The Russian government has extended the benefit of free travel for electric vehicles on toll sections of federal highways from January 19 through the end of 2024, according to reports cited by RIA Novosti from First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov. The extension confirms the ongoing support for eco-friendly transport on paid roads, a policy that aims to boost the adoption of electric mobility across the country.
Belousov noted that the experimental program, which began last year, overall met expectations. About five thousand drivers took advantage of the toll-free option, completing roughly 315 thousand trips. He stated that the aid would continue on January 19, reinforcing the government’s commitment to electrification and reduced road costs for electric car users.
Under the arrangement, electric vehicles can travel free of charge on toll segments of several major routes, including the Northern Ring Road of M-1, M-3, M-4, M-11, M-12, the Central Ring Road, and the Odintsovo highways. The measure seeks to simplify long-distance travel for electric car owners and encourage broader fleet electrification in Russia’s transport sector.
In related market news, a look at 2023 results shows rising popularity for electric cars in Russia. The Zeekr 001, a Chinese-made electric sports car, emerged as the top-selling model across multiple regions. In Moscow specifically, Zeekr 001 accounted for 21.6% of the capital’s electric vehicle market with around 900 units sold since the start of the year. That figure placed Zeekr 001 ahead of the Tesla Model Y, which held about 7.9% of the market. The top five in Moscow also included the Moskvich 3e, Volkswagen ID4, and the Evolute i-Joy, reflecting a diverse and expanding EV lineup in the city.
Similarly, the Moscow region’s best-sellers list highlighted Zeekr 001 alongside Evolute i-Pro and Evolute i-Joy, followed by Moskvich 3e and Volkswagen ID.4. These rankings illustrate shifting consumer preferences toward newer electric models and a widening selection for buyers in major metropolitan areas.
Alongside market momentum, infrastructure costs and planning details continue to shape the industry. It has been reported that the construction and development phases for major road projects, such as the M-12 Vostok corridor, involved substantial sums, underscoring the scale of investment required to expand electric mobility networks. The latest figures suggest the public sector is prioritizing improvements that support efficient, low-emission travel across Russia’s highway system, even as other factors influence project timelines and funding allocations.