In September 2023, Russia saw 1,159 used electric vehicles change hands, marking a 51% increase compared with September of the previous year, according to the analytic agency Avtostat. This surge reflects growing interest in affordable, pre-owned electrified transport as buyers weigh the total cost of ownership, battery life, and charging infrastructure across major regional hubs.
Within the month, Moscow led the market for used electric cars with 149 transactions. The Irkutsk region followed with 111 units, showing that demand spans diverse climates and urban and regional settings. The Krasnodar Territory ranked third with 93 units, while the Moscow Region registered 70 transactions. St. Petersburg occupied the fifth position with 63 used electric cars sold in September, illustrating a nationwide footprint that extends beyond the country’s largest cities.
Looking at the first nine months of 2023, the Russian market logged a total of 8,078 second-hand electric cars sold. This figure represents a 23% year-on-year rise compared with the same period in 2022, underscoring persistent momentum in the used EV sector as consumers migrate from conventional vehicles toward electrified options and municipal policies push toward cleaner mobility.
Industry updates point to production moves tied to regional manufacturing capabilities. It was announced that the Avtotor plant in Kaliningrad would begin producing its own chassis-panel electric vehicle, the Amber, with mass production slated for the fourth quarter of 2024. This development signals a strategic shift toward domestically developed electric platforms and aims to broaden local supply while supporting regional employment and technological advancement.
Additionally, public figures have voiced support for electrification. A former Moscow mayor highlighted the need to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles, emphasizing the role of policy, charging networks, and consumer incentives in shaping consumer choices and market maturation. In this evolving landscape, both consumer readiness and manufacturer initiatives contribute to a steadily expanding ecosystem for used and new electric vehicles across Russia.