Russia’s Atom EV Gears Up for Launch with a Boost from Chinese Tech

Electrified Ambition - The global automotive industry has been riding the electric wave for quite some time now, with brands from Europe, Asia, and America fighting for dominance. But every so often, a newcomer arrives from an unexpected place, determined to carve out its own lane. That is exactly what’s happening in Russia, where a startup named Kama has been busy shaping its first fully home-grown EV — the Atom. It’s a bold project that has been in development since 2021, and as of today, the car is inching closer to production reality. 

The Kama Atom is a gadget-like electric car designed, to fit the perfect concept of new urban mobility in modern megacities. (Picture from: En.IZ.ru)

Kama is not moving alone in this journey. Backed by strong financial support from the Russian Direct Investment Fund, the company has also tapped into expertise from Atom Automotive Engineering and Technology in Nanjing, China. This collaboration is more than just business; it’s a strategic step for Russia to fortify its struggling auto industry in the aftermath of sanctions and market disruptions since early 2022. The Atom is expected to play a key role in reshaping Russia’s domestic car landscape while still leaning on international partnerships to get things off the ground. 

The Kama Atom features short front and rear overhangs with a long wheelbase for a roomy cabin, measuring 3,995 mm by 1,790 mm by 1,643 mm with a 2,635 mm wheelbase, a turning radius under five meters, and wheel options ranging from 17 to 19 inches. (Picture from: BlackXperience)

When the first images surfaced in mid-2023, many were curious about what Russia’s entry into the EV world would look like. The photos revealed a vehicle that didn’t simply mimic Western or Asian models but instead carried its own unique twist. Its silhouette has a resemblance to the MG 4, yet the Atom stands taller, with a longer presence on the road. The face is striking: slim LED headlights connected by a light bar, a smooth nose without the traditional grille, and hidden main beams tucked into the bumper. It’s a futuristic take, one that seems influenced by the latest Chinese EVs but still fresh enough to turn heads on its own. 

The Kama Atom is equipped with a number of technologies used in the premium class, including augmented reality display with projection on the windshield, remote access and start of the electric car from the phone, automatic parking, advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). (Picture from: Zhibokanche)

From the side, the design shows off short front and rear overhangs combined with a surprisingly long wheelbase, suggesting a roomy interior despite its compact size. Officially, the Atom measures 3,995 mm in length, 1,790 mm in width, and 1,643 mm in height, riding on a 2,635 mm wheelbase. Its turning radius is just under five meters, making it agile enough for city driving, while buyers will be able to choose wheels between 17 and 19 inches. 

The Kama Atom has achieved Vehicle Type Approval in Russia, paving the way for mass production and sales with both a standard passenger version and a taxi model that removes the front passenger seat for added rider space. (Picture from: Zhibokanche)

Beneath the body, the numbers are promising. The Atom comes with a 204-horsepower motor mounted on the rear axle, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in eight seconds and top out at 170 km/h. Power comes from a 77 kWh battery that delivers a driving range of up to 500 km, a figure that puts it in line with international competitors. Charging performance is equally practical: in just eight minutes, drivers can regain enough energy to cover an additional 100 km. These specs put the Atom firmly in the conversation with other mid-market EVs around the world. 

The Kama Atom features a steering wheel with a touchscreen running its operating system, which switches to driving mode while projecting key information onto the windshield. (Picture from: Autostat.ru)

The car has already cleared one major milestone by receiving Vehicle Type Approval in Russia, which means mass production and official sales are now on the horizon. Interestingly, the certification covers both a standard passenger version and a taxi-oriented model, the latter ditching the front passenger seat to optimize space for riders. Beyond that, Kama has confirmed that a delivery van variant is under development, while a separate electric sedan project called the Lightning has also been quietly previewed. 

The Kama Atom is powered by a 204-horsepower rear-axle motor paired with a 77 kWh battery, enabling 0–100 km/h in eight seconds, a top speed of 170 km/h, and a range of up to 500 km, placing it on par with global competitors. (Picture from: Zhibokanche)

Production plans are ambitious. Kama has completed the setup of its assembly line in Moscow, including body welding, painting, testing, and calibration zones. Officials have stated that industrial production should kick off before the year ends, with wider availability expected in 2026. And for government fleets, there’s even a special package tailored for civil servants, featuring a tweaked interior and limited color options — black or white. | gxti2GYE-b8 |

For a country that has faced severe disruptions in its automotive supply chain, the Atom is more than just a car. It’s a symbol of self-reliance and a statement that Russia doesn’t intend to sit on the sidelines while the EV revolution accelerates globally. While it’s still too early to predict how the Atom will perform in terms of sales or reliability, the project has already shown enough ambition to spark attention beyond its borders. If Kama delivers on its promises, Russia’s Atom might just become one of the most unexpected players in the fast-moving EV race. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES || KAMA ENGINEERING  EN.IZ.RU | WAM.EA | CARSCOOPS | BLACKXPERIENCE | ZHIBOKANCHE | AUTOSTAT.RU | RUSSIATODAY IN X ]

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