Electric Cars in Latvia 2026 — Complete Guide
A complete guide to electric cars in Latvia — popular models and their comparison, charging infrastructure, tax benefits, real running costs and tips for choosing a used EV. Everything you need to know before buying an electric car in 2026.
📋 Table of Contents
1. EV Market in Latvia 2026
The Latvian EV market is experiencing rapid growth. As of 1 April 2026, 14 813 battery-electric cars (BEV) are registered in the country — 1.8% of the fleet, still a modest share by European standards. Together with hybrids the electrified fleet is 22 485 cars. Since 2018 (406 BEV) the number is ×36.5 higher, and since the start of 2025 (9 234) it has grown by 60%. For comparison, in Norway over 50% of new sales are EVs, and Estonia's figure is twice that of Latvia.
Source: CSDD open data, as of 01.04.2026 — the full Latvian car market statistics are in our guide.
📊 Key Market Figures 2025–2026
The main growth drivers are falling new-model prices (many are now available from €33,000), tax incentives for private and corporate buyers, and an expanding charging infrastructure. The state purchase-support programme EKII-5, open to EV buyers from March 2022 until its money ran out in September 2025, also played an important role.
Since May 2026 its successor EKII-10 has been open (Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 238, run by Vides investīciju fonds, LVIF, for the Ministry of Climate and Energy). It gives private buyers who are permanent residents of Latvia €4,000 towards a new and €3,000 towards a used electric car, plus €2,000 if you scrap your own combustion-engine car or donate it to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Holders of the Goda ģimene (Honour Family) card, the state card for families with three or more children or with a disabled child, get more: €6,750 or €9,000 for a new car with at least 5 or 7 seats (€5,000 or €6,750 for a used one). The price of the base version may not exceed €45,000 excluding VAT (€60,000 with 6 or more seats). The grant applies only to a specific car that a participating dealer has listed on ekii.lv; ordinary classified listings do not qualify on their own. The programme runs until the money is used up, at the latest until 31.12.2029. Full guide to EKII-10: who qualifies, how to apply, obligations.
Market structure: ~60% of sales go to corporate buyers (leasing), with the remaining 40% being private individuals. The most popular segment is compact crossovers and hatchbacks. Most EV buyers in Latvia acquire their vehicle through leasing, which makes the monthly payment comparable to petrol equivalents.
Why does Latvia lag behind its neighbours?
Barriers to growth
- • Lower average income
- • Weak charging infrastructure in the regions
- • Distrust of new technology
- • Winter climate reduces real-world range
- • No purchase grant from September 2025 to May 2026 (EKII-5 money ran out)
Growth factors
- • Low running costs
- • Lowest company-car tax (UVTN): €15/month
- • Falling new-EV prices
- • Expanding charging network
- • Corporate leasing makes EVs affordable
2. Popular EV Models — Comparison
All leading global EV brands are available in Latvia. Below is a comparison table of the most popular models with current prices, real-world range and charging times.
| Model | Price from | Range | Fast charging | Segment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | €37,000 | 380–629 km | 15 min (10–80%)* | Sedan |
| Tesla Model Y | €42,000 | 455–533 km | 20 min (10–80%)* | Crossover |
| VW ID.3 | €33,000 | 425–557 km | 35 min (10–80%) | Hatchback |
| VW ID.4 | €40,000 | 520–604 km | 35 min (10–80%) | Crossover |
| Škoda Enyaq | €35,000 | 510–570 km | 38 min (10–80%) | Crossover SUV |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | €45,000 | 507–614 km | 18 min (10–80%) | Crossover |
| Kia EV6 | €44,000 | 528–610 km | 18 min (10–80%) | Crossover |
| BMW iX3 | €58,000 | 460 km | 34 min (10–80%) | Premium SUV |
* Tesla uses the Supercharger network (up to 250 kW). Charging times are approximate at maximum charging power.
Which model to choose?
💶 Best value for money
VW ID.3 / Škoda Enyaq — excellent range, reliable service network in Latvia, affordable price. The Enyaq is especially good for families — spacious cabin and boot.
⚡ Best charging infrastructure
Tesla Model 3 / Model Y — the Supercharger network covers all of Europe, fastest charging, best software and Autopilot.
🚀 Fastest 800V charging
Hyundai Ioniq 5 / Kia EV6 — 800V technology adds 100 km of range in under 5 minutes on a high-power charger.
🏆 Premium segment
BMW iX3 — for those accustomed to Bavarian cars. Luxurious interior, excellent dynamics, well-balanced road behaviour.
