Chinese carmakers have emerged as leaders in Russia’s electric vehicle (EV) sector, surpassing local competition in terms of sales. This shift in the market occurred after Western carmakers pulled out of Russia following the country’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict in 2022. While governments in Europe and the United States are concerned about Chinese dominance in the EV sector, Russia has embraced Chinese brands to support its car industry instead of imposing tariffs.
From May 2023 to April 2024, over 20,500 new EVs were sold in Russia, marking a significant increase of about 350% compared to the previous year. Chinese brands accounted for more than half of these sales, while Russian carmakers sold fewer than 4,000 new EVs. The overall growth in EV sales can be attributed to the increasing number of charging stations being built, consumer awareness of fuel savings, and improved maintenance services provided by dealerships.
Leading the surge in EV sales is Zeekr, a Chinese premium brand that has sold over 8,000 cars in Russia since June of the previous year. Despite not having official representation in the country, Zeekr has managed to capture the market’s attention. The popularity of premium EVs among wealthier Russians, who make up a significant portion of EV buyers, has contributed to Zeekr’s success. Additionally, Zeekr’s compact SUV, the Zeekr X, is competitively priced at around 4 million roubles ($46,136), making it comparable to European prices.
While Zeekr dominates the market, other Russian-made EVs are also beginning to gain traction. The Evolute i-Space, produced by private firm Motorinvest, and the Moskvich 3e, part of Russia’s efforts to revive a Soviet-era classic, have seen modest sales. The Lada e-Largus from Avtovaz, Russia’s leading carmaker, is still in development and is projected to be an affordable option.
Despite the success of Chinese carmakers in Russia, there have been concerns regarding service availability and knowledge among car technicians. However, these issues are expected to improve in the coming years as more Chinese cars are purchased and more expertise is developed in servicing them. Surveys indicate that the percentage of Russians willing to buy Chinese cars has increased significantly, from 6.4% in 2017 to 53.1% in recent years. This growing acceptance of Chinese car brands is gradually eroding previous prejudice towards them.
In conclusion, Chinese carmakers have taken advantage of the void left by Western competitors in Russia’s EV market and have emerged as leaders in the sector. Zeekr, in particular, has achieved remarkable success despite not having an official presence in the country. The increasing number of EV sales can be attributed to factors such as the development of charging infrastructure, consumer awareness of fuel savings, and improved maintenance services. While challenges remain, including service availability and expertise, it is anticipated that these issues will be resolved over time as more Russian consumers embrace Chinese car brands.
