KRG lifts import duties on electric cars to promote environmental sustainability
In 2022, Erbil had only 20 registered electric cars, but the market for it has grown rapidly.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has removed import duties on electric cars in a significant move towards fostering cleaner, more sustainable energy usage. This decision is expected to make electric cars more affordable for citizens, ultimately reducing environmental pollution and aligning with global trends favoring eco-friendly transportation.
Hawkar Hamad, an employee at an electric car import company, explained the potential impact of the new policy. "The exemption on import taxes will lower the cost of electric cars, making them more accessible to the public. This could lead to a significant increase in the number of electric cars in the Kurdistan Region, contributing to a cleaner environment."
Electric cars, which run entirely on battery power, are known for their environmental benefits, as they do not emit greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide or produce noise pollution. A fully charged electric car can travel between 450 and 500 kilometers, and demand for these vehicles has been steadily increasing in the Kurdistan Region.
In 2022, Erbil had only 20 registered electric cars, but the market for it has grown rapidly. To further support this trend, companies have been installing free charging stations, encouraging more drivers to transition to electric cars. Dilzar Muhammad, an employee at one of these stations, noted the efficiency of public chargers compared to domestic electricity, which charges vehicles at a slower rate.
According to Dilshad Hussein Najim, Director of the Erbil Environmental Office, the KRG's decision follows a request by the Environmental Protection and Repair Board in late 2023, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and curbing noise pollution in the region. "The initiative will help clean Erbil’s environment, cutting emissions like CO2 while reducing vehicle-related costs," he said.
Currently, the Kurdistan Region has nearly two million registered cars, each emitting an average of four tons of carbon dioxide annually. By promoting electric cars, the KRG hopes to play a vital role in lowering these emissions and improving air quality.
With the reduction of import duties and the growing infrastructure for electric cars, the KRG is making strides toward a cleaner, more sustainable future for the region.
Additional reporting by Kurdistan24's correspondent Shayma Bayiz