What is Voyah Free and why is its tax questionable?
Electric car Voyah Free (or Voya Free) is a Chinese premium crossover with an electric powertrain, which is officially supplied to Russia from 2023. The car is equipped with two electric motors with a total power of up to 700 hp (in the top version), a battery with a capacity of 88–110 kWh and a power reserve of up to 500 km. But despite the technology, owners are more concerned not with the acceleration dynamics, but with transport tax — after all, electric cars in Russia are taxed according to special rules.
The problem is that legislation does not keep up with market developments: tax rates for electric cars change frequently, and regional benefits can differ dramatically. For example, in Moscow Voyah Free may be completely exempt from tax, and in the Krasnodar Territory you will have to pay for it like for a regular car with an internal combustion engine. Let's figure out how the tax is calculated, what its size depends on, and how to legally reduce payments.
Important: the information is relevant for 2026 and is based on the latest changes in the Tax Code of the Russian Federation (Article 361) and regional laws. If you buy Voyah Free on credit or leasing, tax obligations may differ - we will talk about this separately.
Does Voyah Free pay transport tax in Russia?
Yes, but with reservations. According to paragraph 2 of Art. 358 Tax Code of the Russian Federation, Electric vehicles are not automatically exempt from vehicle tax.. However, regional authorities have the right to establish benefits - and many take advantage of them. For example:
- 🚗 Moscow and Moscow region: Full tax exemption for electric cars up to 250 kW (339 hp) until 2026.
- 🌆 St. Petersburg: 50% discount for electric vehicles up to 150 kW (204 hp).
- 🏔️ Krasnodar region: no benefits - tax is calculated at standard rates.
- ⚡ Tatarstan and Bashkortostan: exemption for electric cars until 2027.
For Voyah Free parameter is critical power. In the basic version (490 hp / 360 kW), the car does not qualify for benefits in all regions. For example, in Moscow you won’t have to pay tax, but in Rostov-on-Don you will pay the full rate. To find out exactly your situation, check official website of the Federal Tax Service or use the service Taxpayer personal account.
How to find out the power of your Voyah Free?
Power is indicated in PTS (field “Engine power, kW”) or STS (column “10”). For Voyah Free possible options:
- 🔋 360 kW (490 hp) - basic version.
- ⚡ 510 kW (693 hp) - top modification Voyah Free GT.
If the documents indicate power in horsepower, convert it to kilowatts using the formula: 1 hp = 0.735 kW.
The PTS may indicate total power of two electric motors. If you see a value above 500 hp, check with the dealership - this may be a documentation error.
How is transport tax calculated for Voyah Free?
Standard formula:
Tax = (Power in HP) × (Region Rate) × (Ownership Rate)But there are nuances:
- Power: taken from PTS/STS. For Voyah Free this is usually 490 or 693 hp - critical for calculation.
- Rate: Varies by region. For example, in Moscow region for cars 250+ hp the rate is 150 rubles/hp, but for electric cars there is a discount of 0 rubles.
- Ownership rate: if you bought a car in the middle of the year, the tax is calculated in proportion to the months of ownership (for example, for 6 months - coefficient 0.5).
Calculation example for Voyah Free 490 hp in Krasnodar region (without benefits, rate 75 rub./hp):
490 hp × 75 rub. × 1 (full year) = 36,750 rub. per year.For comparison: in Tatarstan the same car will be exempt from tax until 2027.
What if the vehicle title states the power in kW rather than hp?
The Federal Tax Service requires conversion to horsepower, rounded to the nearest whole number. For example, 360 kW = 360 / 0.735 ≈ 490 hp. Rounding up, we get 490 hp. to calculate tax.
Table of rates by region (2026)
| Region | Rate for 250–400 hp (rub/hp) | Rate for 400+ HP (rub/hp) | Benefit for electric cars |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moscow | 150 | 300 | 100% until 2026 |
| Moscow region | 150 | 300 | 100% until 2026 |
| St. Petersburg | 100 | 200 | 50% for cars up to 204 hp. |
| Krasnodar region | 75 | 150 | No |
| Tatarstan | 50 | 100 | 100% until 2027 |
Attention! Rates may change annually. Check the current data on the Federal Tax Service website or in the taxpayer’s personal account.
Even if your Voyah Free falls under the exemption, you are required to submit a declaration to the Federal Tax Service to confirm your right to tax exemption.
Benefits and ways to reduce tax on Voyah Free
In addition to regional benefits, there are other legal ways to reduce the tax burden:
- 🔌 Federal benefit for electric cars: Until 2026, electric vehicles up to 250 kW (339 hp) are exempt from tax in most regions. But Voyah Free exceeds this threshold, so the benefit does not apply.
- 👨👩👧👦 Benefits for large families: in some regions (for example, in Chelyabinsk region) large families can receive a 50% discount on transport tax.
- 🚘 Re-registration to a region with benefits: if you live on the border of two regions (for example, Moscow and the Moscow region), sometimes it is more profitable to register your car where there are benefits.
- 💼 Leasing or legal registration: if Voyah Free is registered in the name of a company, the tax can be calculated according to other rules (for example, as the property of an organization).
Important: Benefits are not automatically applied. To get them you need:
- Submit an application to the Federal Tax Service (through your personal account or in person).
- Provide documents confirming your right to the benefit (for example, a certificate for a large family).
- Wait for the tax authorities’ decision (usually takes 10–30 days).
