Following the tightening of import regulations in February 2024, the assortment of electric vehicles available in the Russian market is expected to shrink. This outlook comes from market participants surveyed by Analytical Agency Avtostat, highlighting a shift in the import landscape and its consequences for local availability.
Industry voices indicate that only private buyers and dedicated importers will continue to bring in electric vehicles from popular brands such as Lynk & Co, HiPhi, Rising, LiXiang, as well as Avatr and Zeekr. The deputy general manager responsible for new car sales, speaking to the agency, emphasized that these brands may retain a presence through smaller channels, while mass-market exposure could diminish. The remarks were attributed to Avilon and attributed to Alexey Starikov, underscoring a trend toward selective import activity rather than broad-based distribution.
Denis Migal, founder of Fresh Car Market, noted that starting February 1, the simplified certification procedure no longer applies to hybrids and fully electric vehicles officially imported into Russia. Under the new regime, suppliers must obtain a full Vehicle Type Approval, a process that tends to be lengthy and substantially more costly than the former streamlined pathway. This shift has broad implications for the speed at which new EVs can reach showrooms and for the overall cost structure faced by importers.
According to Migal, the move away from simplified imports for electric cars is framed as a measure to support domestic manufacturers while nudging foreign automakers toward localization within Russia. The policy is framed as a strategic effort to boost local industry, encouraging components and assembly activities to occur within national borders, potentially creating jobs and reinforcing supply chains, even as it may limit foreign brand access in the short term.
In related developments, Jeep has outlined a plan to introduce a portfolio of five new models by 2025, signaling continued activity among foreign brands despite the tighter import framework. These developments reflect a broader market recalibration as automakers reassess timelines, certifications, and local production strategies in response to evolving regulatory conditions. Across the market, stakeholders are weighing the balance between regulatory compliance, consumer demand for electric mobility, and the goal of sustaining a diverse EV ecosystem that serves both domestic and international preferences.