Russia sees surge in Chinese EV demand amid fuel shortages

Fuel shortages in Russia, driven by Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries, have triggered a surge in the demand for electric vehicles (EVs). Since late June, the Russian EV market has more than doubled, with Chinese manufacturers dominating the shift as Western brands have largely exited the market due to sanctions.

Data from Avtostat indicates that pure EVs and plug-in hybrids accounted for approximately 11.5% of the Russian automotive market by late September, up from roughly 5% at the start of the year. This growth is largely fueled by Chinese brands, such as Great Wall Motor and Evolute, which are now widely available in dealerships that previously focused on Western, Japanese, or Korean models.

The fuel crisis has led to long queues at gas stations and the government-authorized sale of lower-quality gasoline, which some mechanics report is causing vehicle malfunctions. While Russia has historically relied on its status as a major oil producer to maintain low fuel prices, the disruption to refining capabilities is forcing a rapid change in consumer behavior toward electrification.