AK47 gun maker moves into electric cars to take on Tesla
The CV-1 is the first electric vehicle to be made by an arms company
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The maker of the world's most popular assault rifle is aiming to take on the maker of the world's most popular electric car with the launch of its own vehicle.
Kalashnikov Concern, which is most famous for producing the AK47, unveiled the CV-1 "super car" at an event near Moscow on Thursday.
“This technology will let us stand in the ranks of global electric car producers such as Tesla and be their competitor”, a spokesperson for the Russian manufacturer said.
The spokesperson said that Kalashnikov hoped its electric car was "at least able to keep up" with Tesla, though it is unclear what advantages the CV-1 has over Tesla.
The CV-1 is based on the Soviet hatchback Izh, a popular vehicle in the 1970s that was noted for its durability and off-road capability.
The first Tesla was also based on a gas-powered vehicle, however the Roadster used the body of the rather more sleek Lotus Elise.
The CV-1 will feature a 90 kilowatt hour battery and will be able to accelerate from 0mph to 60mph in 6 seconds, according to Kalashnikov Concern.
It will also feature a number of "complex systems" that will enable a range of 350km (220 miles) – the same as the standard Tesla Model 3.
Kalashnikov may be best known for its AK47 rifle – 2004 figures suggest around 75 million are in circulation, making up 15 per cent of all firearms worldwide – but the CV-1 isn't the first time it has branched out from weapons.
The company also has a clothing line and makes accessories like smartphone cases and umbrellas. Earlier this week, Kalashikov also unveiled a 4.5-tonne robot designed for "carrying out engineering and combat tasks
The Igorek robot is designed to be controlled by a person from the inside, however a working version is yet to be revealed.
"Currently it is only a demonstration of the path we are planning on following. We understand that there are robotic machines driving on caterpillar and wheel drive. We also understand that there will be demand for anthropomorphic automatic movable systems," the company said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments