to abolish the zero import duty has received mixed reactions from experts and the public. Some believe that this move will make electric cars more expensive for the average consumer, which could hinder the growth of the electric car market. Others argue that it will promote healthy competition between domestic and foreign electric car manufacturers, leading to better quality and more affordable options for consumers.
Despite the potential challenges, the overall impact of this new policy is expected to be positive. It will not only contribute to the government’s goal of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transportation, but it will also benefit the Russian economy in the long run.
The Russian government’s decision to abolish the zero import duty on electric cars is a step in the right direction towards a greener and more sustainable future. It shows the country’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and embracing new technologies in the automotive industry. With the right support and incentives, the electric car market in Russia is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, benefiting both the environment and the economy.
In conclusion, the revocation of the zero import duty on electric cars in Russia is a significant move that will have a positive impact on the country’s automotive market and economy. It is a clear indication of the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable transportation and reducing air pollution. With this new policy in place, we can expect to see a surge in the production and sales of electric cars in Russia, making it a greener and more environmentally-friendly country.
