Russians Snap Up Chinese E.V.s as Ukrainian Attacks Make Fuel Scarce
nytimes.com/…0/04/world/europe/russia-ukraine-war…
As Ukraine increasingly takes the war to Russia, the effects may be most visible on the roads.
By Ivan Nechepurenko
Reporting from Moscow
Oct. 4, 2026 Sergei Tselikov, Russia’s leading auto industry expert, has owned more than 20 vehicles, including a Volvo, a Volkswagen and a Range Rover. All had gasoline engines.
But in July, as Ukrainian drone strikes against oil refineries left drivers across the country waiting for hours at gas stations, he bought a fully electric Chinese hatchback. He had to act quickly — the price of the car, made by Great Wall Motor, went up by about $2,000 within days as demand surged.
“I tried to fill up one of my cars and drove around to five nearby gas stations, but they had only diesel or lower-grade petrol,” he said, referring to the poorer-quality fuels the government has allowed to be sold to address the shortages. “I was just too lazy …More