AVTOVAZ unveiled its first electric car as a prototype, signaling a bold move to electrify the platform that underpins the Lada Largus. The technical core for the concept dubbed the Lada e-Largus traces back to the enduring Dacia Logan MCV, a lineage noted for practicality and resilience. This linkage hints at a strategy built on a familiar, inexpensive station wagon platform rather than starting from scratch.
In its first generation, the Dacia Logan MCV earned a reputation as a sturdy, reliable workhorse. Although the model vanished from European showrooms in 2013, the affordable wagon continued to fare well in Russia under the Lada Largus name. Its potential electric future has been imagined within the country, suggesting a shift from combustion to battery power while keeping the same familiar silhouette.
AVTOVAZ faces the challenge of electrifying a platform conceived in 2004 for internal combustion engines. The goal is to distribute electronic components throughout the chassis so everything fits in the end. The battery pack is planned to be split across multiple locations: part tucked under the rear floor, part housed in the center tunnel, and a section placed beneath the hood. This kind of packaging aims to preserve space for passengers and cargo while meeting the demands of an electric drivetrain.
While specific technical specifications from AVTOVAZ have not yet been published, observers note that the battery is unlikely to be very large. Even so, Russian media speculate a driving range of up to about 400 kilometers. Some assessments suggest that with the current architectural approach, such a range may be optimistic, given the compact nature of the underlying platform and the realities of real-world energy consumption.
Because information about the e-Largus remains scarce, a market launch in the near term appears uncertain. AVTOVAZ has indicated plans to ship a test batch of electric prototypes onto Russian roads in the coming year, implying a production version of the Lada e-Largus could still be some time away. Rumors point to multiple body configurations: a five- or seven-seat station wagon and a van variant without rear windows, all aimed at addressing different commercial and family needs.
Beyond the technical hurdles, AVTOVAZ is navigating the broader strategic landscape shaped by Western sanctions and global supply chain disruptions. The facility to manufacture and assemble electric vehicles requires parts that are sometimes scarce, impacting safety features and cabin comfort. In this climate, the prospect of a timely electric debut becomes more challenging, prompting questions about the pace of change for Russian automotive capabilities. Observers note that progress could accelerate if partnerships with Chinese manufacturers emerge, bringing not only components but potentially new collaboration models for joint development, sourcing, and production planning. Parallel to vehicle development, establishing a charging network remains essential in Russia, a sector still in its early stages compared with more mature markets. The readiness of public and private charging infrastructure will significantly influence the e-Largus program’s viability and customer adoption in the coming years.