The Atom electric car project moved away from a cockpit clutter full of screens in order to keep drivers focused on the road. This stance was stated by a designer involved in the initiative, Alexander Pavlovich, who serves as design director for the Atom program.
Pavlovich explained that the team aimed to rethink how control functions are presented, seeking to push them into an unseen, or “invisible”, mode. Instead of mounting a large display in the dashboard, the concept places a compact screen inside the steering wheel, keeping the main instrument cluster clean and unobtrusive.
He noted that a screen embedded in the steering wheel introduces a significant design challenge. It must balance familiar patterns with modern usability, functioning not just as a gadget or a gaming controller in the driver’s hands, but as a practical journey companion. A head‑up display will supplement the steering wheel screen, delivering essential trip information right where drivers expect it, reducing distraction while maintaining access to navigation, speed, and warning cues.
The designer also discussed other innovations integrated into the electric Atom. There will be a single rear storage compartment capable of accommodating a child seat and a folded stroller, reflecting a focus on real-world family use. The Atom’s exterior concept was developed in collaboration with the Italian studio Torino Design, bringing together European design sensibilities with Russian engineering. Inside the cabin, premium synthetic materials and fabrics will be used to create a contemporary, comfortable environment that remains practical for daily life.
From a performance perspective, the Atom is planned to house a propulsion system capable of accelerating to 100 km/h in eight seconds, with a maximum driving range of about 500 kilometers on a full charge. A rapid eight‑minute charging window is expected to replenish enough energy for roughly 100 kilometers of travel, supporting typical urban and intercity trips without long interruptions. This balance of speed, range, and convenience is aimed at appealing to modern drivers who demand efficiency without sacrificing usability.
Manufacturing for atomic vehicles is slated to take place at the Moskvich plant in Moscow, aligning with a strategy to bring production closer to home while leveraging local industrial capabilities. The first units are anticipated to surface in auto showrooms during the second half of 2025, signaling a move from concept to consumer availability within a relatively short timeframe. The company has previously revealed the initial chassis image of the domestic electric car, underscoring progress toward a full production model.
In contemporary disclosures, the Atom project presenter emphasized a user experience that minimizes visual clutter while sustaining essential driver information through integrated interfaces. The steering wheel‑based display, supplemented by a head‑up display, is designed to deliver contextual feedback precisely when needed, helping drivers stay oriented and focused during road use. This approach reflects a broader trend in automotive design toward fluid, immune-to-distractive interfaces that still convey critical data without requiring the driver to glance away from the road for extended periods.
As the Atom program advances, observers note the strategic emphasis on practical, family‑friendly packaging. The inclusion of a versatile rear cargo area demonstrates awareness of real‑world needs, while the collaboration with Torino Design signals a commitment to a refined, international aesthetic. The interior’s material choices aim to combine tactile quality with durability, ensuring the cabin remains comfortable under a variety of conditions and over the vehicle’s lifecycle.
Overall, the Atom project embodies a philosophy that prioritizes driver attention, ergonomic efficiency, and everyday usability. The planned production at the Moskvich plant and the projected showroom rollout in late 2025 mark important milestones in turning a bold, forward‑looking concept into a tangible option for Canadian and U.S. markets, where customers increasingly value sustainable transport paired with thoughtful, human‑centered design. The ongoing attention to control simplification, display integration, and utilitarian interior layout reflects a deliberate effort to redefine what an electric car can be, both in terms of appearance and practical operation.