Russians Snap Up Chinese E.V.s as Ukrainian Attacks Make Fuel Scarce

Russian motorists are increasingly buying Chinese electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids as Ukrainian attacks on refineries disrupt gasoline and diesel supplies. Registrations of battery-electric cars and hybrids more than doubled between June and August, reaching 26,543 vehicles, according to Autostat. Fuel production has fallen to roughly 70 percent of domestic consumption, forcing drivers into long queues. Chinese brands, including Zeekr, Li Auto, and Evolute, are filling the gap left by Western automakers, though limited charging infrastructure remains a major obstacle.