Sales of electrified vehicles in Russia, including hybrids, rose from 43,000 units in the first eight months of 2025 to over 83,000 during the same period in 2026. Data from the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade highlights this shift, while Avtostat reports that the market share for plug-in vehicles reached 11.5 percent, up from approximately 5 percent at the start of the year.
The surge in demand for Chinese electric vehicles follows fuel supply disruptions caused by recent attacks on oil refineries. Drivers facing shortages at gas stations have turned to electric alternatives, leading to depleted inventories at dealerships. In a Moscow complex housing over 40 dealerships, 25 showrooms are now dedicated to Chinese brands, with local models like Evolute reporting no remaining stock.
Government support for electrification includes tax exemptions and parking fee waivers in major cities, alongside subsidies for domestically assembled electric vehicles. Public charging infrastructure has expanded from approximately 1,500 stations in 2022 to 8,000 in 2026. Additionally, Moscow continues its transition to electric buses, aiming to fully electrify its fleet by 2032.
