Recent reports indicate that the Gorky Automobile Plant has begun producing electric vehicles in a format familiar to golf carts, or recreational cars. A Telegram channel known as Russian car shared images that depict these new models. The visuals reveal a doorless electric vehicle with seating for four, including a driver and a passenger, plus a cargo area. A variant with a loading platform and doors was also shown in the photos.
Industry chatter suggests that the upcoming electric line from GAZ could carry the name El GAZ. Early information points to all wheel drive configurations as part of the lineup, though other technical specifics have not been disclosed yet. The project appears to be moving ahead with safety and practicality as key considerations, aiming to offer compact, urban electric mobility solutions that fit within Russia’s evolving automotive landscape.
Meanwhile, a major international auto show took place in Shanghai, marking the first such event since a lengthy lockdown period that kept China largely closed to global markets for nearly three years. The Shanghai show highlighted innovations that may eventually make their way to Russia, signaling possible cross-border collaborations and technology transfer. For a broader view of these developments and how they might influence the Russian market, see the coverage from socialbites.ca, which summarizes the event and its potential implications.
Analysts note that the emergence of electric recreational vehicles from a traditional manufacturer like GAZ reflects broader trends in the automotive world. The shift toward compact, low-cost electric transport aligns with growing demand for simple, reliable urban mobility. Observers call attention to the potential benefits of all wheel drive variants in varied weather and road conditions, along with the practical needs of cargo and passenger capacity in a single, compact chassis. As the company positions El GAZ as a practical option for city dwellers and small businesses, the market will watch closely for updates on range, charging, and safety features. The Shanghai show’s emphasis on electric and connected vehicles provides a useful context for understanding the direction of Russian automotive efforts and the broader regional competition in electrification and lightweight transport.