AK-47 gun-maker Kalashnikov to launch fleet of electric vehicles

Russian arms maker Kalashnikov – best known for inventing the AK-47 semiautomatic rifle – could be preparing to launch a fleet of small electric vehicles, new patent images suggest.

The filings – which were uncovered by international motoring outlet Carscoops – reveal a five-door four-wheeler largely inspired by the 2018 Izh UV-4 concept, and an open-sided three-wheeler.

According to the documents, the former measures 3400mm from nose to tail, 1500mm from side to side, and 1700mm at its tallest point.

A modest output of 50kW is expected from a single electric motor, propelling the 650kg vehicle to a top speed of approximately 80km/h.

Battery specifications are yet to be revealed. However, in concept guise, a maximum range of 150km between charges was claimed.

According to Carscoops, the standard equipment list is expected to comprise air conditioning, heating, a digital instrument cluster, infotainment screen, and adjustable suspension.

Meanwhile, the smaller tricycle shares many of the same components up front, however is significantly shorter and has only two seats.

It’s unclear at this stage if either vehicle will be offered to private buyers, or if Kalashnikov is targeting military contracts.

The arms maker is not entirely new to the electric vehicle space, having previously revealed a retro-inspired concept known as the Kalashnikov CV-1. You can read more about that vehicle by clicking here.