JERUSALEM, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Israel has unveiled a strategic plan to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption, warning slower uptake could cost the economy billions of shekels by 2030, the country's Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure said Thursday.
EVs accounted for 25 percent of new car sales in 2024, falling to 20 percent in 2025 and making up 12 percent in the first half of 2026, the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry warned that without policy intervention, EV sales could slide to 10 percent by 2030, far below the government's 90 percent target.
Wider adoption could generate economic benefits of about 15 billion shekels (about 5 billion U.S. dollars) by 2030, saving consumers roughly 70,000 shekels over a vehicle's lifetime, it said, adding continued delays could cause an economic loss of 0.6 to 2.2 billion shekels in 2027 alone.
The ministry's plan focuses on removing charging barriers in apartment buildings, ensuring long-term tax and regulatory certainty, and incentivizing fleet operators and leasing companies. ■
