A new contender in the electric vehicle market has emerged as Kalashnikov, the Russian manufacturer known for the AK-47 assault rifle, unveiled its ‘electric supercar’ at Army-2018, a Russian arms show in Moscow.
Kalashnikov’s latest innovation, the CV-1, is positioned as a rival to the American giant, Tesla. Unlike Tesla’s modern and sleek Model S, the CV-1 draws its design inspiration from classic Soviet-era vehicles. According to spokesperson Sofia Ivanova, ‘We are talking about competing precisely with Tesla, because at present it is a successful project in the field of electric vehicles. We expect to at least keep up with it.’
The CV-1 is equipped with a 90-kilowatt battery pack, allowing it to travel up to 220 miles on a single charge. In comparison, Tesla’s Model S boasts a 335-mile range. Furthermore, the CV-1 accelerates from 0-60 mph in just over six seconds, whereas the Model S achieves this in 2.5 seconds.
Kalashnikov is not limiting its inventive prowess to electric cars. The company, traditionally known for its military products, is reportedly also developing an electric motorcycle. Additionally, the firm is working on a four-metre-tall combat robot named ‘Little Igor’. These ventures indicate Kalashnikov’s intent to diversify and innovate across different technological fields.
Kalashnikov’s foray into the electric vehicle market signifies a significant shift in its manufacturing focus. While it remains to be seen if the CV-1 can genuinely compete with Tesla’s offerings, Kalashnikov’s efforts to branch out from its traditional weaponry production into advanced technological sectors are notable.