Sales of new electric vehicles in Russia more than doubled during the summer as fuel shortages linked to Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries pushed some motorists to look for alternatives to petrol-powered cars, according to data from analytical agency Autostat, Reuters reported.
Sales of new passenger electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid cars reached 26,543 units between June and August this year, compared with 12,187 units during the same period in 2025. Most of these vehicles are manufactured in China, according to data provided by Autostat to Reuters.
Ukrainian strikes on major Russian oil refineries increased from early June, forcing some facilities to stop operations and contributing to fuel shortages. By the end of August, Russia’s petrol production had fallen to about 70 per cent of domestic consumption, according to the data.
The shortage left some motorists spending hours looking for petrol and waiting in long queues at fuel stations. As the situation continued, some consumers began considering electric vehicles as an alternative, while others opted to convert their existing vehicles to run on natural gas.
Despite the recent increase in sales, Russia’s electric vehicle market remains relatively small. A limited charging network, the country’s long distances and its harsh climate continue to restrict wider adoption. Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids accounted for only 4.3 per cent of total car sales in Russia last year, Autostat said.
Autostat also said the rise in demand was not fully matched by supply. Manufacturers and importers had not anticipated the sudden increase in interest following the petrol shortages, resulting in supply constraints in the electric vehicle market.
