The Russian brand Evolute has become one of the main beneficiaries of the growing plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) market in Russia. In three weeks – from June 29 to July 19 – 911 Evolute I-Space hybrid crossovers were registered, securing the brand a share of about 15%, according to Sergey Tselikov, head of the Avtostat agency.

According to Avtostat, demand for Evolute I-Space and I-Joy has been so high that the waiting list for delivery has stretched to two to three months. Dealers predict that queues will persist at least through August. Demand for hybrids and electric vehicles in Russia surged 1.8 times compared to the first half of the year precisely due to gasoline shortages, Kommersant notes, citing experts: before the fuel crisis, hybrids were not the most popular commodity.

Geely became the segment leader with a share of about 30%: in three weeks, 1643 Geely EX-5 EM-I hybrids and another 120 Geely Starship 7, imported through parallel imports, were registered. Former leader Voyah lost ground: its share fell from 30% to less than 10% because dealers sold off remaining stock.

Other brands also showed significant growth: GAC captured 8.8% of the market (over 500 S7 and S9 hybrids), Exeed – over 8% (506 Exlantix ET and ES hybrids). Among other players are Lixiang (7.3%), Deepal (4.6%), Zeekr (4.5%), Lynk & Co (3.3%), Tank (2.4%), BMW (2.1%), and WEY (1.7%). The entire PHEV segment grew to almost 8% of the new passenger car market, up from 5% in the first half of the year. As Tselikov notes, the final alignment of forces will become clear by the end of July, but fierce competition in this rapidly growing segment is already evident.