3. Charging Infrastructure in Latvia
e-mobi states that 141 fast-charging stations operate in the e-mobi network across Latvia; other operators' stations are not included in this figure. Source: e-mobi FAQ, checked 2026-09-27. Coverage depends on the route, so check the selected station's status in the operator's app before travelling and plan a backup stop.
CSDD
State e-mobi network. Check the selected station, availability, billing unit and current price in the official app or portal.
Eleport
Private network with AC and DC charging locations. Check the selected station and applicable price in the operator's app or map.
Ignitis
Charging network with station-dependent pricing. Check the current price, billing unit and any additional fees in the app.
Charging types
| Type | Power | Where used |
|---|---|---|
| 230V socket | 2.3 kW | Emergency charging |
| Wallbox 7 kW (AC) | 7.4 kW | Home, overnight charging |
| Wallbox 22 kW (AC) | 22 kW | Office, shopping centres |
| Fast DC 50 kW | 50 kW | Public stations |
| Ultra-fast DC 150+ kW | 150–350 kW | Tesla Supercharger, highways |
Charging time depends on the car, the battery's starting charge, AC/DC power and the station. Check the specific car manufacturer's charging-time estimate for the selected charging power; also check in the operator's app what power the station can deliver.
💡 Practical tip
AutoPase.lv's September 2026 home-charging estimate is €0.16–0.21/kWh, or about €3–4/100 km at 18 kWh/100 km: the VAT-inclusive Ignitis energy tariff + Sadales tīkls's variable delivery charge with 21% VAT, excluding existing fixed monthly connection and supplier-plan fees. Sources: Ignitis and Sadales tīkls; checked 2026-09-27. Ignitis household electricity tariffs and Sadales tīkls tariffs. Ignitis ON's tariff published on 27 March 2026 is €0.25–0.31/kWh for AC, €0.31–0.37/kWh for DC and €0.37–0.43/kWh for HPC; data checked 2026-09-27. Ignitis ON tariff source.
4. EV Tax Benefits
One of the key financial advantages of owning an EV in Latvia is substantial tax relief. Compared to a petrol or diesel car, tax savings can reach €100–500 per year.
🎉 Main EV tax benefits in Latvia:
UVTN: €15/month
The corporate light vehicle tax (UVTN) for a battery EV is a flat €15 a month in 2026 (€180 a year; €17 a month from 2027), whatever its power. A petrol or diesel company car pays at least €33 a month (up to 110 kW), and more for more powerful engines.
Operating tax: €0/year
A battery EV registered in Latvia pays no annual vehicle operation tax. Petrol and diesel cars first registered from 2021 pay by CO₂ emissions: €12–834/year, typically €72–99.
No fuel excise duty
Electricity is not subject to excise duty, unlike petrol (€0.555/l) and diesel (€0.396/l, a temporary rate since 1 April 2026; the standard rate is €0.467/l) — rates on 24.09.2026. On 24.09.2026 the Saeima voted a further temporary cut for 1 October – 31 December 2026 (petrol €0.490/l, diesel €0.330/l). An indirect saving.
Tax burden comparison
| Tax / fee | Electric car | Petrol (2.0 l) |
|---|---|---|
| UVTN (corporate) | €180/year (€15/month) | from €396/year (€33/month up to 110 kW) |
| Operating tax | €0/year | €12–834/year by CO₂ |
| Technical inspection | €30–50 | €30–50 |
| Registration (one-time) | €0 CSDD fees with EV plates + €110* | €41.88 CSDD fees + €110* |
* €110 natural resources tax when a car is first registered in Latvia; there is no EV exemption, but dealers in an end-of-life-vehicle scheme are exempt from it. Operating tax figures for petrol cars apply to cars first registered from 2021.
5. Running Costs — EV vs ICE
Running-cost results depend on the exact cars, annual mileage, financing, maintenance and the energy prices you actually pay. AutoPase.lv does not have a live feed of household contracts or every public charging tariff, so a universal payback figure would be misleading.
Build your own comparison
Energy per 100 km
EV: kWh/100 km × your full home or station price. ICE: litres/100 km × the current pump price.
Fixed ownership costs
Compare financing, insurance, applicable taxes, parking and any subscriptions for the exact cars.
Maintenance and depreciation
Use service quotes, tyre costs, warranty coverage and expected resale value rather than a generic allowance.
💡 No universal annual-savings figure
Multiply each per-kilometre result by your own annual mileage, then add the fixed costs above. Recheck public-station prices in the operator's app and home electricity in your contract before making a purchase decision.
