Chinese electric vehicles are increasingly making their way into Russia, reshaping the local auto scene. Over the past year, more than a dozen new Chinese marques have emerged, and parallel imports are outperforming officially supplied models. This shift prompts questions about service networks, parts availability, and how regulatory and documentation processes might evolve as the market adapts to a broader range of affordable EV options. Researchers and industry observers alike are watching closely how these changes influence ownership experience and market dynamics.
Analysts at Autostat report a surge in electric vehicle adoption. In September, sales reached 1,757 new EVs, a dramatic eightfold jump from September of the previous year. In the first nine months of the year, EV sales climbed to 8,752 units, representing a fivefold increase and signaling sustained demand as the market expands and charging infrastructure improves, making electric mobility more accessible to a broader audience.
Among the notable players is Zeekr, the premium brand under Geely. September deliveries for Zeekr reached 648 units, a monumental year-over-year increase that highlights the brand’s rapid traction. Zeekr secured a top position within its segment and broke into Russia’s top 25 automakers for the first time. Pricing remains a consideration, with the popular 001 liftback around 8.8 million rubles, the 009 minivan near 14 million rubles, and the X crossover close to 6 million rubles. Smaller entrants offer similar models at lower price points, intensifying competition and broadening consumer choice for electric shoppers.
For the nine-month period, Zeekr ranked third in sales with 1,378 units. Volkswagen led overall, followed by Evolute with 1,410 units and Voyah with 513. Tesla trailed in fourth place with 1,006 vehicles, while Chinese brands continue to gain momentum in Russia’s EV landscape, signaling a shift in the competitive balance and customer awareness about the value proposition of electric models.
Industry observers expect a potential milestone this year: monthly EV sales could surpass 2,000 units, with annual totals exceeding 10,000 in Russia. This forecast reflects stronger consumer appetite and broader availability of electric models, as more brands expand the local footprint and dealers adapt to a growing EV ecosystem, including service networks and financing options.
At the CarX forum, Anatoly Kurushin, founder of Neo Cars, highlighted potential risks linked to parallel imports, including pricing nuances and regulatory challenges that could affect vehicle documentation and registration flows. These factors may influence how quickly owners can register and use their EVs, and they underscore the importance of transparent processes for cross-border shipments and local compliance.
A notable concern involves grey schemes where import duties might be understated. Industry voices cite examples in nearby markets where undercharges on electric vehicles reach at least 40 percent, while vehicles with internal combustion engines could see undercharges up to 80 percent. Such transactions may be deemed fictitious and could lead to the cancellation of vehicle registrations and related paperwork, creating headaches for owners and insurers alike and prompting closer scrutiny from authorities.
Another area of caution centers on maintenance and parts availability for cars acquired through parallel channels. Spare parts for certain models can be costly, and service delays or compatibility issues may drive up ownership costs for dealers and insurers handling these cars, as well as for owners seeking timely repairs and routine upkeep.
Language localization and service compatibility also pose challenges. Many electric cars from China lack a fully Russified interface, and some onboard services may not operate optimally in Russia, complicating the ownership experience and ongoing support, especially for users who rely on local assistance, warranty terms, and after-sales care.
Earlier discussions had flagged which models might pause shipments to Russia after August, underscoring the dynamic nature of imports and the need for ongoing market monitoring. As the regulatory environment evolves and consumer demand shifts, stakeholders will continue to observe how these factors shape the pace and pattern of EV adoption across the region.