Motorinvest has earned the Vehicle Type Approval (OTTS) for the Evolute i-Joy crossover and has swiftly followed with the introduction of the Evolute i-PRO electric sedan. The unveiling event drew attention from Maxim Kadakov, editor-in-chief of Za Rulem magazine, a long-established and highly regarded automotive publication in Russia, who attended the presentation.
The price tag for the new sedan is expected to be around 3 million rubles. Yet buyers can reduce the outlay substantially thanks to state subsidies for electric vehicle purchases, which can reach up to 925 thousand rubles. When subsidies are applied, the effective cost drops to a level that is comparable to several mainstream models, making the Evolute i-PRO roughly similar in price to options like the Lada Vesta in the local market.
There is one notable caveat. Private individuals cannot purchase the Evolute i-Joy at this time. The sedan is currently restricted to sales to taxi fleets, though the car is capable of being driven by private individuals who can inquire about its characteristics from the drivers themselves.
Kadakov observes that the vehicle execution resembles the Chinese Dongfeng Aeolus E70, with a design that bears the imprint of the earlier Almera G15 after a substantial refresh. He notes that the interior appears well suited for taxi use. One potential drawback he points out is the plastic panel covering the front storage area where the charging connector is housed; it looks thin and may be prone to wear over time. The battery is rated at 53 kWh, a size that should support about 400 kilometers on the NEDC cycle. In real-world urban driving, the usable range is likely closer to 250 kilometers per charge, Kadakov suggests. The propulsion is an electric motor delivering around 163 horsepower, enabling acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in about 9.5 seconds, a figure Kadakov highlights as noteworthy for a taxi-oriented electric sedan.
Taxi drivers who observed the event reacted positively, appreciating the car’s chassis and overall durability. The Renault-built, rugged underpinnings were especially praised, with Kadakov addressing a common concern among taxi enthusiasts about vehicle reliability in winter conditions. He clarifies that the car does include a diesel heater and a small auxiliary fuel tank located in the trunk, features that help preserve cabin warmth and reliability when temperatures plunge. This separate heating system is a common component in other Russian-designed electric vehicles as well, including an electric version of the UAZ. The expectation is that the Evolute i-Joy crossover, set to go on sale in the autumn, will incorporate a similar heater arrangement to conserve battery power and extend driving range during cold months.
For those curious about performance and practical use, a short update circulated on Telegram by the channel I drive Maxim Kadakov offers quick impressions from the event and a snapshot of the initial driver feedback, underscoring the car’s taxi-ready configuration and potential to reshape typical fleet operations. The evolving market context suggests a shift toward purpose-built electric sedans and crossovers that blend reliability, efficiency, and driver comfort, especially within taxi fleets that demand consistent uptime and predictable maintenance costs. While the Evolute i-Joy lineup introduces a new option, analysts are watching closely how subsidies, fleet sales, and after-sales support will influence the car’s adoption in both urban and regional taxi networks. As the industry continues to adapt, brands are increasingly prioritizing energy efficiency, warm-weather and cold-weather performance, and practical interiors that align with daily professional use. This convergence points to a broader trend where electric sedans designed for fleet services become more common on major markets, with the Evolute i-PRO representing a noteworthy step in that direction. At the same time, prospective buyers and drivers remain attentive to real-world range, charging infrastructure compatibility, and the resilience of this new platform under demanding ride-hailing conditions. The ongoing dialogue among industry observers, fleet operators, and automotive journalists will shape how this model competes with established fleet options in the region, and how subsidies will sustain its appeal over the coming years. Marked references and further notes are provided by automotive press outlets to contextualize the evolving pricing and subsidy landscape for electric fleets in Canada and the United States, helping readers gauge where the Evolute i-PRO fits within broader, cross-border mobility trends.