Traded in an old car - drove away in an electric car: Uzbekistan launches large-scale exchange

The state will pay interest on loans and accelerate the transition to clean transport

A new car park renewal program is launching in Uzbekistan, approved by Presidential Decree No. UP-22. The document enshrines a course towards environmentally friendly transport and reducing the burden on the environment. One of the key mechanisms is the opportunity for citizens to hand over an outdated car and switch to an electric car on preferential terms.

Buyers of electric vehicles will be offered targeted loans at a rate of up to 16% per annum, while the difference above this level will be compensated by the budget. At the first stage, it is planned to issue about 15 thousand subsidized loans. In parallel, the development of infrastructure will be accelerated: by the end of the year, the number of charging stations in the country should increase to 4,000. Entrepreneurs will be given loans at 10% and preferential access to land plots, as well as partially reimbursed for electricity costs.

A separate emphasis is placed on taxis. Electric vehicle drivers will have their social tax reduced by 10% and will be allowed to park for free at railway stations and airports for 30 minutes. The most disciplined taxi drivers who have traveled 1 million km without violations will be awarded the “Tabiat himoyachisi” badge. It is expected that the number of drivers on electric traction will increase to 300 thousand, and the contribution of road transport to air pollution will decrease by at least 7%.