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Chinese EV demand rises in Russia as fuel shortages worsen
Ukrainian attacks are disrupting petrol supplies, making Chinese electric cars a practical alternative for many Russian motorists.
7 October 2026 1 min read 2 views
Disruptions to fuel distribution are prompting some Russian motorists to switch to electric vehicles made in China. The buying surge is linked to petrol shortages reported after Ukrainian attacks on energy infrastructure, which have made availability at service stations less predictable.
In a market already affected by the retreat of Western automakers, Chinese brands are taking up an increasingly important position. Battery-powered models allow Russian customers to reduce their reliance on conventional refuelling while dealing with tensions in the local market.