First Look at Russia’s New Electric Sedan Molniya: A Competitor to Tesla

On the official website of the «Best Industrial Design in Russia» award, photos of the prototype for the future electric vehicle «Molniya» have been released. This vehicle is built on a domestic universal modular platform and is noted as being comparable to models like the Tesla Model 3, Zeekr 007, and BYD Han.

The «Molniya» is being developed as a D-class sedan with seating for five, and it is emphasized that at least 70% of the vehicle’s components will be sourced locally. A distinctive aspect of this project is its integration with digital urban infrastructure, which the creators believe will provide a competitive edge over foreign counterparts.

Additionally, it has been indicated that the interior design will incorporate eco-friendly materials and utilize Russian software, reducing manufacturers’ reliance on foreign alternatives.

According to the information on the award’s website, the project team aimed to retain characteristic design elements from past «Moskvich» vehicles, reflecting the spirit of the city of Moscow. Technical details about the vehicle have not been disclosed.