Electric vehicles: challenges and prospects for large and small cities

      We are on the threshold of a true revolution on the roads. Electric vehicles, which until recently seemed a novelty, are rapidly taking over the world.

      We are on the threshold of a true revolution on the roads. Electric vehicles, which until recently seemed a novelty, are rapidly reshaping the transport landscape worldwide. This transition is not simply a change of engine type but a systemic transformation that will affect megacities and small towns differently. In this article we combine prospects for major urban centers with the realities of small towns, examining the opportunities, challenges and practical aspects of this transition.

      General outlook: why is the future electric?

      For all settlements, regardless of size, the main advantages of electric vehicles remain unchanged:

      Environmental factor

      Abandoning internal combustion engines means reducing harmful emissions. In large cities, this is a fight against smog and an improvement in air quality for millions of residents. In small towns and villages, where people live closer to nature, it means preserving the local ecosystem and environmental cleanliness.

      Economic efficiency

      At current tariffs, the cost per kilometer on electricity is 4–6 times lower than on gasoline. For a resident of a megacity who drives 30–40 km daily, this is a saving of several thousand rubles per month. For a resident of a small town with shorter distances, it is also a noticeable reduction in transport costs.

      Technological progress

      Modern batteries provide a range of 400–600 km, and fast charging can restore 80% of capacity in 30 minutes. This makes electric vehicles practical both for city trips and for intercity travel.

      Challenges for big cities: systemic transformations

      Megacities face large-scale systemic tasks:

      Infrastructure overhaul

      For mass adoption it is necessary to increase the number of publicly accessible charging stations by 10–15 times. In Moscow, Kazan or Saint Petersburg this means installing thousands of new chargers in parking lots, at business centers and in residential areas.

      Load on power systems

      Peak load from millions of vehicles charging simultaneously can reach gigawatts. This requires upgrading grids, implementing “smart” energy distribution and integrating renewable sources.

      Transformation of urban space

      With the spread of electric vehicles and carsharing, the need for parking may decrease by 30–40%. Freed-up areas can be repurposed for green zones, bike lanes or public spaces.

      Reality of small towns: practical aspects

      For provincial towns with populations up to 100,000, the situation has its own specifics:

      Infrastructure availability

      While charging stations are appearing actively in large cities, there may be only a few in district centers and none at all in villages. The solution becomes home charging, which requires modern electrical wiring. For residents of single-family homes this is easier to organize than for inhabitants of apartment buildings.

      Service and maintenance

      While specialized service centers are opening in megacities, in small towns repairing an electric vehicle or replacing a battery often requires a trip to the regional center. This increases service time and cost.

      Winter operation

      In Russian climate conditions, range decreases by 20–30% at temperatures below -10°C. For residents of small towns, where distances are shorter, this is less critical but still requires additional trip planning.

      Practical recommendations for different conditions

      For residents of large cities:

      - Use the developed network of public charging stations

      - Consider electric carsharing options to reduce personal expenses

      - Explore opportunities for “smart” charging at night under reduced tariffs

      For residents of small towns:

      - Assess the possibility of installing a home charging station

      - Calculate realistic range taking seasonal conditions into account

      - Plan long-distance routes in advance considering the location of charging stations

      Integration into the transport system

      Electric transport is developing not in isolation but as part of the overall transport system:

      Public transport

      Electric buses already operate in many Russian cities. They are quieter, greener and cheaper to operate than diesel counterparts. In small towns they can become the backbone of public transport.

      Commercial sector

      Electric trucks and vans are especially effective for urban logistics and local deliveries. Their use reduces businesses’ operating costs and improves the environmental situation.

      Interaction with the energy sector

      Electric vehicles can become mobile energy storage units, helping to balance network loads. This is especially promising in combination with solar panels on private houses in small towns and villages.

      State support and development

      Infrastructure development is supported at the state level. Programs provide subsidies for installing charging stations, incentives for electric vehicle buyers and the development of component manufacturing. For small towns, programs to develop charging infrastructure along federal highways and in district centers are particularly important.

      Conclusion: a differentiated approach to the future

      The transition to electric vehicles is an inevitable process that will occur at different speeds in different types of settlements. Large cities will become proving grounds for new technologies and infrastructure solutions. Small towns can use the advantages of electric vehicles to reduce transport costs and improve the environment, adapting technologies to their conditions.

      The success of this transition depends on coordinated actions by authorities, businesses and citizens. For megacities, systemic solutions in infrastructure and energy are key. For small towns, practical accessibility of technologies and adaptation to local conditions are crucial.

      The future of transport is no longer beyond the horizon — it is being shaped today through concrete decisions in big and small cities. Each of us can contribute to this process by making informed choices and participating in the development of local infrastructure.

      Alexander Isakov

      

      More news about the event:

      Electric vehicles: challenges and prospects for large and small cities

      We are on the threshold of a true revolution on the roads. Electric vehicles, which until recently seemed a novelty, are rapidly taking over the world. 18:53 11.01.2026 Zainsk News - Zainsk

      Electric vehicles: challenges and prospects for large and small cities

      We are on the threshold of a true revolution on the roads. Electric vehicles, which until recently seemed a novelty, are rapidly taking over the world. 18:32 11.01.2026 Zainsk-Inform - Zainsk

      News from neighboring regions on the topic:

      Sobyanin announced the opening of the first city charging hub for electric vehicles

      Photo: Alexander Avilov / AGN Moscow

      The first city charging complex for electric vehicles began operating near Volokolamskaya metro station. 12:37 11.01.2026 Evening Moscow - Moscow

      The largest charging complex for electric vehicles in Russia opened in Moscow

      The largest 24/7 charging hub for electric vehicles in Russia opened in Moscow. 12:09 11.01.2026 Public News Service - Moscow

      Sobyanin: We opened the first city charging complex for electric vehicles

      Photo: mos.ru

      The first city charging complex for electric vehicles opened in the capital. 11:46 11.01.2026 Information Center - Moscow

      Sobyanin announced the opening of the first city charging hub for electric vehicles

      Photo: portal of the Mayor and the Government of Moscow

      The first city charging complex for electric vehicles opened near the Volokolamskaya station of the capital’s metro. 11:05 11.01.2026 M24.Ru - Moscow

      Sobyanin announced the opening of the first city charging hub for electric vehicles

      The new charging infrastructure facility is designed to serve up to 500 electric vehicles per day. 10:42 11.01.2026 Moscow Government - Moscow