Russian electric car sales reportedly double amid fuel refinery disruptions

The short version

• Sales of battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in Russia reached 26,543 from June to August 2026, marking a 118% increase compared to the previous year.[Electrek]
• The surge follows Ukrainian attacks that hit 24 of Russia's 33 major refineries, lowering domestic capacity to 70% of usage and prompting regional fuel sales restrictions.[Electrek]
• Despite the rapid growth, electrified vehicles accounted for about 6% of the roughly 400,000 total cars sold during that three-month span.[Electrek]
• Whether Russian electric vehicle adoption will maintain this trajectory depends on how quickly domestic fuel refining recovers from ongoing strikes.[Electrek]

Key facts

• Russian consumers bought 26,543 battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles from June through August 2026, up 118% from 12,187 vehicles during the same span in 2025.[Electrek]
• Total car sales in Russia reached roughly 400,000 during the June to August period, giving plug-in models a market share of approximately 6%.[Electrek]
• Ukrainian strikes have targeted 24 of Russia's 33 largest refineries, reducing operating capacity to an estimated 70% of domestic consumption.[Electrek]
• The disruptions have resulted in reported gas station queues, fuel purchase limits across several regions, and a ban on Russian gasoline exports.[Electrek]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Electric car sales doubled in Russia after Ukraine blew up oil refineriesElectrek