AvtoVAZ Initiates First Test Cycle for the Lada e-Largus Electric Minivan
AvtoVAZ is kicking off the early phase of testing for the electric minivan Lada e-Largus. The information came through Public Avtograd News on the social network VKontakte, outlining the initial steps in the vehicle’s development program.
According to the dispatch, the first prototype of the Largus electric vehicle, assembled at the Engineering Center, has been delivered to the AvtoVAZ testing ground near the village of Sosnovka. The team is conducting a comprehensive cycle of tests that cover a variety of performance and reliability checks. The announcement notes that the testing phase has commenced, marking a significant milestone in the project.
Earlier this year, AvtoVAZ announced plans to manufacture the electric Largus. Production was scheduled to begin at the Lada Izhevsk plant, a facility with a history of producing Vesta family vehicles since 2015. In a transition plan, production activities were set to shift to the Togliatti assembly line starting in the spring of 2023, where Lada models have long been lined up on the conveyor. This corridor shift aims to leverage existing manufacturing capabilities for the electric variant.
In September, Maxim Sokolov, who leads AvtoVAZ, spoke about the anticipated pricing dynamics for the electric Largus. He indicated that the electric version could carry a price premium of roughly 20 to 30 percent relative to analogous internal combustion engine models. This projection reflects the typical cost structure associated with electric drivetrains, battery systems, and related technology, balanced against factors like production scale and local sourcing. The forecast suggests a careful approach to pricing as the company scales the electric lineup and navigates market expectations.
In related news, it was previously reported that the OAT group, a component of the PJSC KamAZ organization, has localized the manufacture of front struts and rear shock absorbers for the Lada Largus and for the first generation Renault Logan and Sandero. This localization effort supports supply chain resilience and cost management as the broader vehicle program evolves across different models and production sites. The collaboration underscores an emphasis on domestic parts sourcing to streamline assembly and enhance regional capability, aligning with broader national manufacturing initiatives. [Attribution: AvtoVAZ and PJSC KamAZ collaboration updates]