The preferential car loan program has redefined which vehicles are eligible, with passenger cars no longer part of the incentive. This change comes from official statements reported by RIA Novosti, referencing the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation.
According to the ministry, the current emphasis of the program now covers all electric vehicles produced by Russian manufacturers, highly automated unmanned vehicles, Russian-built truck tractors, and every category of public transportation.
Historically, the program has evolved to broaden access for specific groups. In 2024, education workers, healthcare workers, participants and family members of participants in military special operations, as well as individuals with disabilities, were able to acquire a car through the preferential car loan. This expansion aimed to make transportation more accessible for those serving public interests and vulnerable communities.
The program sets a basic discount on the car at 20 percent of the vehicle’s price, with a higher 25 percent discount available to residents of the Far East. Under these terms, buyers have access to models from domestic manufacturers such as Lada, UAZ, and GAZ, as well as vehicles from the Chinese brand Haval produced in the Tula region, with price ceilings up to 2 million rubles. Additionally, electric options from Evolute and Moskvich 3e enter the program, with discounts up to 35 percent, but not exceeding 925 thousand rubles.
There was earlier discussion within the Ministry of Industry and Trade about increasing the discount to 35 percent for purchases of new electric vehicles in Russia. This potential adjustment reflected ongoing policy conversations about accelerating electric vehicle adoption and supporting domestic producers while offering meaningful savings to buyers.
Across the landscape of the program, the focus remains on expanding access to affordable, domestically manufactured mobility, prioritizing vehicles that can align with strategic economic goals and energy considerations. By narrowing the eligible vehicle set to electric models, automated vehicles, and public transport, the program seeks to stimulate domestic manufacturing capacity, improve urban mobility, and incentivize a shift toward lower-emission transportation options.