Russians are massively switching to hybrids, sales more than doubled

The PHEV segment shows one of the highest growth rates in the country's automotive market

The Russian market for plug-in hybrids continues to grow rapidly. In the first five months of 2026, sales of vehicles with PHEV and EREV powertrains reached 24.6 thousand units. This is 125% more compared to the same period last year.

Voyah Free
Voyah Free
Источник изображения: Dongfeng

In fact, plug-in hybrids are becoming one of the fastest-growing segments of the Russian market. The popularity of such cars is explained by the combination of the advantages of electric vehicles and traditional cars with internal combustion engines. Owners get the opportunity to travel daily on electric traction, without fear of limited range during long trips.

Voyah remains the segment leader. From January to May, the brand sold 6,407 vehicles. The main contribution to the result was made by the Voyah Free crossover of Russian assembly, sales of which reached 5,102 units.

Geely took second place with a result of 4,100 vehicles. The most popular model is the officially presented Geely EX5 EM-i, which sold 2,713 units. Additionally, sales are provided by vehicles imported through alternative channels, including the Geely Galaxy Starship 7, which found 1,195 buyers.

The Russian brand Evolute took third place. The brand's only hybrid model, the i-Space crossover, provided the company with 3,405 sales in five months.

The growth in demand for plug-in hybrids reflects a change in the preferences of Russian buyers. If a few years ago the main focus was on classic gasoline crossovers, today more and more customers are considering electrified powertrains as a compromise between economy and practicality.

The EREV model segment is developing particularly actively, where the internal combustion engine is used primarily as a generator to recharge the battery. This scheme is used by a number of popular Chinese brands that are actively expanding their presence in the Russian market.

Given the current dynamics, 2026 could be a record year for plug-in hybrids in Russia. And if growth rates continue, this segment could soon compete in volume with traditional hybrids.

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