Russia electric vehicle sales double amid fuel shortages

Sales of new electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrids in Russia more than doubled during the summer months compared to the same period last year. According to data from the analytical company Autostat, 26,543 units were sold between June and August, up from 12,187 in the previous year.

This surge in demand is attributed to fuel shortages caused by intensified Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries since early June. These attacks led to operational shutdowns at key facilities, causing gasoline production to drop to approximately 70% of the level required to meet domestic consumption. The resulting shortages and long queues at gas stations have prompted some motorists to switch to electric vehicles or convert existing cars to run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Despite the growth, the Russian electric vehicle market remains relatively small. Last year, electric and plug-in hybrid models accounted for only 4.3% of total car sales. Market expansion faces significant hurdles, including an insufficient charging station network, vast geographic distances, and harsh climatic conditions.