‘Cheaper to Charge than Fuel’ – Tyumen Hybrid Owner

The fuel crisis in Tyumen is forcing drivers to seek alternatives, with electric cars and hybrids becoming one solution. Stanislav, a resident of the city and owner of a hybrid LiXiang L7, spoke about the advantages of such transport.

He bought the car in spring last year for 6.2 million rubles (about $68,900). Now, according to him, the price has risen due to new scrappage fee rules. Over the year, the mileage exceeded 25,000 kilometers. Essentially, it is an electric car with its own gasoline generator. The main advantage is that the driver does not depend on queues at gas stations: he charges the car like an electric scooter.

“There is a socket at home and at the office — so I charge. There are also commercial charging stations around the city. Lately, there have been many of them in Tyumen. Financially, it is more profitable to charge than to fill up, if you have your own socket. On average, it comes to between 2,000 and 4,000 rubles ($22–44) per month with a monthly mileage of about 1,000–1,500 kilometers,” said Stanislav.

He only goes to a gas station before long trips. The last time was a month ago. “I don’t go to gas stations now. There is still more than half a tank of fuel. But if there isn’t a big queue, I’ll stop at a station,” the Tyumen resident said.

According to the owner, the hybrid beats a conventional car in fuel versatility. Interest in such cars is growing, especially against the backdrop of gasoline problems, but the price remains high. “Some friends, faced with the fuel crisis, look at me and think about buying the same hybrid,” he notes.

Stanislav admits that a year ago, when choosing a hybrid, he did not anticipate the fuel crisis. The decision was related to moving to a country house, where there is a socket, and because his previous car had become too small for the family. Now he realizes he made the right choice.