Russian company Kalashnikov is mostly known for rifles and military equipment, but it is also involved in the automotive sector developing their own electric vehicles. The Kalashnikov Izh UV-4 four-door EV made its first appearance back in 2018 in prototype form but a set of patent images that surfaced recently hint at a possible production version, alongside a more compact two-door version with three wheels.
Kalashnikov’s history with electric cars began in 2018 when the company presented the retro-styled Electric CV-1 Concept, while a spokesperson stated their interest to compete with Tesla. The Izh UV-4 electric prototype followed later in the same year, with a taxi variant debuting in a 2019 event in Moscow.
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The latest images that appeared in Russia’s patent office reveal that the UV-4 hasn’t changed much, retaining the odd shape that makes it look like an oversized Renault Twizy, the exposed wheels, and the military-style doors. The vehicle has a small footprint measuring 3.4 m in length, 1.5m in width, and 1.7m in height. Equipment is expected to be basic but it will still include air conditioning, heating, a digital instrument cluster, an infotainment screen, and adjustable suspension.
Previous reports by the company suggested a power output of up to 67 hp (50 kW / 68 PS) allowing for a top speed of 80 km/h (50 mph) thanks to the low weight of 650 kg (1,433 pounds). Kalashnikov didn’t reveal figures for the battery but back in 2019, they claimed it was enough for a 150 km (93-mile) range. Another plus is the “low fire and explosion hazard in the event of an accident” that was mentioned in the official press release for the taxi variant.
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Moving on to the next, yet-unnamed, vehicle, it features similar styling to the UV-4, but with a significantly shorter body and wheelbase, and most importantly featuring one less wheel at the rear axle. The electric three-wheeler looks like it is sharing the front end with its four-wheeled brother but it has a more rounded shape and no doors, leaving the cabin exposed. Inside there is room for two passengers and some luggage. It is also sharing the same dashboard layout with the UV-4 but this one also comes with a sunroof.
Kalashnikov hasn’t provided a timeline on the market launch of their electric vehicles, but given that we have been seeing full-size prototypes for the past three years, we wouldn’t be surprised if an official announcement followed sometime in the coming months.
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