The author of the relevant initiative was People's Deputy Dmytro Razumkov, and 248 parliamentarians voted for it. Notably, among those who voted "in favor" were also members of the "Servant of the People" faction, despite the fact that earlier their leadership openly opposed extending the benefits.
Razumkov's proposal became a kind of compromise during work on the budget. Its support is likely the result of political agreements, since before that, the relevant tax committee insisted on ending the preferential regime. The main argument of opponents is that the state needs regular revenues to the treasury, in particular for defense needs, while the import of electric vehicles, even the most expensive ones, is currently not subject to any taxes.
Currently, the import of electric cars applies zero duty and exemption from VAT. The only mandatory payment remains the excise tax — one euro for each kilowatt-hour of battery capacity. It is these conditions that contribute to the rapid growth of the electric vehicle market in Ukraine: new registration records are set every month, and Chinese manufacturers are increasingly strengthening their positions.
Despite the favorable vote, the situation remains open. Before the second reading, the budget draft may be adjusted, and it is possible that the provision on extending benefits will be revised or completely removed.
So far, everything indicates that the current tax rules will remain in effect until the end of 2025. If parliament approves the amendment during the second reading, the preferential regime will continue to operate for another year — until January 1, 2027, which will give Ukrainians additional time to take advantage of electric transport.
