Maker Of Russian Assault Rifles Rolls Out Electric Car Called CV-1

Say the name Kalashnikov and anyone familiar with firearms automatically thinks of the AK-47 assault rifle used in Russia and other countries for decades. Rifles aren't all that Kalashnikov has in its arsenal. The weapon maker has now rolled out an EV that is called the CV-1 and it is an interesting mix of old and new in its design.

The CV-1 is based on the Russian car called the IZH-Kombi that looks like the Russian cars we see in many movies. The CV-1 has a 90-kWh battery pack and promises a driving range of 217 miles per charge. Its electric motors make 295hp and it can accelerate from 0-100kph in 6-seconds.

Designers behind the car want it to battle Tesla for EV dollars. It had better be cheap because the CV-1 certainly lacks the looks to appeal to buyers wanting a sexy EV. Tesla cars also drive further per charge. The CV-1 is currently a test bed for Kalashnikov EV technology and the company has offered no indication of how its car is better or even matches the Tesla it wants to compete with.

The images certainly show a retro cool car, something that is popular globally right now. Retro cars like the Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang have been selling reasonably well. The CV-1 will likely be most appealing to Russian's who want an EV but want to support a domestic company.

The blue color, white wheels, LED lighting and the lowered stance of the EV are interesting. There is no indication of pricing or when/if consumers will be able to purchase this car.

SOURCE: InsideEVs