Belarusians are planning to develop their own electric car, according to Gennady Svidersky, general manager of SZAO Belgium. The project, often referred to as a union car, envisions an electric vehicle assembled largely in Belarus with eventual production support from a Belarussian company. There are plans to invite AVTOVAZ to join as a project partner and to leverage developments from the e-Largus program.
Expert opinion
Maxim Kadakov, editor in chief of the magazine Behind the Wheel, explains that a Union car is possible and that more such projects can boost the market and benefit consumers. However, details remain unclear. The question is whether Belarus will bring AVTOVAZ on board or pursue another partner.
Kadakov notes that if a production line must be up and running quickly, a model similar to Moskvich could emerge, though it would likely be a badge change on an existing platform rather than a brand new vehicle. The emphasis would be on rapid electrification and a feasible manufacturing timeline.
For a truly locally developed product, the process is more complex and longer in duration. Largus is a referenced design, but questions arise about where body panels are produced. AVTOVAZ stamping is currently used, and creating new tooling for a small-volume Belarusian output would introduce added logistics costs. There are also questions about sourcing traction batteries and supply chains, with Russian-made cells being expensive and imports from other regions likely needed. This all adds to the cost calculus.
Experts stress the necessity of a full business case. What would be produced, in what volumes, at what price, and how many cars could be sold at that price point? To date, the complete package remains unclear.
Nevertheless, the overall stance supports initiatives that promote local production and industrial localization.