Green Taxis in Kazakhstan: How to Introduce Electric Vehicles and Eco-Technologies in a Small Taxi Service

Hello! Eco-friendly transport is one of the key trends in Kazakhstan's taxi business. In 2025, the electric taxi fleet in Kazakhstan already exceeded 4,000 cars under the Yandex Go brand alone, while the total number of electric vehicles in the country is approaching 20–21 thousand. For owners of small services in district centers, small towns and villages (with a fleet of up to 40–70 drivers), switching to electric vehicles is not only a contribution to the environment but also real savings, a way to stand out and attract customers. In this article, we will look at how to launch a green taxi in Astana, Almaty and the regions, what incentives are available right now, and how Tonotel's cloud software helps optimize work with electric vehicles.

Why are electric vehicles profitable for a small regional taxi service?

Electric vehicles are cheaper to run, especially in small towns with short trips:

• Fuel savings — charging costs 1.5–2 times less than petrol (78 thousand tenge per month versus 130 thousand).
• Low repair costs — fewer moving parts, and repairs are on average 20–30% cheaper.
• Attracting customers — many passengers choose a "green" taxi for its eco-friendliness and comfort (quieter, no exhaust fumes).
• Standing out in the market — competition is lower in the regions, and electric taxis will quickly become your service's signature feature.

Popular taxi models: BYD Qin Plus, Hongqi E-QM5, GAC Aion Y — reliable and affordable.

Incentives and support for electric vehicles in Kazakhstan as of late 2025

The government is actively encouraging the switch to electric vehicles, but some incentives are coming to an end:

• Exemption from transport tax — valid until December 31, 2025.
• Exemption from the recycling fee — since 2021.
• Preferential import — the duty-free import quota (15,000 cars) was used up in October 2025. From 2026, VAT (16%) and possibly customs duties are being introduced — prices for new electric vehicles will rise.
• Regional measures — Almaty and Astana are discussing free parking, access to dedicated lanes and priority for electric taxis.
• Grants and subsidies — there are still few direct grants for buying electric vehicles for taxi use, but there are programs for developing charging infrastructure (concessional loans, subsidies for private investors).

Tip: if you are planning a purchase, do it before the end of 2025 — while the maximum incentives are still in effect.

How to introduce electric vehicles in a small taxi service

For a fleet of 30–70 cars in a region, the transition can be made gradually:

1. Start with 5–10 cars — buy used or new Chinese models (BYD, Hongqi).
2. Organize charging — install home chargers for drivers or one or two stations in town (infrastructure support programs are available).
3. Introduce a "green" fare — slightly higher than the standard one, but with an emphasis on eco-friendliness (customers are willing to pay for comfort).
4. Promote the eco angle — "Electric" stickers, posts in local groups: "Clean air for our town".

In the regions, charging infrastructure is developing more slowly, but short routes (up to 100–200 km a day) make it possible to charge overnight.

The role of software in monitoring and optimizing electric taxis

Modern software is the key to running electric vehicles efficiently.

Tonotel offers dedicated tools for "green" services:

• Route optimization — the software takes into account the location of charging stations and the remaining charge, and chooses the most efficient route (saving up to 15–20% of energy).
• Battery charge monitoring — the driver app shows the charge level and a forecast for the day.
• Separate "green" fares and labels — highlight electric vehicles in orders so that customers can choose them deliberately.
• Free order exchange — exchange rides with other services on Tonotel so that your electric vehicles never sit idle.
• Environmental reports — calculate the CO₂ saved for marketing purposes.

With Tonotel, even a small regional service can manage electric vehicles like a professional fleet.

Conclusion: now is the best time for a "green" start in the regions

Switching to electric vehicles allows a small taxi service in a district or village to save money, attract loyal customers and drivers, and contribute to cleaner air. From 2026, cars will become more expensive, so 2025 is the ideal moment to act.

Tonotel cloud software will help you quickly introduce eco-technologies: from route optimization to charge monitoring — everything is simple and requires no major investment.

Ready to make your service "green"? Sign up at tonotel.com — we will give you a free demo and help you set up the system for electric vehicles.