Russia’s Electric Vehicle Sales Plummet in 2025 Amid New Tariff Policies

In a significant shift, electric vehicle sales in Russia have dropped almost threefold in 2025 compared to the previous year. This decline is linked to the government’s decision to add a customs duty to the utilization fee when underreported via the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). This change has dramatically affected the market landscape.

Policy Change Impact

The EAEU previously accounted for a fifth of Russia’s imports of new passenger vehicles. During 2023, Chinese brand Zeekr was particularly popular due to alternative import channels. However, following the introduction of the adjusted duty on April 1, 2024, electric vehicle sales sharply decreased. From 2,237 vehicles sold in April 2024, numbers fell to 1,096 by May.

Sales Figures and Trends

By December 2024, sales improved to 1,472 vehicles, but the hike in utilization fees in January 2025 to 667,400 rubles reduced monthly sales below 1,000 units. For instance, May 2025 saw only 786 vehicles sold, marking a 28% year-on-year decline.

During the first five months of 2025, Zeekr sold 1,191 vehicles, 3.4 times fewer than in the comparative period. The Zeekr 001 model led the sales with 644 units, which is four times less year-on-year. Other brands like Evolute, Avatr, and Ora showed varying sales trends, with Evolute experiencing a 48% drop and Avatr a 15% decrease, while Ora’s sales rose 2.4 times. Moscow-based brand “Moskvich” recorded a threefold sales reduction.

Market Shifts and Consumer Preferences

Price competitiveness and a lack of charging infrastructure have made imported luxury EVs less appealing compared to traditional and hybrid vehicles. Despite a 40% drop in plug-in hybrid sales to 10,395 vehicles, hybrids are gaining traction due to their practical fuel recharge capabilities. Overall, Russia’s new passenger car market shrunk by a quarter in the first five months of the year.