What is the future of the electric Kalashnikov?

In 2018, Kalashnikov presented the CV-1, a Russian prototype promising to compete with Tesla and impress Vladimir Putin.

Inspired by a Soviet family sedan from the 1970s, the Moskvich 412, this electric car caused a sensation when it was unveiled seven years ago. But today, the question remains: what happened to this ambitious project, and was there ever any plan to make it drive?

From the moment it was unveiled, the CV-1 drew attention. Featuring bold retro-futuristic design, it seemed to be the perfect marriage between Soviet robustness of the 70s and a modern cyberpunk aesthetic. Kalashnikov, sadly famous for the AK-47 assault rifle, announced impressive performance for the time with 0 to 100 km/h in less than six seconds, over 600 horsepower, and a range of 350 km thanks to a 90 kWh battery. If today these figures make people gently laugh, especially in terms of efficiency, back then the promises seemed too good to be true.

A Wet Kalashnikov Firecracker

Looking closer, doubts quickly set in. The displayed prototype did not move, its opaque windows suggested the absence of a functional interior, the bodywork adjustments were bordering on the ridiculous, and no concrete evidence was ever provided regarding its performance or even its ability to drive. Despite the initial media buzz, no tangible follow-up was given to the project. The CV-1 never left its concept status, and today it seems to have disappeared into the automotive history limbo.

Apparently, this project was only a propaganda tool intended to showcase Russia’s ability to compete technologically with the West. During the same presentation, Kalashnikov also unveiled a “cyborg” mounted on a remote-controlled quad, equally unbelievable. Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus, is capable of moving on its own and certainly capable of handling a Cyberquad.

All that remains of the CV-1 is an interesting design, an intriguing testament to Kalashnikov’s fleeting ambitions in the field of electric vehicles. The Soviet dream is still a long way from cruising our roads.

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