Russian arms maker set to rival Tesla with new electric auto

Kalashnikov claims the CV-1 can travel up to 350 km (217 miles) on one single charge.

According to The Daily Telegraph, the CV-1 is inspired by the Soviet-era IZh 2125 “Kombi” hatchback and has hi-tech electric systems created to give today’s EVs a run for their money.

Russia’s biggest gun manufacturer is looking to take on Tesla with its new electric concept vehicle.

Whether the CV-1 is a legitimate stepping stone to Kalashnikov becoming an electric auto manufacturer or just a PR piece, we’d love to take it for a drive in the unlikely event it sees production.

The company claims the CV-1 is made up of complex systems and the technology used in the auto will establish Kalashnikov as a global manufacturer of quality electric cars, on par with Elon Musk’s Tesla and others.

Considering EVs is the future, expect Russian Federation also to be aggressive and a company like Kalashnikov leading the development of EVs with its range of expertise in guns, tanks and even robots. The model also has tinted taillights and an electric charging port beneath the rear hatch. Even Jordan Weisman, the creator of the mech-focused sci-fi game Battletech, admits that combat walkers aren’t very practical in warfare: “They are a fantastic fantasy, but as a practical military vehicle, the last thing you want to be is tall”. The Model 3 can reach 60 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds. A range of 220 miles is cited for the auto.

The producer of the AK-47 unveiled an electric concept vehicle on Thursday at a Russian arms show called Army 2018. The 0-100 km/h (62 mph) happens in 6 seconds.

Whether or not Kalashnikov will be able to pull that off remains to be seen, but the CV-1’s retro style is certainly unlike anything else you’d see on the market today.

There isn’t a specific timeline for the CV-1 to be released at the moment, but at least we know that one of Russia’s most famous companies is behind this EV’s development.

I think it looks really cool, but what do I know.