The Rada is discussing a new tax for electric car owners: what we know
7 April 22:49
There is renewed talk in Ukraine of a separate tax for electric vehicle owners. The idea is currently at the stage of public discussion and has not yet been formalized as a parliamentary decision. This was stated by MP Yuriy Kamelchuk on the program “Rano.LIVE,” according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
What exactly did Kamelchuk say?
MP Yuriy Kamelchuk stated that the Verkhovna Rada is discussing the possibility of introducing a separate tax for electric vehicle owners. According to him, this move is justified by the fact that electric car owners do not pay the taxes included in the price of gasoline and diesel, and therefore do not contribute to road maintenance in the same way as drivers of vehicles with internal combustion engines.
He also said that these funds could go to the Road Fund.
Why did this idea arise in the first place?
The logic behind the initiative is that in Ukraine, part of road revenue comes from taxes on fuel. Owners of gasoline and diesel cars pay these taxes indirectly—by purchasing fuel, the price of which includes the relevant tax components. Electric car owners effectively do not bear this burden, even though they use the road infrastructure just as much. It is precisely this difference that Kamelchuk refers to.
In other words, the argument of those in favor of such a levy boils down to the idea that “everyone uses the roads—everyone should contribute to their financing.” But for now, this is merely the public stance of a single lawmaker, not an approved mechanism of state policy.
Why the issue has become relevant right now
One of Kamelchuk’s main arguments is the sharp increase in the number of electric vehicles in Ukraine. The lawmaker stated that the electric vehicle fleet has grown from approximately 20,000 to nearly 300,000 units.
The electric vehicle market in Ukraine has indeed grown rapidly in recent years: Ministry of Internal Affairs service centers reported nearly 50,000 registered electric vehicles since the beginning of 2025, as well as high demand in 2024–2025.
What tax incentives for electric vehicles have already been in place in Ukraine
Electric vehicles have been incentivized with tax breaks in Ukraine for several years. The Verkhovna Rada previously supported VAT exemptions for certain transactions involving the import and supply of electric vehicles until December 31, 2025, as well as other incentives for the industry.
However, the situation changed in 2026: as of January 1, 2026, VAT was reinstated on electric vehicles, although some other incentives, such as the absence of import duties or certain fees, could remain in effect depending on the type of transaction. This means that the issue of electric vehicle taxation had already become a pressing concern for the market even before the new debate over a special road tax.
Does this mean that electric cars will become more expensive?
If a separate tax or fee for electric vehicle owners is ever actually introduced, it could increase the cost of owning such a vehicle. But it is still too early to talk about specific price increases, as there are no answers to the key questions: what the rate will be, who exactly will pay, how the amount will be calculated, and whether it will be an annual payment, a registration fee, or another mechanism. This has not yet been explained in public statements.
Where these funds might be directed
According to Kamelchuk, if a separate tax or fee is introduced, the proceeds are planned to be directed to the Road Fund. This is presented as the main justification for the idea: electric car owners also use the roads, so part of the costs of maintaining them, according to supporters of the initiative, should be offset by this segment of transportation.
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