Uzbekistan is looking to electric cars to help drive its green transition

The most populous country in Central Asia aims to reduce its carbon footprint by promoting the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). Five years ago, the country eliminated excise and customs duties on electric and hybrid vehicles, leading to a significant drop in their cost. As a result, sales of EVs in Uzbekistan have increased tenfold over the past three years. The country also benefits from low electricity costs, making charging an electric car cheaper than fueling one with diesel or gasoline. Last year, over 25,000 electric cars were sold in Uzbekistan, with the majority being imported from China. Local EV dealer Megawatt Motors has installed charging stations across the country to support the growing popularity of EVs. Uzbekistan’s goal to reduce emissions also requires a shift to cleaner energy sources to power the EVs. The country has been investing in hydropower and solar technologies, which has helped increase the share of renewables in its energy mix. Despite potential challenges, demand for EVs in Uzbekistan remains strong.