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Is Kalashnikov, the company famous for making the AK-47 rifle, entering the EV market?

New patent images have been leaked revealing a five-door, four-wheeler and an open-sided three-wheeler design, based on the OVUM electric vehicle that Kalashnikov showcased in 2019.

A battery output of 50kW has been specified from a single EV motor, with a top speed of 80km/hr. A maximum range of 150km has also been specified.

It’s not clear what market the vehicles are intended for, whether military or otherwise, but the standard equipment list includes air-conditioning, heating, a digital instrument panel, infotainment screen and adjustable suspension.

The arms maker has ventured into the EV space in the past. In 2018, it released its vision of a retro-bodied electric car to rival the Tesla and a series of EV motorcycles but so far nothing has entered the mainstream market.

Image of the Kalashnikov OVUM, courtesy of Kalashnikov.