The problem of environmental pollution by motor vehicles is one of the priorities for large cities. The solution to this problem may lie in the plane of the formation of an economic mechanism for the use of electric vehicles (EV). The article offers the author's approach to formation of an economic mechanism based on a combination of two types of measures: stimulating and suppressing. In order to justify the priority of economic measures, the authors have built a problem matrix, which presents the stages of the life cycle of EVs and vehicles with internal combustion engines, and the degree of their impact on the environment and the impact on environmental safety. The authors offer a list of administrative and economic measures to regulate the development of electric transport in Russia, distributed according to the stages of the EV life cycle: abolishing the transport tax and VAT on the purchase and leasing of EVs; reduction of taxes on the purchase of EVs for taxi operators and car sharing companies; expansion of the range of financial instruments attracted to finance investment projects aimed at developing EVs with a low carbon footprint. Emphasizing the importance of the criterion of decarbonization of production, the authors single out the implementation of the carbon component in the tax system as a promising tool, while relying on European experience and scenarios for the development of the automotive industry, the authors note the importance of building carbon taxes according to an incentive type. © 2023 Author(s).