Uzbekistan to launch production of electric vehicles by 2025

Uzbekistan plans to launch the production of electric vehicles by 2025, representative of UzAuto Motors, Rustam Kodirov told journalists during a press tour to the plant on March 6.

"Currently, we are only working on creating the concept. According to our forecasts, production can be launched by 2025," he said.

In December last year, the Uzbek government announced its intention to produce electric vehicles. UzAuto Motors was instructed to involve foreign experts and consulting companies in this process and draw up a draft concept by February 1 of this year.

"Some 100mn cars are sold annually in the world, with the share of electric cars currently staying at 2%. Tesla is one of the most popular and demanded electric cars. Its price is around $35,000 (in Uzbekistan it costs more than twice of hits amount). However, there are quite a few people in Uzbekistan who would buy a car for $35,000. 80% of our sales are cars cheaper than $11,000 " - said Kodirov.

“The creation of the necessary infrastructure for charging them should be the primary task”, he added.

General Motors in February announced its intention to make 40% of its cars completely electric by the end of 2025. It plans to exclusively offer electric vehicles by 2035.

Uzbekistan imported $2.9mn worth 131 electric vehicles in 2020, according to the country`s State Statistics Committee.  Most of them were imported from China and South Korea.

The import of electric vehicles enjoys zero excise taxes and customs duties, while for traditional cars consumers should pay twice of its price.