Electric cars to lose benefits: how much prices may rise in 2026

Tengrinews.kz – Starting January 1, 2026, Kazakhstan will begin charging VAT on imported electric vehicles (EVs). Currently, a preferential period is in place under the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) decision.

What will change if benefits are removed

• VAT: Private individuals importing EVs will pay 16 percent VAT (Article 503 of the Tax Code).
• Customs duty: EEC exemptions will end, but Kazakhstan must comply with WTO rules.

Under these rules, private imports for personal use retain a zero customs rate, provided the vehicles are not resold outside the country.

Other domestic incentives

EVs in Kazakhstan remain exempt from transport tax and recycling fees. Registration fees for used electric cars are half the cost of conventional vehicles.

Auto expert Alexey Alekseev predicts that EV prices will rise at least due to VAT. However, the government may still decide to extend the benefits before the end of the year.

"If benefits are not extended, EVs will immediately become at least 16 percent more expensive because VAT will apply from January 1," Alekseev explained.

Regarding customs, he noted that the zero rate will likely remain for personal imports, but practical details will be clarified closer to the start of the year. Domestic incentives like exemption from transport tax and reduced registration fees for used EVs are expected to continue.

How much prices may rise

Alekseev estimates that imported EVs could become 10–20 percent more expensive. For example, an EV costing $30,000 could see additional charges of around $5,000, depending on the model and specifications. Lower-priced vehicles will see smaller increases, while mid- and high-end models may rise significantly.

These changes affect private buyers only, as official dealers already include all taxes. Some buyers may shift toward official imports, depending on price differences.

Alekseev predicts a surge in EV imports toward the end of the year, as people rush to purchase before the price hike. The impact will be most noticeable in mid- and high-priced segments, while budget models will increase less, roughly $2,000–$4,000 for $10,000–$20,000 vehicles, and $5,000–$6,000 for vehicles above $30,000.