This measure is included in the proposed reform of the tax system for imported cars and is currently under public review, reports forbes.ro.
Until now, electric vehicles have enjoyed import tax exemptions, which was an attempt by the authorities to encourage the transition to environmentally friendly transportation. However, the new proposal calls for the introduction of excise taxes on these vehicles as well, and the calculation formula will take into account characteristics such as the vehicle’s weight and generation.
Importers warn of price increases
Representatives of the automotive industry claim that the new taxes will ultimately be passed on to consumers. According to importers’ estimates, the price of an electric vehicle could rise by at least 400 euros, and for heavier models, the increase could exceed 3,000 euros.
“It’s obvious that car prices will go up. It’s safe to say that, in the end, the consumer loses out. If the current tax scheme is approved, prices for electric vehicles will rise by 400–3,000 euros,” said Vladimir Ginkulov, director of an automotive company.
The automotive industry is also complaining about the unpredictability of tax policy. Importers argue that procurement, logistics, and investment planning are carried out several years in advance, and companies need to know in advance which rules will apply.
The industry is calling for a fiscal plan through 2030
Andrei Munteanu, head of an automotive company, believes that the authorities should provide more clarity on the development of the tax system in the coming years.
“For example, we’re only talking about 2027, but we’re not discussing what will happen until 2030. Economic actors generally need to know in advance because logistics, production, and imports aren’t matters of two or three months—sometimes we’re talking about years,” he explained.
Importers say they do not dispute the need for some form of taxation, but they are calling for certain incentives for electric vehicles to be maintained, given their technology and lower emissions.
Drivers Criticize the Policy Change
The new proposal has also sparked a reaction among electric vehicle owners. They believe that the elimination of tax incentives represents a shift from the policy previously pursued by the authorities.
Discussions on the draft are not yet complete, and the final tax amount will depend on the form in which the tax reform is adopted.
