President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a decree approving the 2026 State Program, launching a massive financial support package to accelerate Uzbekistan’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs). The initiative targets buyers, infrastructure developers, and taxi drivers to drastically reduce air pollution, Gazeta.uz reports.
To lower the barrier to entry, the government is introducing preferential car loans. While market rates currently average 23%, the state will cap EV loan interest at 16%, subsidizing any amount above this threshold from the national budget. The first phase aims to put 15,000 new electric vehicles on the road.
Rapid Expansion of Charging Networks
The program seeks to increase the number of charging stations from 1,400 to 4,000. Key business incentives include:
- Energy Subsidies: The state will cover electricity costs exceeding 300 soums per kWh (market rates currently reach 2,200 soums).
- Cheap Credit: Targeted loans at 10% interest for building stations.
- Discounted Land: Auction starting prices for charging sites will be slashed by 50%.
Incentivizing 300,000 Electric Taxis
With EVs currently making up less than 2% of the taxi fleet, the government aims for a 25-fold increase to 300,000 drivers. Benefits for self-employed electric taxi operators include:
- A 10% social tax discount.
- Free parking for the first 30 minutes at state facilities, including airports.
- The "Tabiat Himoyachisi" (Defender of Nature) badge for high-mileage, accident-free drivers.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
February 18, 2026