Electric cars in Ukraine will become 30% more expensive from 2026: what will change

Currently, when importing electric cars to Ukraine, no value-added tax or customs duties are charged, and additional expenses for import are limited to a small excise tax. However, from January 1, 2026, these preferences will cease, resulting in an increase in the cost of electric cars by 30%, or even by 20% if manufacturers provide additional discounts for the Ukrainian market.

Starting from the beginning of 2026, electric cars in Ukraine will significantly increase in price due to the cancellation of tax benefits on their import. According to the Ukrainian Association of Automobile Importers and Dealers and the Institute of Market Research, the cost of electric cars will increase by at least 20-30%, reducing the price advantage of 'electric cars' over conventional vehicles.

In Romania, after the cancellation of import benefits for electric cars, sales volumes of such vehicles decreased by 30%. In Ukraine, it is expected that in the coming months, the demand for electric cars will rise, as the CEO of the Ukrainian Association of Automobile Importers and Dealers plans to try to import the maximum number of electric cars to meet market needs.

Although no special price preferences from electric car manufacturers are expected after the New Year, official importers are already offering significant discounts for the Ukrainian market, considering the lower purchasing power of the population compared to European countries.

The better availability of electric cars for Ukrainian buyers will end with the cancellation of benefits on their import, which will lead to a significant rise in prices for these vehicles. However, importers promise to make efforts to bring as many electric cars as possible to the Ukrainian market, as well as to provide discounts to increase demand.