The plan for serial production of the Russian electric vehicle E-Neva is moving forward with a target launch at the tail end of 2026, according to a high-ranking official who oversees the project. Mikhail Podvyaznikov, the General Director of the Almaz-Antey Concern, outlined the roadmap that anchors the company’s ambition to introduce a domestically produced electric car under its own brand. This roadmap reflects a careful sequence of milestones designed to test prototypes, ramp up manufacturing capacity, and ensure quality across the assembly line before entering full-scale commercial production.
If the schedule holds, a first modest batch of E-Neva vehicles will roll off the line in early 2026. The leadership has emphasized that the initial production will be limited but functional, serving as a proving ground for the vehicle’s performance, safety systems, and manufacturability. The objective behind this phased approach is to validate processes, supplier reliability, and the integration of advanced electrical architectures in a controlled environment, while gathering real-world data to inform iterative improvements. By the end of 2026, the plan envisions reaching full-fledged series production, with annual output projections in the range of roughly 55,000 to 65,000 units. This level of production would position E-Neva as a meaningful contributor to the domestic electric vehicle market, expanding the options available to Russian consumers and signaling a scalable model for future electrified offerings from the enterprise.
The company intends to pursue manufacturing autonomy for E-Neva, maintaining brand independence and aligning production decisions with the broader goals of national automotive development. While collaboration remains a constant theme in the industry, Almaz-Antey plans to manage the E-Neva program as a standalone initiative, focusing on in-house design capabilities, process control, and supply chain resilience. The strategy aims to ensure that the vehicle reflects the organization’s engineering ethos and quality standards, while also enabling flexibility to adapt to evolving market conditions without compromising the core brand identity.
At the same time, the broader environment for vehicle manufacture in the region continues to evolve. Decisions about where E-Neva will be assembled involve weighing factors such as existing infrastructure, labor availability, and the logistics of distribution across the country and neighboring markets. Rumors about potential production at other sites have been clarified by the leadership, who note that no formal offers have been made to relocate or share the plant with other partners. The emphasis remains on developing the E-Neva within Almaz-Antey’s own facilities and capabilities, ensuring that the product architecture, manufacturing practices, and after-sales support are tightly integrated under one corporate umbrella. Nevertheless, collaborations with other established players may still emerge on specific topics that are common to the automotive industry, such as standardization, safety testing, and supplier qualification, provided they align with the overarching objective of delivering a reliable electric vehicle to customers.
Event highlights around the E-Neva program include a notable moment on January 18 when a demonstration model of an electric crossover, shown at the Obukhov Plant, captured attention from industry observers and government representatives. The exhibition of the prototype underscored the company’s intent to translate theoretical design into a tangible, roadworthy vehicle that can withstand real-world operating conditions. Although the showpiece was limited in scope, it served a dual purpose: signaling momentum to stakeholders and offering a concrete glimpse of the vehicle’s engineering direction. Those following the project can expect incremental updates as testing progresses, with each phase designed to validate new features, safety systems, and manufacturing capabilities that will contribute to the eventual market launch.
For readers seeking ongoing updates, the E-Neva program continues to be positioned as a strategic priority within the national agenda for automotive electrification. The road to mass production is being paved with careful planning, investment in modern manufacturing techniques, and a focus on creating a domestically driven supply chain that emphasizes local expertise, scalable platforms, and continuous improvement from pilot lines through full-scale assembly. This approach aims to deliver a vehicle that resonates with consumers seeking sustainable mobility options while reinforcing Russia’s capacity to compete in the rapidly changing electric vehicle landscape.