EV maintenance costs
✅ What you DON'T need to replace in an EV:
- • Engine oil and filters
- • Spark plugs
- • Timing belt / chain
- • Clutch
- • Exhaust system
- • Turbocharger (if applicable)
🔧 What still needs servicing:
- • Brake pads (less often — regenerative braking)
- • Tyres (every 30–50 thousand km)
- • Brake fluid (every 2 years)
- • Battery coolant
- • Cabin air filter
- • Windscreen washer fluid
6. Used EV — What You Need to Know
The used EV market in Latvia is growing. You can find a good 3–5 year old electric car for €15,000–25,000. However, buying a used EV involves specific risks that do not apply to conventional cars.
⚠️ Main risk — battery condition
The battery is the most expensive EV component (€8,000–20,000). Replacing it out of warranty can cost more than the car itself. That is why the battery's State of Health (SoH) is the key metric when buying a used EV.
Battery degradation
| Age / Mileage | Typical SoH | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| New | 100% | Excellent |
| 2–3 years / 50 thousand km | 90–95% | Excellent |
| 4–5 years / 80 thousand km | 82–90% | Good |
| 6–8 years / 130 thousand km | 75–85% | Acceptable |
| Over 8 years | <75% | Risk |
Checklist when buying a used EV
Check the VIN history
Accidents, mileage, number of owners, liens — all reflected in databases
Request a battery SoH report
For many models data can be obtained via an app or OBD diagnostics
Check the real-world range
Charge to 100%, drive normally and compare with the stated figure
Check the battery warranty
Most manufacturers offer an 8-year / 160,000 km battery warranty (SoH ≥70%)
Check the charging history
Frequent use of fast charging (DC) accelerates battery degradation
7. Home Charging
Home charging can be convenient, but the applicable price comes from your electricity contract. Installation cost depends on the equipment, cable route, electrical protection and any connection-capacity changes.
🔌 Wallbox 7 kW (single-phase)
Equipment: Request a supplier quote
Installation: Request a site-specific electrician estimate
Total: Include cabling, protection and any capacity increase
Charge time: Check the car maker's charging-time estimate for this power
Suitable for: Most cases, overnight charging
⚡ Wallbox 22 kW (three-phase)
Equipment: Request a supplier quote
Installation: Request a site-specific electrician estimate
Total: Verify three-phase supply and available capacity
Charge time: Check the car maker's charging-time estimate for this power
Suitable for: High mileage, multiple EVs, business
What home charging really costs
AutoPase.lv's September 2026 home-charging estimate is €0.16–0.21/kWh, or about €3–4/100 km at 18 kWh/100 km: the VAT-inclusive Ignitis energy tariff + Sadales tīkls's variable delivery charge with 21% VAT, excluding existing fixed monthly connection and supplier-plan fees. Sources: Ignitis and Sadales tīkls; checked 2026-09-27. Ignitis household tariff source and Sadales tīkls tariff source.
Installation requirements
Building management approval (for apartments) — usually a formality, but required
Dedicated 16–32 A circuit — mandatory; must not be connected to a shared socket
TN-S earthing — required for safe charging
Certified electrician — installation must be carried out by a licensed professional
8. EVs in Winter — Real-World Range
Winter is the main argument sceptics use against EVs in Latvia. Cold weather does reduce range. The effect varies between cars, conditions and journeys, so plan from the data your car provides.
🌡️ What affects winter consumption
| Factor | How to plan |
|---|---|
| Temperature and battery conditioning | Use the car's recent cold-weather consumption. |
| Cabin heating | Pre-heat while plugged in where possible. |
| Speed, tyres and trip length | Keep a reserve for the chosen route. |
Tips for winter EV driving
✅ Do this:
- • Charge in a warm garage
- • Pre-heat the cabin while the car is plugged in
- • Use seat and steering wheel heating (more efficient)
- • Plan your route with charging stops
- • Keep a reserve and avoid arriving with a very low charge in freezing weather
- • Use winter tyres (mandatory!)
❌ Avoid:
- • Storing the car in frost with a depleted battery
- • Relying solely on climate control for extended periods
- • Hard acceleration on a very cold battery
- • Ignoring the low-charge warning
💡 Key takeaway
There is no universal percentage. Temperature, battery conditioning, cabin heating, speed, tyres and trip length all affect consumption. Plan from the car's recent cold-weather consumption and keep a reserve for the chosen route.
9. Check an EV Before Buying
Before buying any used electric car — especially one imported from abroad — be sure to run a VIN check. A vehicle's history can conceal accidents, odometer fraud, liens or serious technical problems.
🚨 Typical used-EV problems hidden by sellers:
- •Rolled-back odometer — especially common for EVs from the USA and Germany
- •Accidents with battery damage — may not be visible externally
- •Outstanding manufacturer recalls — unfulfilled safety recalls
- •Liens or leasing — the vehicle may be under a financial encumbrance
- •Software tampering — interference with battery data
🔍 Check an EV by VIN before buying
Full vehicle history: accidents, mileage, number of owners, technical inspections, liens. For electric cars — especially important.
