As the global automotive landscape continues to evolve, the electric vehicle (EV) revolution is making waves across Eurasia, with Ukraine and Russia experiencing dramatically different trajectories in the sector. On September 16, 2025, Ukrainian dealers revealed a remarkable surge in the sales of Chinese electric cars, while Russian authorities announced sweeping price hikes for electric and hybrid vehicles—a move set to reshape the Russian auto market from November 1, 2025. These parallel developments highlight the region’s shifting automotive dynamics, consumer preferences, and government policy strategies.
According to Delo.ua, Ukrainian consumers purchased 2,424 passenger cars imported from China in August 2025. This represents a staggering 42% jump compared to the same month last year. The momentum is even more pronounced when breaking down the numbers: 2,026 of these vehicles were brand-new electric cars, marking a 52% increase, while the remaining 398 were used cars, up 7% year-on-year. Analysts emphasize that the overwhelming majority of these imports—88%—were electric vehicles, underscoring a clear shift toward greener mobility options in Ukraine.
Which models are leading this charge? The BYD Song Plus sits comfortably at the top, with 361 units sold in August. Hot on its heels are the Volkswagen ID.UNYX (206 units), Honda eNS1 (202 units), BYD Sea Lion 07 (155 units), and the Audi Q4 (109 units). On the used car front, Zeekr 001 leads with 33 units, followed by BYD Sea Lion 07 (28 units), BYD Song Plus (26 units), and Polestar and Zeekr 7X (18 units each).
Zooming out to the broader picture, the first half of 2025 saw Ukrainian dealers sell 7,318 electric cars imported from China, a modest 0.4% increase over the previous year. Yet, the monthly figures tell a more dynamic story. In June 2025 alone, sales hit 2,072 units—a 50% leap from June 2024. These numbers suggest that, despite global uncertainties and regional tensions, Ukrainian consumers are increasingly turning to Chinese EVs for their affordability, technological innovation, and environmental benefits.
Meanwhile, across the border in Russia, the mood is shifting in a different direction. On the very same day—September 16, 2025—Russian media outlets reported that the Ministry of Industry and Trade had put forward a proposal to dramatically increase the so-called "utilization fee" (utyl’sbor) on electric and hybrid vehicles. If approved, these changes will take effect on November 1, 2025, and will lead to price hikes ranging from hundreds of thousands to several million rubles for nearly every EV and hybrid model on the market.
The new pricing structure is complex, but the bottom line is clear: starting November 1, the minimum utilization fee for any electric or hybrid car will be 826,000 rubles, up from the previous range of 3,400 to 667,400 rubles. This fee applies regardless of whether the car is purchased for personal use or resale. For popular brands like Lixiang and Zeekr, the increase will be particularly steep—about 2 million rubles per vehicle. As reported, the most popular new EV in Russia, the Zeekr 001, will see its base price jump from approximately 5 million to over 7 million rubles. Owners of these models may find comfort in the likely increase in used vehicle values, but for new buyers, the cost barrier is set to rise sharply.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade justifies these measures as necessary steps to stabilize the automotive market. The policy is part of a broader state effort to regulate the sector and, according to officials, ensure the long-term health of domestic manufacturing. Yet, the price hikes will affect all brands and models without exception, regardless of mileage or condition. The only exception remains for vehicles with a continuous power output of up to 80 horsepower, which will retain a reduced utilization fee of 3,400 rubles—though such models are rare and generally not in high demand.
For Russian consumers, the impact will be immediate and significant. The price increase will touch every segment, from entry-level hatchbacks to luxury crossovers and performance EVs. For example, the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y—already premium-priced—will become even less attainable for the average buyer. High-powered models like the Tesla Model X, Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, and BYD Yangwang U9 will see their prices soar by over 2.5 million rubles, while the most powerful vehicles will incur fees exceeding 3 million rubles. As one industry observer noted, "Such a sharp increase in the utilization fee will inevitably be passed directly to the consumer. It’s a game-changer for anyone considering an electric or hybrid vehicle in Russia."
Why the divergence between Ukraine and Russia? In Ukraine, the government and market forces appear to be pulling in the same direction: toward greater electrification and affordable mobility. The influx of Chinese EVs, with their attractive price points and cutting-edge features, has met with enthusiastic consumer demand. The rapid growth in sales, especially of new models, suggests that Ukrainian buyers see EVs as both practical and aspirational—a way to modernize their transport and contribute to a cleaner environment.
In contrast, Russia’s new policy seems poised to put the brakes on the EV and hybrid boom. The official rationale is market stabilization and support for domestic industry, but critics argue that the changes may stifle innovation and limit consumer choice. As the Ministry of Industry and Trade stated, "The price increase is justified as a necessary measure to stabilize the automotive market in Russia." Yet, some analysts warn that the move could push buyers toward conventional vehicles or even the used market, undermining efforts to reduce emissions and modernize the fleet.
Of course, the story isn’t entirely black and white. Even in Russia, there remains a sliver of opportunity for buyers seeking ultra-compact, low-powered EVs—such as the BYD Dolphin, Geely Xingyuan, and BYD Yuan Up—which may still qualify for the lower utilization fee. However, these models are niche, and their limited appeal means they’re unlikely to offset the broader market impact.
As both countries navigate the challenges and opportunities of the electric vehicle era, the coming months will be telling. Will Ukraine’s embrace of Chinese EVs continue to accelerate, setting a precedent for the region? Or will Russia’s new policies prompt a rethink as consumers and manufacturers adjust to the new reality? One thing is certain: the road to electrification in Eastern Europe is anything but smooth, and the next chapter promises to be just as eventful as the last.
For now, buyers, sellers, and policymakers alike are watching closely, each trying to stay ahead in a rapidly changing market where every decision counts.
