Tesla-Rival Kalashnikov CV-1 Electric Car — From The House Of AK-47 (For Real)

Kalashnikov CV-1 Unveiled: Famous Russian gun-maker, Kalashnikov has unveiled a new electric car concept – the CV-1. Showcased in a concept format, the Kalashnikov CV-1 is aimed to take on the likes of leading electric car manufacturers, including Tesla. But the CV-1 is not the reason why the world is interested to hear about the brand.

Tesla-Rival Kalashnikov CV-1 Electric Car — From The House Of AK-47 (For Real)

The Russian ammunition firm is the maker of the most popular assault rifle ever made – the Automatic Kalashnikov - 1947; or simply as we know it, the AK-47. The reason why such a gun-maker would develop an electric car is known to Kalashnikov only. However, this is not the first time they are coming up with an EV.

Tesla-Rival Kalashnikov CV-1 Electric Car — From The House Of AK-47 (For Real)

Kalashnikov has recently hit all headlines when they introduced their electric police motorcycle. It was unveiled during Fifa World Cup 2018, hosted by Russia. Kalashnikov has followed a rather plain approach for their electric two-wheeler while many other manufacturers try to make such products as future-ready as possible.

Tesla-Rival Kalashnikov CV-1 Electric Car — From The House Of AK-47 (For Real)

Coming back to the CV-1, the Eggshell Blue colour car looks properly retro with the silhouette of a late-70s ‘Russian' limo and the minimal details of a classic. In fact, it is actually based on the old IZh 2125 Kombi, which has a body shape in between a sedan and a hatchback.

The white multi-spoke alloy wheels flush into the wells while the front and rear wheel arches are differently-sized. The car looks plain overall and rides quite low to the ground too.

Tesla-Rival Kalashnikov CV-1 Electric Car — From The House Of AK-47 (For Real)

The Kalashnikov CV-1 is not a modern-looking car but is a quirky-looking one; much like the flying cars, we've seen on Jetsons while growing up.

Tesla-Rival Kalashnikov CV-1 Electric Car — From The House Of AK-47 (For Real)

From some angles, especially from the rear quarter, the car looks a bit disproportionate. The unique three-box design looks a bit odd in today's automotive world. The tail lamps are completely smoked-out and sit inwards a rectangular housing.

Tesla-Rival Kalashnikov CV-1 Electric Car — From The House Of AK-47 (For Real)

And to break every element of design balance, there is a charging port in between the tail lamps. But from the creases, we think that the port will be covered by the number plate, if the CV-1 ever makes it into production.

Tesla-Rival Kalashnikov CV-1 Electric Car — From The House Of AK-47 (For Real)

Regarding the powertrain, the company has not revealed the exact specifications but reports say that the motor will be coupled to a 90kWh battery. The CV-1 has also got a claimed range of 350 kilometres on a single charge. In addition to this, the Russian automobile can do a 0-100km/h sprint in just six seconds; quite a good figure but still a claim.

Tesla-Rival Kalashnikov CV-1 Electric Car — From The House Of AK-47 (For Real)

To sum up, the Kalashnikov CV-1 is an interesting car showcasing a special character. The company had repeatedly mentioned that their upcoming product will be good enough to rival a Tesla. We wouldn't comment on that but the CV-1 is definitely a fresh change to the conservative automotive industry of today.

Thoughts On The Quirky Blue Electric Car

Russian cars might not be the be the most popular in the automotive sphere (except for Lada models) but the Kalashnikov CV-1 could make a difference to that. Rather than focussing it as a Tesla-rival, we would prefer it to be a car which is unique in its own way.

The car looks strange and the majority of the internet has thrown shade at it. However, we think that the Kalashnikov is not meant to be the best out there but a simple yet fun EV.

Most Read Articles

English
Article Published On: Thursday, August 30, 2018, 19:59 [IST]
Get Instant News Updates
Enable
x
Notification Settings X
Time Settings
Done
Clear Notification X
Do you want to clear all the notifications from your inbox?
Settings X