The Evolute i-Joy will roll off the line at the Motorinvest plant in Lipetsk, where the factory’s output is being realigned around this new electric crossover. The site once hosted assembly of Changan models, but current demand and strategic priorities are shifting the assembly focus toward Evolute i-Joy, signaling a clear move toward electrified mobility in the region.
Yury Timkin, a long-standing automotive analyst with Za Rulem, provides a detailed look at the debut of this new Russian-bound electric vehicle. Za Rulem stands among the most trusted automotive outlets in Russia, and Timkin’s analysis helps readers gauge what this model means for the market and for local manufacturing capabilities. A note from the publication credits Timkin as a key source for the car’s technical and market positioning. Citation: Za Rulem, Timkin report.
In scale terms, the Evolute i-Joy sits comfortably beside compact crossovers. Its length measures about 4385 millimeters, aligning it with compact offerings that are popular in both urban and suburban layouts. The design embraces the practical advantages of an electric platform: with no internal combustion engine, no gearbox, and no exhaust system, the interior and cargo space benefit from a more efficient layout. This translates into more usable cabin volume and a larger trunk for everyday needs and family usage.
When lined up against a competitor like the Chinese Dongfeng E3 crossover, the Evolute i-Joy presents a similar footprint and practical specs. The ground clearance stands at 180 millimeters, and the drivetrain is configured for front-wheel drive only. The packaging decisions reflect a focus on everyday practicality rather than off-road capability, catering to city commutes and highway cruising alike.
Powering the vehicle is a 53 kilowatt-hour lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt-oxide battery—an NMC chemistry choice that balances energy density and thermal stability. The battery feeds a 176-horsepower electric motor delivering 225 Newton-meters of torque, a setup that supports confident acceleration and smooth, steady acceleration through urban and highway settings.
Performance figures position the i-Joy as a competent urban EV with a measured pace: 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 8.9 seconds and a controlled top speed of 160 kilometers per hour. The official driving range is rated at 405 kilometers on a single charge, a figure that aligns with practical expectations for daily routines, longer weekend trips, and public charging networks across the region. This range is achieved with a balance of efficiency, weight distribution, and aerodynamic considerations typical of modern compact electric crossovers.
For readers seeking additional context on other notable product launches slated for Russia in the autumn season, the original analysis by Timkin covers a broader sweep of automotive developments that are being produced or assembled within the country. The broader narrative includes domestic manufacturing initiatives and the potential implications for the regional auto industry. Attribution: Timkin’s overview on 2022 fall automotive news and Russia-made models.