Uzbekistan to lift electric vehicle share to 10% by 2030 amid air quality concerns

Uzbekistan plans to significantly expand the use of electric vehicles (EVs), targeting a 10% share of all passenger cars by 2030.

The initiative comes as part of broader efforts to improve urban air quality and cut transport emissions, according to the updated Uzbekistan-2030 strategy.

The roadmap envisions a gradual rise in EV adoption over the next five years. Electric cars are expected to account for just under 2% of passenger vehicles in 2026, increasing to 3% in 2027, 5% in 2028, 7% in 2029, and 10% by 2030.

As of 1 October 2025, more than 86,100 electric vehicles were registered nationwide. The majority are concentrated in the capital, Tashkent, which accounts for nearly 65,000 EVs.

The government links the policy shift to environmental and public health priorities. In 2025, Tashkent regularly recorded elevated air pollution levels, particularly during winter months, driven by road traffic, fossil-fuel heating and adverse weather conditions that trap emissions.

While EVs alone are not expected to solve the problem, officials say reducing tailpipe emissions in densely populated areas could make a meaningful contribution to cleaner urban air over time.

To accelerate adoption, authorities have announced a package of financial incentives. Subsidised auto loans will be offered at 12% for domestically produced electric vehicles and 16% for imported models.

Entrepreneurs investing in charging infrastructure will be eligible for preferential loans at 10%, along with the option to purchase land for charging stations at half price through auctions.

Additional support measures include state compensation for electricity costs at public charging stations, covering the portion of the tariff above a fixed threshold.

Drivers using electric vehicles for taxi services are also expected to receive targeted benefits, although full details have yet to be published.

The measures form part of a five-year national programme to promote eco-friendly transport.

Alongside financial incentives, the programme prioritises expanding the charging network and integrating electric mobility into urban transport planning.

Officials say the strategy is designed to balance environmental goals with consumer affordability, while laying the groundwork for longer-term reductions in transport-related emissions. 

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