The Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia has added the latest Hongqi electric vehicles to its fleet. A photo of a Hongqi E-HS9 crossover with state license plates а774мр97 and a special LED bar on the roof has appeared online. It is worth noting that previously, a Toyota Land Cruiser, also belonging to the FSB, was assigned to this license plate.
This case is the first instance of Russian officials purchasing Chinese electric vehicles. Previously, the Federal Protective Service had already used Hongqi sedans, but they were gasoline-powered.
The E-HS9 electric crossover is the flagship model of the Hongqi lineup in Russia. Its cost starts at 9.5 million rubles, but the year of manufacture of the car with license plate а774мр97 suggests a potentially more favorable price, as it was purchased before the official start of sales. The interior configuration and the number of seats (from four to seven) may vary depending on the order.
It should be noted that in July of this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin called on officials to switch to domestic cars and banned the purchase of foreign cars for state needs. At the same time, law enforcement agencies, including the FSB, FSO, and SVR, have the right to order equipment as an exception to this rule.