Tyumen Hybrid Driver: Charging Cheaper Than Refueling

The fuel crisis, long queues at gas stations, and gasoline shortages are increasingly prompting people to consider alternative modes of transportation. One viable option is to switch to electric cars or hybrid vehicles. Owners of such cars are in a winning position. Tyumen resident Stanislav, who drives a Chinese hybrid Lixiang L7, shared his experience.

Stanislav bought the car in spring last year for 6.2 million rubles (at current rates, about $65,300). Today, he says, it is more expensive due to new recycling fee rules. Over the year, he has driven over 25,000 kilometers (about 15,500 miles). In essence, it is an electric vehicle with its own gasoline generator under the hood. The main advantage of such a hybrid is that the driver has an alternative: Stanislav does not have to stand in line at gas stations. He can charge the car like an electric scooter and set off without problems.

— I have an outlet at home and at the office, so I charge that way. There are also commercial charging stations around the city. There have been many more of them in Tyumen lately. Financially, it is more profitable to charge than to refuel, if you have your own outlet. On average, it costs 2 to 4 thousand rubles ($22 to $44 at current rates) per month for about 1,000 to 1,500 kilometers (620 to 930 miles) of driving, — says Stanislav.

Stanislav says he only stops at gas stations before long trips. The last time was a month ago.

— I don«t go to gas stations now. There»s more than half a tank left. But if there«s no big queue, I»ll stop, — he says.

Stanislav believes the main advantage of a hybrid car over a conventional one is its fuel versatility.

— Interest in hybrids has grown recently, and it is indeed relevant now. But the price of these cars is not low, so they are mostly bought by wealthy people. Some acquaintances, facing the gasoline crisis, look at me and consider buying the same hybrid, — he says.

Stanislav admits that now more than ever he realizes he clearly made the right choice by opting for a hybrid. Of course, a year ago he had no idea about the impending fuel crisis. His previous car had become too small for his large family, so he decided to buy a new one. At that time, he took a closer look at hybrids because he was planning to move to a country house where he had his own outlet.

Tyumen and the region are indeed facing fuel problems. We drove around gas stations and checked which stations are open and which are closed. And what is happening to gasoline prices.