Kalashnikov unveils retro electric car concept

Kalashnikov has joined the rush of companies hoping to make it big with electric cars. The Russian defence company has unveiled an electric car prototype that it claims can compete with Elon Musk's Tesla.

"This technology will let us stand in the ranks of global electric car producers such as Tesla and be their competitor", a spokesman for Kalashnikov Concern said.

The powder-blue model is dubbed the CV-1. Kalashnikov said in a statement on its website that its boxy design is inspired by a Soviet hatchback car developed in the 1970s. Kalashnikov gave the front end a makeover with chromed slats and six thin strips of LEDs that replace the headlights. The hatchback rides much lower than stock, presumably due to comprehensive suspension modifications. The rear end receives a new look, too. The concept locates its charging port at the rear, between the taillights.

According to the company, the vehicle can travel 217 miles on a single charge and can reach 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour) in six seconds. For the sake of comparison, Tesla's Model S P100 can go from a standstill to 60mph in about 2.4 seconds. Kalashnikov's so-called CV-1 has a maximum speed of just 50 mph.

It remains to be seen if and when Kalashnikov puts the electric hatchback into production.

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