Infrastructure Aspects of Electric Transport Development in Russia: Systemic Barriers and Effects of Their Overcoming

Irina S. Belik, Tamila T. Alikberova

Ural Federal University named after the First President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, Russia

Abstract

Achieving carbon neutrality in Russia's transport sector largely depends on overcoming a systemic infrastructure barrier – the shortage and territorial imbalance of the charging station network. Given the country's vast territory, low population density, harsh climate, and high degree of vehicle fleet wear and tear, the establishment of a basic backbone charging infrastructure becomes a priority condition for initiating the decarbonization process. The article examines the problems of electric transport development related to the infrastructure sphere. Based on a deterministic "infrastructure→demand→systemic effects" model, adapted to Russian conditions (i.e., accounting for climate and demographic asymmetry through a correction coefficient, γ = 0.75), it is determined that achieving a minimum level of electric transport infrastructure accessibility in Russia will ensure systemic effects from its deployment. The main effects are: an annual reduction of CO₂ emissions by 569.5 thousand tons and fuel savings amounting to 17.9 billion rubles. The specific investments will amount to 47.2 thousand rubles/ton of CO₂, and the value of these investments, compared to alternative decarbonization measures, confirms the economic efficiency of the proposed solutions. Based on a geographical analysis of federal highways, the minimally required number of fast-charging stations is substantiated – 900 units with a placement interval not exceeding 200 km. According to calculations, by 2030, this will enable the formation of a fleet of 321.3 thousand electric vehicles and ensure reliable interregional mobility not only in the Central Federal District but also in districts with harsh climatic conditions, including the Urals, Siberia, and the Far East. Accounting for the climatic adaptation of charging stations, including heating systems, thermal stabilization, and backup power, is a mandatory condition for their functional reliability in regions with prolonged periods of low temperatures. Thus, the obtained results indicate the technical and strategic feasibility of the proposed solutions and serve to coordinate state support measures, investment policy, and infrastructure development.

Keywords

transport decarbonization; charging infrastructure, electromobility; fast-charging stations; infrastructure barriers; energy transition; ecological and economic efficiency

JEL classification

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About Authors

Irina Stepanovna Belik

Doctor of Economics, Professor, Department of Economic Safety of Industrial Complexes, School of Economics and Management, Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, Russia (620002, Yekaterinburg, Mira street, 19); ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7405-3226 e-mail: irinabelik2010@mail.ru

Tamila Tagirovna Alikberova

Senior Lecturer, Department of Financial and Tax Management, School of Economics and Management, Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, Russia (620002, Yekaterinburg, Mira street, 19); ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7382-0980 e-mail: tamila.alikberova@mail.ru

For citation

Belik, I.S., Alikberova, T.T. (2026). Infrastructure Aspects of Electric Transport Development in Russia: Systemic Barriers and Effects of Their Overcoming. Journal of Applied Economic Research, Vol. 25, No. 1, 283-317. https://doi.org/10.15826/vestnik.2026.25.1.010

Article info

Received November 4, 2025; Revised December 3, 2025; Accepted December 8, 2025.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15826/vestnik.2026.25.1.010

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