At VDNKh in Moscow, a working copy of the L-Type electric car developed by the Obukhov Plant, part of the Almaz-Antey defense concern, is showcased as a highlight of the ongoing “Russia” exhibition. This display draws attention to a rare piece of industrial heritage, illustrating the evolving relationship between Russia’s military industrial complex and urban mobility concepts. According to coverage from Drom.ru, the presentation aims to emphasize the role of compact electric vehicles in specialized fleets and the broader push toward electrified transport solutions within controlled environments.
The car was unveiled during a dedicated exhibition on November 24. The accompanying information plate describes the L-Type as a compact urban electric vehicle intended for corporate fleets, designed for short-range transport, operation in closed facilities, and urban services tied to goods delivery. The description underscores its suitability for confined spaces where quiet, emission-free operation is advantageous and where fleet managers seek efficiency and reliability in daily logistics tasks. The display reflects a broader strategy to explore electric solutions for last-mile services and internal corporate logistics.
The L-Type is offered in a two-passenger configuration and a single-seat cargo variant. Its overall length is listed at 2.5 meters, and a single charge covers about 183 kilometers, presenting a practical option for intra-campus shuttles, facility maintenance, and internal courier runs. A distinctive feature is the ability to quickly replace traction battery modules, ensuring minimal downtime for fleets that require steady, predictable operation across multiple shifts. Official classifications place the L-Type among heavy quadricycles within the L7 category, aligning it with other compact electric platform utilities designed for constrained urban applications.
Earlier efforts in the Saratov region focused on establishing the production of spare parts for Renault, Nissan, and Mitsubishi, highlighting the broader industrial intent to build local capabilities around international automotive platforms. This development signals Russia’s ongoing interest in expanding domestic supply chains for automotive components, even as projects like the L-Type illustrate a parallel exploration of compact electric mobility solutions that could potentially support municipal and industrial service needs in the future. The integration of spare parts production with electric vehicle concepts demonstrates a diversified approach to sustaining and evolving the country’s automotive ecosystem, spanning both traditional brands and new energy applications.