Electric Mobility Expands: Regional Fleet Deployments and Market Shifts in Russia

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A batch of 67 i-Pro sedans and 28 i-Joy crossovers was acquired by Primorye’s Green Crab car-sharing service, as reported by the manufacturer’s press office at the Motorinvest Lipetsk plant. The fleet will be rolled out for customers in Vladivostok and surrounding areas, expanding access to electric mobility in the region and supporting city-wide transportation options for residents and visitors alike.

The purchase was facilitated under a government subsidy program, meaning each vehicle carried a subsidy of 925,000 rubles. This financial support helps make electric vehicles more affordable for fleet operators and ultimately benefits users who rely on shared mobility services for daily commutes, errands, and short trips around the city and its suburbs.

The handover ceremony took place at the Avilon dealership, where customers received their new vehicles in a formal event that highlighted the growing role of electric mobility in regional transportation. It is noted that the i-Pro and i-Joy DongFeng models are electric vehicles assembled under license in Russia using a semi-knockdown SKD approach. Without subsidies, the vehicles are priced around 3 million rubles for the i-Pro and about 3.5 million rubles for the i-Joy, reflecting pricing dynamics in the evolving electric-vehicle market and the influence of local production arrangements on cost and supply. Public and industry observers suggest that government incentives, local manufacturing, and fleet deployments together shape the affordability and availability of electric cars for everyday use in the region.

In November, Evolute i-Pro leads Russia’s electric car market outpacing Volkswagen ID.4

Industry data show that the Evolute i-Pro captured the top spot in Russia’s electric car segment last month, surpassing the widely known VW ID.4. Autostat reported total electric-vehicle sales across Russia reaching 380 units in November, underscoring a still-nimble market with strong interest in domestically assembled or locally supported models. While Tesla maintained a steady lead in brand sales with around 84 units, Evolute posted 79 vehicles, signaling a competitive field where new entrants and licensing strategies influence consumer choices. Analysts point to ongoing adjustments in incentives, charging infrastructure expansion, and consumer familiarity with electric models as key drivers behind the shifting market share. The broader context reflects a period of rapid change as more municipalities and private fleets explore electrification as a means to reduce emissions and operating costs across urban regions.

Requires 7,000 tires in popular sizes

In a separate effort tied to public safety and community service, volunteers and supporters joined the Popular Front in a fundraising campaign. The goal is to secure tires in widely used sizes to equip police vehicles and operational service units that serve the People’s Police and security services in the Donbass region. Ambulances, emergency response units, and humanitarian-aid delivery vehicles are among the beneficiaries, ensuring that essential mobility is maintained for medical teams and relief operations. Contributions can be made through the campaign’s collection page, and supporters are encouraged to participate to help ensure that critical operations have reliable tire resources when needed. This initiative reflects a broader emphasis on keeping public and emergency vehicles ready to respond to day-to-day needs and urgent situations alike, with a practical focus on equipment readiness that supports continuous service delivery in challenging environments. The information above is provided as a community update and reminder of ongoing support efforts in the region.

Endnotes and context for readers emphasize that these developments illustrate how electric-vehicle programs, government subsidies, and local manufacturing partnerships intersect with public safety and humanitarian logistics. The broader narrative highlights how city planners, fleet operators, and residents are navigating a rapidly evolving landscape where new models, subsidies, and infrastructure investments collectively shape transport choices. The coverage aims to present a clear view of how policy, industry actions, and local partnerships contribute to expanding access to electric mobility while maintaining a focus on safety, affordability, and community service.

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