The production and operation of electric vehicles can influence the environment in multiple ways. A senior industry official, Alexey Serezhenkin, Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Association of Russian Automobile Manufacturers, discussed this issue openly. The observations were reported by the Russian news outlet Pravda.Ru, though the core ideas stand as a broader concern for the sector.
He acknowledged that electric vehicles bring clear benefits to air quality and urban life by reducing tailpipe emissions. At the same time, he pointed out that the processes involved in manufacturing vehicles, sourcing batteries, and charging the fleets can create environmental pressures. Notably, emissions from electricity generation, particularly from fossil fuel power plants, and challenges around battery recycling and disposal were highlighted as critical factors that can offset some of the climate advantages of electrification.
According to Serezhenkin, these factors collectively weigh on the overall environmental footprint of electric mobility in Russia. He also commented on how accessible electric vehicles are across the country, noting the current lineup of locally produced models that could influence adoption. Specifically, he referenced Evolute and Moskvich-3e as notable domestic options that are designed to appeal to a broad range of drivers seeking homegrown solutions.
In mid-April, Stekbike’s CEO, Ilya Silnitsky, shared regional insights about where electric vehicle usage may be most practical. He indicated that the Moscow region stands out for its network of charging infrastructure, with a count of around five hundred charging points in the area. He then outlined a ranking of regions by charging availability, with Moscow city contributing the bulk of stations, followed by the Krasnodar Territory, St. Petersburg, and Tatarstan. These figures illustrate regional disparities in charging access and how that can shape driver experience and market growth.
As the industry advances, owners of traditional internal combustion engine vehicles may weigh the benefits of transitioning to electric power and how subsidies, charging accessibility, and total cost of ownership factor into their decisions. The ongoing conversation ties together environmental considerations, economic incentives, and regional infrastructure, all of which influence the pace and pattern of electrification across the country.