Rosatom has reported a sharp increase in the use of its public electric vehicle charging network as fuel shortages continue to affect parts of Russia, highlighting growing interest in electric mobility during disruptions to conventional fuel supplies.
The state-owned nuclear energy company said utilization of its charging infrastructure increased by 40% between 21 June and 28 June, with the network comprising more than 290 public charging points across the country.
Fuel Shortages Drive Higher Charging Demand
Rosatom attributed the increase in charging activity to ongoing shortages of gasoline and diesel fuel in several Russian regions.
According to Reuters, the supply disruptions have been linked to intensified attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure, resulting in restrictions on fuel availability across parts of southern Russia and Siberia. The Russian government has acknowledged the shortages and said it is taking measures to stabilize fuel supplies.
While Rosatom does not expect an immediate acceleration in electric vehicle adoption, the company believes the current fuel supply challenges may influence future vehicle purchasing decisions.
Rosatom Chief Executive Officer Alexei Likhachev said the situation could encourage more consumers to consider battery-electric vehicles when replacing their existing cars.
EV Market Still Developing
Despite rising interest, Russia’s electric vehicle market remains relatively small.
According to market data from Autostat, approximately 208,000 battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles were registered in Russia at the beginning of April.
During the first five months of 2026, sales of plug-in hybrid vehicles reached 24,600 units, representing a 125% increase compared with the same period a year earlier.
However, analysts note that widespread adoption of electric vehicles continues to face significant challenges, including the country’s vast geography, harsh climate, and limited charging infrastructure.
Rosatom has been investing in the expansion of Russia’s electric mobility ecosystem for several years. In addition to developing public charging infrastructure, the company is also expanding its capabilities in battery cell research, development, and manufacturing as part of its broader strategy to support the country’s emerging electric vehicle industry.