Preferential car loan and leasing programs for electric vehicles in Russia may switch to new rules. The Ministry of Industry and Trade confirmed that it is working with the industry to change the state support mechanism: a 35% discount is proposed to be retained only for the most localized models.

This refers to electric vehicles and series hybrids that can score the required number of localization points under Government Decree No. 719. For other Russian-made cars produced under special investment contracts (SPIC), basic support is being discussed - a discount of 10% depending on the buyer's category or vehicle type.

The reason for the discussion was reports of a possible reduction of the maximum subsidy from 35% to 10%. However, the Ministry of Industry and Trade emphasized that a final decision has not yet been made, and the regulatory framework is under development.

Until the changes come into force, the current conditions remain. Currently, buyers of all Russian-made electric vehicles and hybrids can still count on a state discount of up to 35% of the car's cost.

If the new scheme is approved, state support will become not only a tool to stimulate demand but also an additional mechanism to encourage deep localization of production. This may affect both the strategies of car manufacturers and the cost of individual models for buyers.

It should be noted that several brands of electric vehicles and hybrids are currently produced in Russia. Among them:

1. Evolute. Three models are presented: the compact crossover i-Joy, the mid-size i-Sky, and the business sedan i-Pro. All three are assembled in Lipetsk.
2. Amberavto A5. Electric sedan from Avtotor in Kaliningrad.
3. Moskvich 3e. Crossover from the capital's plant.
4. Atom. Hatchback from Kama in Naberezhnye Chelny.
5. UMO 5 electric car and Umo 8 hybrid, cars are assembled at the Moskvich plant.

In the context of the fuel crisis, demand for them will remain regardless of state support programs.