The Association of Manufacturers and Operators of Electric Charging Stations has proposed setting a quota of 5% for electric vehicles when updating taxi fleets. The initiative concerns Russian-assembled cars and is being considered as a supplement to the law on taxi localization.
The issue will be discussed on March 26 with the participation of regulators, the Moscow Department of Transport, businesses, and manufacturers. Previously, the government instructed to work out an initiative to develop electric transport.
According to the association's estimate, the quota will allow selling up to 4,000 electric vehicles annually. Currently, there are about 80,000 electric vehicles in Russia, of which about 7,000 are in taxis, with a total fleet of 791,000 cars.
Part of the market supports the idea, but participants point to risks. The industry notes a shortage of charging infrastructure and the high cost of electric vehicles. Without subsidies and benefits, fulfilling the quota may be difficult.
Taxi representatives also warn of an increased burden on business. At the same time, some participants consider the 5% level moderate, but possible only with state support.
