Russia’s Kalashnikov is best known for making the
legendary AK-47, but the company has just unveiled the CV-1 concept at the Army
2018 International Military Technical Forum in Kubinka. Looking decidedly retro, the CV-1
concept is an electric vehicle which is based on the IZH-21252 Kombi that was
built between 1973 and 1997. Despite the old school styling, the car has a
handful of subtle styling touches which indicate this isn’t your ordinary IZH.
Staring up front, the concept has been equipped with
a new grille and six LED lighting units. Moving further back, there are heavily
tinted windows and lightweight wheels with a white finish. The model also has
tinted taillights and an electric charging port beneath the rear hatch.
Kalashnikov was coy on technical specifications, but
the company said the concept has “several original systems” developed by the
group. These apparently include a 90 kWh modular battery pack, a high-speed
charging system and a “revolutionary inverter.”
Kalashnikov didn’t say how many electric motors the
car has or how power they produce, but the company confirmed the concept can
accelerate from 0-0-100 km/h in six seconds. In terms of range,
drivers can expect to travel 350 km between recharges.
While the concept is interesting enough by itself,
one report suggests Kalashnikov is aiming to produce electric vehicles.
According to RBC, Kalashnikov spokesperson Sophia Ivanova said “We are talking
about competing precisely with Tesla because, at present, it is a successful
project in the field of electric vehicles.” When asked about that comment,
Ivanova reportedly couldn’t name any advantages the CV-1 concept has over Tesla
vehicles.
Assuming the report is correct, it appears any
production model wouldn’t be based on the IZH-21252. Instead, Kalashnikov says they are using the
model as a “test bench” for car’s complex electrical systems.
