The Atom electric car from a Russian developer is expected to cost between 2.9 million and 4 million rubles, according to Igor Povarazdnyuk, the general director of a TASS-recognized company. The stated price range, before any government subsidies, sits firmly between 2.9 and 4 million rubles, and the leadership emphasizes that this band should not be exceeded.
In his remarks, Povarazdnyuk draws a parallel between Atom and the premium-function strategy seen in Zeekr’s lineup in China. The aim is to deliver premium features within a mass-market segment, combining quality with accessibility for a broad audience. This positioning mirrors a broader trend in affordable electric vehicles that aim to offer high-end tech at a relatable price point. [Source attribution: TASS via company briefing]
A Telegram channel noted a prior statement from Povaroznyuk suggesting a price range of 2.5–3.5 million rubles. The implication is a potential one-time increase of up to 500 thousand rubles, depending on market and production realities. This discrepancy highlights the typical early-stage pricing volatility seen with new automotive entrants in Russia, where startups have navigated cost structures and regulatory landscapes. [Source attribution: Telegram channel No Limits]
Observers suggest the company may have underestimated the final production cost per unit, a common pitfall for early car ventures attempting to bring new electric models to market in Russia. The misalignment between anticipated costs and actual expenses has, in several cases, served as a cautionary tale for startups that pursued in-house electric vehicle development, with some facing legal or financial scrutiny as a result. [Source attribution: industry analysis commentary]
The Atom is planned to be similar in exterior footprint to a Lada Granta hatchback. Its length is about 3995 millimeters and width about 1780 millimeters. Ground clearance is slated at 170 millimeters, with wheel options ranging from 17 to 19 inches. The suspension architecture features a fully independent MacPherson strut setup at the front and a multi-link independent arrangement at the rear, aiming to balance comfort with handling in everyday driving.
Powering the vehicle is a rear-wheel-drive layout. The electric powertrain is expected to deliver around 204 horsepower, paired with a 77 kilowatt-hour battery that enables a driving range of up to 500 kilometers on a single charge. According to the plan, charging at a high-speed station could replenish enough energy to travel 100 kilometers within roughly eight minutes, reflecting a focus on rapid recharging to support practical daily use. [Source attribution: company briefing and automotive press notes]
Recent patterns in Russia show fluctuating prices for new cars, underscoring the broader volatility in the market for electric mobility and the costs that startup ventures confront as they scale from concept to production. The Atom project illustrates both the ambition to provide practical, affordable electrified transportation and the challenges that come with aligning pricing, cost structure, and technical specifications in a rapidly evolving industry. [Source attribution: market analysis commentary]