Stimulating Demand for Electric Vehicles in the World and Russian Context

Abstract

The article evaluates global and Russian experience of government stimulation of demand for electric vehicles among the population. All measures can be divided into financial (direct and indirect) and non-financial (related to the benefits of operating an electric car). Foreign experience shows that at the initial stages of market development, direct financial measures prove to be the most effective. Non-financial measures are the most impactful in combination with the direct support. Countries-car producers are cautious about the measures aimed at restrictions for traditional cars with internal combustion engines. In Russia the electric vehicles market is at the initial stage of development. The government started to provide incentives in a pilot mode, with the focus on indirect financial measures, and only for purchase of localized and domestic electric vehicles. A test survey conducted among potential buyers of electric cars in Russia has revealed that only about one-fifth of respondents is considering the purchase of electric vehicles and about a half of the respondents doubted the advisability of buying an electric car. There are a number of preconceptions about the effectiveness of the new technology. This perception hampers the demand. For potential buyers the introduction of direct subsidies would be the most important factor for making decision about purchasing an electric car. Quite a variety of indirect measures is also in demand because for potential buyers of electric vehicles the major drivers are the price of a car and the cost of electric vehicle performance. Non-financial measures are important only for about 15% of respondents. This is an indicator of low interest in decarbonization goals among population.