In Russia, electric cars remain a niche but are gradually growing in number
Electric vehicles are still a rarity on Russian roads, accounting for less than one percent of the fleet. Yet both domestic manufacturers and international brands are promising that the share of electric cars will steadily rise in the coming years. The cold climate of winter poses unique challenges for battery performance, but many automakers believe that winter propulsion is feasible and that practical urban and regional use will expand as charging networks improve.
Car expert and blogger Anton Vorotnikov notes that winter can cut an electric car’s available range by about half, on average. However, the extent of battery drain is not uniform and depends heavily on local climate and road conditions.
“Winter in Russia is a loose term. Northern regions can face frosts down to minus 50 degrees, while Moscow might see temperatures around minus 10. On average, though, energy use is significantly higher in colder months,” explains the expert. “A substantial portion of energy is consumed by heating systems and by counteracting ice buildup on the vehicle.”
According to Vorotnikov, beyond battery and heater considerations, an electric car does not differ in basic operation from a traditional car. It drives similarly on winter roads, climbs slippery grades, and handles snow with comparable confidence. The caveat remains the infrastructure gap: in many regions, charging stations and service networks are still underdeveloped, which tempers short- and medium-term market expectations.
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In today’s market, the evolution of Russian electric vehicles rests on a mix of improved battery technology, more efficient heaters, and a robust charging network. Manufacturers are betting on regional expansion, urban adoption, and government policies that encourage clean transport, while drivers weigh the practical realities of weather, range, and reliability when choosing an electric option for daily use.