Kalashnikov wants to take on Tesla with a Soviet-style electric ‘super car’

Russian arms manufacturer Kalashnikov has unveiled a new “supercar” for the world’s burgeoning electric car market.

The CV-1 concept car can reach 80 kilometres an hour and can travel for 350 kilometres before recharging.

It appeared as part of Kalashnikov’s latest offerings at the Army 2018 International Military Technology Forum in Moscow.

But behind the technology is a heavy dose of Soviet nostalgia. The CV-1 uses the classic Soviet Izh-2125 Kombi as its base. This compact family car was produced between 1973 and 1997, providing a cheap transport option for millions.

Russian gunmaker Kalashnikov says its new electrical concept car based on 1970s-era classic “Kombi” model will compete with Tesla. It’s super cute. pic.twitter.com/Lsq28GtFfn

— Maria Antonova (@mashant) August 23, 2018

“This technology allows us to stand alongside and compete with global electric car manufacturers such as Tesla,” a Kalashnikov spokesperson told Russian news agency RIA Novosti. “We were inspired by our experience as a world market leader throughout the creation of all our concept designs.”