Plans for the domestic debut of the Evolute i-Van electric minivan are moving forward, with indications that sales could begin in the second quarter of 2024. This projection comes via the Telegram channel Autostream, which cites information from Evolute’s press service and reinforces that the company is aligning its marketing and production timelines to meet anticipated demand across the country and beyond. The approach signals a deliberate push by Evolute to establish a foothold in the growing electric commercial vehicle segment, aiming to attract fleet buyers and family-oriented customers who are looking for practical, versatile transport with modern electric credentials.
In parallel, the company has suggested that the i-Van will reach customers in the second or third quarter of 2024. Production of the minibus has already begun at a facility near Lipetsk, starting in the fourth quarter of 2023, and the brand’s communications team notes that the certification process for the vehicle is currently wrapping up. This timeline reflects the careful coordination between manufacturing readiness, regulatory approval, and distributor readiness to ensure a smooth rollout across relevant markets. The ongoing certification work is a standard step for new electric models as manufacturers verify compliance with safety, emission, and performance standards before mass deliveries commence.
From a design and dimension perspective, the Evolute i-Van presents a compact yet spacious footprint, with a total length of 5135 millimeters and a wheelbase of 3000 millimeters. The interior layout emphasizes practicality: the second row features separate seats to accommodate diverse seating configurations, while the third row is a three-passenger setup that can adapt for passengers or cargo as needs dictate. This arrangement positions the i-Van as a flexible option for both everyday commuting and more demanding transport tasks, such as shuttle services or small-group travel, where ease of ingress and comfortable seating are valued alongside efficient energy use.
Powering the i-Van is a 122 horsepower electric motor paired with a lithium iron phosphate battery with a capacity of 67.5 kilowatt-hours. The electric propulsion system is designed to deliver a convenient blend of performance and range, with an official driving range announced at up to 400 kilometers on a single charge under typical usage conditions. When rapid charging is available, the energy reserve can be replenished from 30 percent to 80 percent in approximately 37 minutes, enabling longer trips with minimal downtime and aligning with common fleet operation patterns that require quick recharges between routes.
The equipment list reflects a focus on comfort and usability: power windows, air conditioning, and parking sensors contribute to everyday convenience, while ergonomics are addressed through adjustable seating. The driver’s seat offers six directions of adjustment, allowing the operator to tailor the driving position for optimal visibility and comfort, and the front passenger seat additionally supports four-direction adjustment. These features underscore Evolute’s attention to driver ergonomics and occupant comfort as part of the overall value proposition of the i-Van, alongside its electric drivetrain and modular interior configuration.
In other automotive news from the broader market, it has been noted that a familiar name, AvtoVAZ, has begun dispatching Lada Vesta cars equipped with continuously variable transmissions to dealers. The price tag for the Lada Vesta sedan with the CVT in the Comfort package is cited at 1.6 million rubles, illustrating the ongoing pricing dynamics in the domestic automotive sector where traditional gasoline models continue to coexist with new electric offerings. This context helps illustrate the varied choices available to buyers as the market calibrates around shifting consumer preferences and evolving technology options.
Additionally, earlier industry chatter mentioned a new Neta L crossover that is expected to feature a noticeably large screen within the cabin, a detail that has generated interest in how Chinese brands are shaping in-cabin experience and digital interfaces for new energy vehicles. This observation highlights a broader trend toward integrating larger display ecosystems and enhanced infotainment capabilities as a differentiator in crowded segments like compact crossovers and electric vans. As markets evolve, such features may influence buyer expectations and push manufacturers to deliver richer, more connected experiences in parallel with improved propulsion and battery technologies.