Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Growth Outpaces Market Demand in Tatarstan
Tatarstan has emerged as a leader in Russia’s electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure development, with 294 charging stations across the region, placing it among the top five regions in the country. Despite this growth, charging station operators are facing challenges due to low occupancy rates, averaging 12% for paid stations and 27% for free stations nationwide.
The disparity between infrastructure growth and EV adoption has raised concerns among operators. The Industry Association of Manufacturers and Operators of Electric Charging Stations (APOE) has requested permission from the Ministry of Energy to relocate underutilized stations without returning subsidies. Currently, 12 operators are active in Tatarstan, with the local Grid Company being the largest player having installed over 150 stations.
Market Statistics and Trends
According to recent data, the number of electric cars in Tatarstan has grown significantly, increasing 31 times since 2018 to reach 1,684 vehicles by the end of 2024. Hybrids have also seen a four-fold increase during the same period, reaching 6,019 units. Despite this growth, the overall share of electric vehicles remains low at 0.6% of total passenger cars.
The global electric vehicle market continues to show robust growth, with projected sales exceeding 20 million units in 2025, representing a 17% increase from the previous year. China remains the leading market, with 11 million electric vehicles sold in 2024, a 40% increase from 2023. European and American markets are also growing, though facing challenges such as tariff introductions and political uncertainty.
Experts suggest that the introduction of more affordable electric vehicles, such as the Atom priced around 3 million rubles, could significantly impact market dynamics. The growing popularity of hybrid vehicles is also a notable trend, with 9 million plug-in hybrids sold globally in 2024, a 25% increase from the previous year.
As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, regions like Tatarstan are likely to play a crucial role in shaping the future of electric mobility in Russia.