PTS and STS on Voyah Free|
Owner's passport|
Documents confirming the benefit (for example, a certificate for a large family)|
Application to the Federal Tax Service (sample can be downloaded on the tax website) -->
Attention! If you do not submit documents for benefits on time, the Federal Tax Service will charge tax at the full rate. This can only be corrected through an appeal or recalculation next year.
Tax when purchasing Voyah Free on credit or lease
If you purchase Voyah Free on credit or lease, tax obligations depend on who the car is registered to:
- 🏦 Loan (owned car): You pay the tax as the owner. Benefits are applied on a general basis.
- 📝 Leasing (car owned by a leasing company): The company pays the tax, but can include it in the monthly payment. Specify this in the contract!
- 🔄 Trade-in or exchange: if you hand over an old car to a trade-in, tax on it ceases to be charged from the moment it is deregistered.
When leasing, pay attention to the clause in the agreement regarding tax obligations. Some companies indicate that the tax is paid by the client, but do not notify him about this in advance. For example, the contract may contain the line:
"The Lessee undertakes to reimburse the Lessor for the costs associated with the payment of transport tax within 5 working days from the date of receipt of the notification."
If you buy Voyah Free for leasing, ask the company for a tax calculation before signing the contract. In some cases, it is more profitable to take out a loan and pay the tax yourself (especially if there are benefits in your region).
When applying for leasing, check whether the transport tax is included in the advance payment. Some companies include it in the first payment, which increases the burden on the budget.
Fines and problems for non-payment of tax on Voyah Free
If you do not pay the transport tax on time, the Federal Tax Service will charge:
- 💰 Penalty: 1/300 of the Central Bank refinancing rate for each day of delay (now it is ~0.08% per day).
- 📜 Fine: 20% of the unpaid amount (if the tax authorities prove intent - up to 40%).
- 🚔 Limitations: for debts over 3,000 rubles. may be prohibited from traveling abroad or the account frozen.
Example: if you have not paid RUB 36,750. (tax for Voyah Free in the Krasnodar Territory) and are overdue for 6 months, the debt will increase:
36,750 (tax) + 36,750 × 0.08% × 180 days ≈ 36,750 + 530 = 37,280 rub.
+ 20% fine = RUB 7,456.
Total: 44,736 rub.Attention! The Federal Tax Service can write off tax debt without your consent, if you have enough money in your account. To avoid blocking, set up notifications in the taxpayer’s personal account or in the banking application.
If you think that the tax was calculated incorrectly (for example, a benefit was not taken into account), submit complaint to the Federal Tax Service within 10 days from receipt of the notification. Attach copies of documents confirming your right to benefits (PTS, certificate of a large family, etc.).
Frequent mistakes of Voyah Free owners when paying taxes
Even experienced car owners make mistakes that lead to overpayments or fines. Here are the most common:
- 📄 Failure to check power in PTS: some dealers indicate power in kW in documents, and the tax office recalculates it into hp. rounded up. Always check this point!
- 🏠 Registration and registration of cars in different regions: tax is paid at the place of registration car, not the owner. If you are registered in Moscow, but have set Voyah Free to register in the Moscow region, Moscow benefits do not apply to you.
- 📅 Missing a payment deadline: tax for 2026 must be paid by December 1, 2026. But if you receive notice earlier, you must pay within 30 days.
- 🔄 Failure to notify the Federal Tax Service about the sale of a car: if you sold Voyah Free, but have not deregistered it, the tax will be charged to you. Be sure to apply for termination of registration!
Another common mistake is ignoring letters from the Federal Tax Service. The tax office may send a notice of additional tax assessment (for example, if it discovers that you have not submitted documents for benefits). If you ignore such a letter, after 2 months you will receive a demand for payment of penalties.
What to do if the tax office made a mistake in the calculation?
First, check the data in the taxpayer’s personal account. If the error is confirmed (for example, incorrect power), submit an application for recalculation. Attach copies of PTS/STS to your application. The review period is up to 30 days.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about Voyah Free tax
Do I need to pay tax if Voyah Free is under warranty?
Vehicle warranty no effect for transport tax. It must be paid regardless of whether the warranty is valid or not. An exception is if the car is being repaired by an official dealer for more than 6 months (then the tax can be recalculated in proportion to the downtime).
Is it possible not to pay tax if Voyah Free is parked in a garage and does not drive?
No. Transport tax is charged for possession car, and not for its use. Even if Voyah Free parked in a garage or parking lot, you are required to pay tax while the car is registered in your name.
What is the tax if Voyah Free is registered to a wife/husband?
Tax pays owner, specified in the STS. If the car is registered in the name of a spouse, the tax will come in his name - even if you are actually using it. To re-register tax obligations, you need to re-register the car.
Will there be a tax on Voyah Free after 2026?
Currently, incentives for electric cars in most regions are valid until 2026–2027. What happens next depends on the decisions of local authorities. It is possible that benefits will be extended or replaced with other support measures (for example, subsidies). Follow the news on the Federal Tax Service website.
Is it possible to return the tax paid if the right to a benefit has become available?
Yes, but only for 3 previous years. For example, if you received large family status in 2026, you can file a return and get a tax refund for 2021-2023. To do this you need:
- Write an application to the Federal Tax Service.
- Provide documents confirming the benefit.
- Wait for recalculation (usually takes 1–2 months).