HSE Experts Highlight Factors Influencing EV Market Growth
According to estimates from HSE University, Moscow leads in the number of charging stations for electric vehicles in Russia, while Nizhny Novgorod ranks first in terms of charging station coverage, with 11.23 electric vehicles per charging station, compared to 14.41 in Moscow. The lack of charging infrastructure is one of the key factors limiting the growth of the electric vehicle market. This is stated in the study titled ‘Socio-Economic Aspects of Introducing Electric Vehicles in Commercial Transportation’ conducted by experts from the Institute of Transport Economics and Transport Policy Studies at HSE University.
The use of electric vehicles (EVs) significantly reduces fuel and maintenance costs, while also offering incentives for owners, making electric transport economically viable. The main challenges holding back the growth in the number of EVs include limited driving range, rapid battery degradation, substantial initial investments, and rising operating costs. According to experts at HSE University, further promotion of EV use requires support measures such as localising production, offering incentives for purchasing EVs, increasing the number of charging stations, and implementing flexible electricity tariffs.
By the end of 2024, 59,600 electric vehicles were registered in Russia, marking a 225% increase in their number since 2015. According to experts, the growth in electric car sales in Russia in 2024 was primarily driven by Chinese manufacturers and the Moskvich Moscow Automobile Plant.
At the same time, imports of new and used electric vehicles declined by 34% and 22%, respectively, between 2022 and 2023, while large-scale localisation of new models remains constrained by strict regulations.
Experts at HSE University warn that a further reduction in government support and tighter import restrictions could slow the growth of the EV market.
Infrastructure and Regional Factors
According to experts, expanding the charging infrastructure network remains a major factor in the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. Currently, Moscow has the largest number of charging stations in the country, but Nizhny Novgorod ranks first in terms of charging stations relative to the number of electric vehicles. By 2030, the number of stations in Moscow is expected to reach 12,000, with the electric vehicle fleet growing to 300,000.
At the same time, electric vehicles remain a practical mode of transport mainly for large cities and metropolitan areas that actively support their adoption and invest in expanding the infrastructure network. According to estimates, the total cost of owning an electric vehicle may be lower than that of a conventional one, but in practice, much depends on operating conditions, battery degradation rates, and the availability and scope of government support—for example, the costs of adopting electric vehicles remain significant for commercial companies.
Director, Centre for Transportation Planning, Institute for Transport Economics and Transport Policy Studies
'According to current national policy documents, within ten years, the EU, the UK, Israel, and 25% of US states are expected to ensure that 100% of vehicle sales are zero-emission, while Japan and Singapore aim to achieve 100% electric vehicle sales. However, rapid growth in this segment driven solely by battery electric vehicles (BEVs) may face an alternative path: in countries where internal combustion vehicles remain widespread, the transition is likely to occur through increased adoption of hybrid vehicles, which are classified as EVs based on certain operating parameters but still retain the ability to use fossil fuels.'
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