Energy of Moscow: Expanding Electric Vehicle Charging Across the Capital

Alexandra Shumskaya leads the Energy of Moscow initiative, a bold push to accelerate electric transport and charging infrastructure across the capital.

How many electric vehicle charging stations are there in Moscow?

Under Energy of Moscow, a new generation of fast and reliable charging points is being deployed citywide. At present, 117 recently installed EZS units operate in Moscow and can simultaneously power 181 electric vehicles. A number of additional stations are slated to come online shortly. Every newly added charger accommodates European and American plug types, ensuring broad compatibility for all electric cars on the road today.

What guides the placement of charging stations?

Planning begins in the design phase by considering new development and improvement sites, so that once work finishes, only the EZS installations remain. Installations tend to cluster where people spend the most time: near shopping and business hubs, supermarkets, cafes, and residential districts. Those who want an Energy of Moscow EZS near their home or workplace can submit a request by email. Each request is reviewed, and preferences are weighed during network planning, provided there is feasibility for connecting to the grid.

What are charging stations?

Energy of Moscow offers charging with 22 kW and 50 kW per connector. Partnerships with Rosatom have enabled testing of higher-power stations at 60 kW, with plans to roll these out across the city. Rosatom helps operate and test the stations under varying conditions, contributing to ongoing improvements. The project also aims to steadily increase charging power as battery technology advances, building flexibility for future upgrades so that stations remain capable without rapid replacement. In response to user feedback, extended cable lengths of 4.5 to 5 meters are being explored to improve accessibility.

Specialized hubs are being installed to support electric vehicle charging, known as electric hubs. One example is the Kievskaya hub, which offers both fast and slow charging options. It can charge seven cars at once and is supported by nearby parking with charging points for electric buses.

How does one charge a car?

To connect to a station, users can download the Moscow Transport app, pick a convenient EZS on the map, and arrive. The app also supports booking so drivers can reserve a station in advance and reach it within about five minutes, avoiding queues.

Do internal combustion engine vehicles obstruct charging?

Beyond the charging zones, dedicated spaces for electric vehicles are established to prevent parking by cars with traditional engines. Signage clearly signals when a space is reserved for electric charging, and violations can lead to fines and towing.

What are the benefits for electric vehicle owners?

Driving an electric car in Moscow offers clear advantages: charging is free for city EZS users, parking in designated electric vehicle zones is also free, and owners of electric cars can take advantage of no transport tax in the city.

How many electric cars exist in Moscow?

Avalanche market data shows a rapid rise in electric vehicle adoption. In 2021, new electric vehicle sales more than tripled compared with 2020, and in the first half of 2022, Moscow recorded 491 new electric car purchases, constituting a substantial share of Russia’s total turnover. Today, Moscow is home to roughly 3,000 electric vehicles. In 2022, Energy of Moscow EZS stations were charged more than 33,000 times—about six times the total for 2021. On average, each EZS sees around 146 charging sessions per day. Projections from Bloomberg indicate a global fleet of 20 million electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids by 2022, with continuous growth; by 2025, forecasts estimate 70 million units worldwide.

Will capacity meet the switch to electric cars?

Electricity production levels have shown steady growth, and electricity network operators confirm there is sufficient power supply to support Moscow’s charging needs. The Energy of Moscow initiative also collaborates with car manufacturers, providing test vehicles to verify compatibility with city charging infrastructure before market release. This cooperative approach not only benefits businesses but also gives drivers confidence that charging will be straightforward, encouraging broader adoption of electric vehicles.

Urban transport in Moscow is increasingly green: diesel buses are being replaced by electric buses, and the city is a leader in taxi services and car sharing that include electric options. Under the mayor of Moscow, the Energy of Moscow program provides subsidies to companies purchasing electric cars, accelerating the penetration of electric vehicles into car sharing and taxi fleets.