What does a VIN check reveal for an EV?
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How many electric cars are registered in Latvia?
As of 1 April 2026, 14 813 battery-electric cars (BEV) are registered in Latvia — 1.8% of the fleet. Together with hybrids the electrified fleet is 22 485 cars. Since 2018 (406 BEV) the number has grown ×36.5, and since the start of 2025 (9 234) by 60%. Source: CSDD open data as of 01.04.2026.
❓ How much does it cost to charge an EV in Latvia?
Ignitis ON's tariff published on 27 March 2026 is €0.25–0.31/kWh for AC, €0.31–0.37/kWh for DC and €0.37–0.43/kWh for HPC; data checked 2026-09-27. AutoPase.lv's September 2026 home-charging estimate is €0.16–0.21/kWh, or about €3–4/100 km at 18 kWh/100 km: the VAT-inclusive Ignitis energy tariff + Sadales tīkls's variable delivery charge with 21% VAT, excluding existing fixed monthly connection and supplier-plan fees. Sources: Ignitis and Sadales tīkls; checked 2026-09-27. The actual price depends on your electricity contract, plan and public station; other operators' tariffs differ.
❓ Is EV registration free?
Partly. The CSDD first-registration bundle (registration, certificate and number plates; €41.88 for other cars) is free for a fully electric car that takes the special EV number plates. The €110 natural resources tax due when a car is first registered in Latvia has no EV exemption (dealers in an end-of-life-vehicle scheme are exempt from it). The annual vehicle operation tax for an EV registered in Latvia is €0; petrol and diesel cars first registered from 2021 pay €12–834 a year depending on CO₂ emissions. The company-car tax (UVTN) for an EV is €15 a month (€17 from 2027).
❓ What is the real EV range in a Latvian winter?
There is no universal percentage. Temperature, battery conditioning, cabin heating, speed, tyres and trip length all affect consumption. Plan from the car's recent cold-weather consumption and keep a reserve for the chosen route.
❓ Is an EV cheaper to run than a petrol car?
It depends on the purchase price, annual mileage, where you charge and the tariffs you actually pay. An EV does not need oil changes, and a fully electric car registered in Latvia pays no annual vehicle operation tax, but energy savings cannot be stated without your home contract or the current prices of the public stations you use.
❓ What should you check before buying a used EV?
Check the battery health (State of Health ≥80%), real range, accident history via a VIN check, charging cycle count and remaining warranty.
❓ How much does a home charging station cost to install?
The price depends on the wallbox, cable route, protection, available connection capacity and installation conditions. Request an equipment offer and a site-specific estimate from a certified electrician; payback cannot be stated without your tariff and actual mileage.
❓ What is the most popular EV in Latvia?
The best-selling models are Tesla Model Y and Model 3, as well as VW ID.3, Škoda Enyaq and Hyundai Ioniq 5. Kia EV6 and BMW iX3 are also popular in the premium segment.
❓ Where can you charge an EV in Latvia?
e-mobi states that 141 fast-charging stations operate in the e-mobi network across Latvia; other operators' stations are not included in this figure. Source: e-mobi FAQ, checked 2026-09-27. Coverage depends on the route, so check the selected station's status in the operator's app before travelling and plan a backup stop.
❓ Can you drive an EV in winter without problems?
Yes, modern EVs perform excellently in Latvian winters. Key tips: charge the battery in a warm place, use seat and steering wheel heating (rather than climate control), and plan your route with charging stops.
📌 Summary
At the September 2026 home estimate, 18 kWh/100 km costs ≈€3–4 per 100 km; actual energy savings still depend on your mileage and the home or public tariffs you pay. It also has no annual vehicle tax, a low company-car tax (UVTN €15/month), a growing charging infrastructure and an ever-wider choice of models from €33,000. The key point — before buying a used EV always check the VIN history and battery condition. Allow for higher consumption on longer winter journeys: plan from the car's recent cold-weather consumption and keep a reserve.
Related guides
Related Guides
Latvia Car Market 2026
CSDD statistics, fleet and imports
EV Charging
Charging stations & costs
Hybrid Cars in Latvia
Hybrid types & selection
Car Tax 2026
New tax calculation
Car Maintenance Costs
How much car maintenance costs
Car Insurance
MTPL, CASCO & more
Fuel Economy Tips
20 tips to save fuel
Car Leasing
Leasing types & conditions
Browse matching cars
Useful Tools
This guide was prepared based on current Latvian EV market data. Updated: March 2026.