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Minpromtorg is reportedly considering adding charging hubs to their new subsidy program for electric vehicle charging stations (EVCs), according to Kommersant. These hubs would provide multiple power modules for EVCs and are of interest to station operators. However, the slow growth of the electric vehicle fleet could negatively impact the return on investment for these hubs. Analysts recommend a phased development of hubs in high-traffic areas.
Minpromtorg has been conversing about offering support for creating hubs as a single complex of charging infrastructure with a separate block of power modules. Yet, the primary tool for developing electric charging infrastructure only supports standalone stations at the moment, clarified by Minpromtorg. VEB.RF is also looking into projects to create charging infrastructure.
Armen Safaryan, Chair of the Association of Producers and Operators of Electric Charging Stations (APOES), describes charging hubs as locations where a larger number of electric vehicles can be charged at once compared to standalone charging stations. Currently, there are only a few charging hubs in the nation, all of which consist of groups of standalone stations. Charging hubs with a single power module are noted as a more versatile solution, permitting higher power levels and catering to various types of transport, depending on the location, according to Mr. Safaryan.
EVC operators are worried about their low utilization rates. Rosseti shared that the utilization of their charging stations is roughly 2-4%, which is insufficient to reach payback within the targeted eight to ten years. Stimulating demand for electric vehicles is deemed crucial, as an underdeveloped network of charging stations can still prove ineffective, as asserted by AtomEnergy. They believe that the subsidy for hubs should be at least 80% of the project cost. AtomEnergy aims to install such hubs through preferential loans from VEB.RF starting from 2026.
Moscow's Mayor, Sergey Sobyanin, expressed enthusiasm in 2024 for encouraging individuals to switch to electric vehicles and producing Russian electric vehicles to complement imports from China. Andrey Gurlenov, the CEO of Sitronics Electro, supports the initiative, but installing monoblock charging hubs with a capacity of over 450 kW is currently infeasible or economically unviable, he claims. The company already provides charging hubs in residential complexes with lower power but high capacity for simultaneous charging. They envision points with two charging stations as currently successful, with three being a good step for development by 2025-2027. A similar subsidy volume should be maintained, as suggested by Mr. Gurlenov, retaining the amounts from the previous program, up to 60% of the cost.
Konstantin Alyabyev, the managing director of PUNKT E, appreciates the inclusion of modular stations in the state support, but notes that preferential loans are less desirable than the existing subsidies for classic integrated stations of 150 kW. According to Mr. Alyabyev, PUNKT E plans to install modular stations in experimental mode, which are most suitable for parking lots of large business and commercial facilities, as well as logistics interchanges.
Johannes-Cornelius Rostovsky from "Euler – Analytical Technologies" stresses that charging hubs need substantial investments, connection to high-power electricity grids, and can add additional strain to the power system. With a small electric vehicle fleet, declining sales of electric vehicles, and low utilization rates, there are significant risks, he warns. Hubs should be economically advantageous for users, which can be guaranteed through an appropriate tariff structure, he suggests, ensuring this with sufficient electric vehicle numbers and competition among charging station operators. "The optimal path is the phased development of charging hubs in high-traffic areas with predictable demand," says Mr. Rostovsky.
According to "AutoStat," sales of new electric vehicles in the first quarter of 2025 dropped by 69% year-on-year to 1,850 units. The Russian market for new electric vehicles has been in a steady decline for ten months, and the downturn has hastened in 2025. As of January 1, the fleet of electric vehicles in Russia is estimated at 59,600 units, or 0.12% of all passenger cars.
The Russian electric vehicle charging infrastructure landscape currently hinges on strategic partnerships and industrial initiatives. Specific subsidy programs are less widely publicized, though state-backed investments like Rosatom’s battery plants could indirectly reduce costs, promoting adoption. Challenges, such as grid capacity, regulatory hurdles, and market demand, persist, requiring effective solutions to drive growth in the EV sector. Potential strategies incorporate the integration of charging infrastructure with energy systems, public-private partnerships, and prioritizing urban development for high-traffic zones.
- Minpromtorg is contemplating the integration of charging hubs into a new subsidy program for electric vehicle charging stations, as these hubs could offer multiple power modules for station operators.
- However, the slow growth of the electric vehicle fleet could potentially diminish the profitability of these charging hubs, leading analysts to suggest a phased development in high-traffic areas.
- In the industry, charging hubs are recognized as locations where a larger number of electric vehicles can be charged simultaneously, compared to standalone stations.
- The Tariff structure for charging hubs is crucial, as it can ensure their economic advantage for users, particularly with sufficient electric vehicle numbers and competition among charging station operators.
- By 2025-2027, the company Sitronics Electro envisions a development in charging hubs, with points containing two charging stations as currently successful, while three could be a good step for further development.
