Russia has announced the launch of mass production for the "Atom" electric car. "The first serial electric car developed in Russia, and one of the most significant achievements of the domestic auto industry in the last 70 years. This is Russia's answer to Tesla," its creators described it. Recall: we managed to see the car in person at last year's INNOPROM Belarus exhibition.

Mass production of the Russian electric car has begun at the Moskvich plant. The first 10,000 units are planned to be produced by 2028, Igor Povrazdnyuk, CEO of Kama JSC, told journalists, according to Interfax. In the near future, the plant aims to reach a rate of 20 cars per day and continue increasing volumes in 2027, the statement says.

The car's price can be found on the project's official website. The total cost is 3,980,000 Russian rubles (over $47,000). With government support, it is 3,055,000 (about $36,000).

Development of the "Atom" began in 2024. Production of the first pre-serial prototypes started in 2024. As for the unusual features of the novelty, the butterfly doors (which should be electrically powered) and the absence of a central pillar certainly catch the eye. There is no traditional instrument cluster; it is integrated into the steering wheel.

— The key feature of the "Atom" is the deep digital integration inside. Essentially, it is a gadget on wheels. It has its own operating system with modern interfaces integrated, — they told us at the capital's exhibition. — Here we see an augmented reality system on the windshield, a touch display on the steering wheel. We are also developing our own voice assistant to make movement comfortable, reliable, and, most importantly, safe.

The electric car features an advanced driver assistance system. Real-time warnings will appear on the windshield, for example, about obstacles while driving. Additionally, the car can itself maintain lane position, park, and so on. In this regard, there is an integration of driver assistance functions with the augmented reality system.

"Atom" Specifications from the manufacturer

• Dimensions: 3995/1790/1643 mm.
• Top speed: 170 km/h.
• Maximum power: 150 kW·h (204 hp).
• 30-minute power: 70 kW (~95 hp).
• 0-100 km/h acceleration: 8 seconds.
• Range (on a single charge, WLTC cycle): up to 500 km.
• Operating conditions (temperature): °C -30 / +40.

According to Russian media, the Atom electric car is available for test drives; it can be purchased only directly from the manufacturer—through the official website. In Moscow and St. Petersburg there are pickup points for customers, and in another six cities partner services of JSC Kama have already appeared, through which the cars will also be handed over.