Makers of AK 47, Turns to Electric Car Production
Kalashnikov said that the CV-1 would allow it to compete with electric car makers such as Tesla.
The maker of the AK-47, Kalashnikov has come out with an electric concept vehicle named CV-1 recently, during a Russian arms show called Army 2018, this also marks the shift or rather expansion of world’s most popular gun producer to electric car production.
In a statement, the company Kalashnikov has said, its electric car CV-1 can travel up to 350 kilometers on a single electric charge. The concept's retro design of the car is inspired by the popular Soviet-era hatchback.
Kalashnikov also said that the CV-1 would allow it to compete with electric car makers such as Tesla. Though the company is yet to disclose the number of production it is going to undertake in the first year and what will be the price of the electric car. As large-scale production of the car is yet to resume.
As Kalashnikov already has a expertise of making military weapons, machines, and types of equipment, experts are of the opinion that the chances of utilizing the electric car for defense purpose are very much possible.
Meanwhile, market research company IHS Automotive, has appreciated the model and described the design of the CV-1 as pretty and brave, but said it would be going to appeal only a limited number of buyers and would not be available for the general use.
According to market analysts, the market of the electric cars are expected to increase in the next few decades and thus the number of other companies are seeking to explore the auto manufacturing business. Apart from Kalashnikov, vacuum producing company Dyson also has invested in the electric vehicles.
Kalashnikov may face hurdles in establishing its brand in its home market, as the market for the electric cars in Russia is small and the government does not offer subsidies on electric cars and fuel for conventional vehicles are cheap in Russia.
The export of Kalashnikov has dropped significantly over the past few years, after several sanctions have been imposed on Russia by other European countries over its involvement in conflicts. Most importantly the trade with the United States has stopped as the US has banned importing guns from the company.
Therefore Kalashnikov is trying to diversify its business in other trades too. The company has even opened a souvenir shop in the Russian capital Moscow. The company also becomes private last year after the Russian government’s holding company Rostec has sold its stake.