Russia's Evolute: Another 'Car Bubble' Ready to Burst

The unenviable, if not disastrous, situation of the Russian auto industry is no secret. Government measures, support, investments in the industry are tangible, obvious, and commendable.


But "the cart is still there." No, for someone it is even worse: cars brand "Evolyut" will most likely leave Russian roads altogether. Unless a miracle happens. And while large dealers are refusing "Motorinvest" showrooms, many will completely stop cooperating with the Lipetsk machine builder in 2025.

History in brief

The plant's history goes back a decade. In 2014, the Lipetsk Region administration, the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Motorinvest company signed an investment agreement. In accordance with the contract, the said enterprise began assembling promising electric vehicles.


First, Great Wall SUVs were assembled, then Changan crossovers. After another restart in 2022, Evolyut entered the assembly line.

We applied the widespread global practice of badge engineering. The omnipresent and mighty China lent a shoulder: the company D Motor Corporation exported car kits and technologies. And in Lipetsk they began to assemble cars vigorously using the "screwdriver" method.

Things went well. In any case, the model range pleased: minivans, sedans, crossovers. The signature Dongfeng Evolute silhouettes did not upset the Russians much. The price was confusing, significantly exceeding foreign models of the same class. And the buyer, as is known, is absolutely indifferent to an objective and logical explanation of the steep cost.

What did we come to?

Our electric car market is extremely poor. Not in terms of supply: there is plenty to choose from. We are in no hurry to buy. The reasons: poorly developed infrastructure, high cost of goods, unreliability of cars. Also, let's be honest, bias towards domestic battery-powered automobile products. And even with a Chinese "smell".


The final figures for 2024 have not yet been published. However, it is clear that this is less than 1% of the total number of cars sold. In this situation, experts predict that the electric car market will grow to 2,3% only by the distant 2030.

What is happening with the Lipetsk Evolyut models? Last year, informed sources report, the company intended to sell about 12 thousand units. However, the figure for 11 months of 2024 was 1372 units – less than 10% of the plan.

Who are they, these enthusiasts who brought their money to the Motorinvest cash desk? Perhaps, convinced patriots who support the domestic auto industry. Or conscious "greens"? They may be experimenters curious about what will come out of Russian electric cars.


Be that as it may, the army of Evolyut users is not the largest. And the sales curve is stubbornly heading downwards. It is not worth counting on the 2025-15 thousand electric cars planned for 18. And after all, only from this threshold should the auto company start making a profit.

Prospects

The already bleak future was made worse by reports from the Ministry of Industry and Trade. This head office, to put it simply, regulates state subsidies to automakers engaged in electric vehicles.


The Ministry decided to adjust the mechanism for access to state funds. It was decided: the higher the level of production localization, the larger the package of subsidies that will go to automakers. It turns out that the state ultimately stimulates the growth of the level of production localization.

Excellent. Only large-scale localization is possible at giants like AvtoVAZ. And for Motorinvest, this task is even more difficult than for Moskvich. After all, it presupposes serious financial injections and large sales. And who can guarantee these sales: taxi companies and car sharing don’t even want to take Evolyutas.

So, a vicious circle has formed: if you want state subsidies, increase the localization of the product. And it is only possible with large investments. Here we go...


It is difficult to say whether the Lipetsk plant will break out of the current situation. Most likely, no. It is easier and more profitable to close the production of electric cars. But let's not rush into predictions.

There is a tiny circumstance that will prevent a lock from being put on the Motorinvest checkpoint. It is about new batteries that are being tested at the enterprise. And these power sources are needed in many areas of industry.

What will we lose?

If an unfavorable scenario with the closure of the Lipetsk Automobile Plant were to take place, the Russian fleet of cars would become somewhat poorer. Why not take another look at the assortment of Lipetsk electric trains?

Minivan i-Van

The 800 kg capacity van was nicknamed "Ivan" from the day it appeared at dealerships. The car resembles the Chinese DongFeng Lingzhi M5EV.


The seven-seater Russian van with a 2+2+3 seating arrangement has interior dimensions (LxWxH) of 2590x1530x1285 mm. The exterior dimensions are as follows:

✅ Length - 5135 mm
✅ Width - 1720 mm
✅ Height - 1990 mm

The lithium iron phosphate battery with a capacity of 67,5 kWh generates 122 hp of peak power. The maximum torque is 300 Nm. The range promised by the manufacturer is 400 km.

The drive is supplied to the rear wheels. The front suspension has an independent torsion mechanism on double wishbones. At the rear, road collisions are handled by a spring axle. Discs control the deceleration on the driven wheels, and drum brakes are installed at the rear.

i-Joy crossover

The design of the 5-seater model is impressive and stylish. The on-board CCS Combo Type 2 connector allows you to quickly replenish energy at charging stations. Free municipal parking and the same travel on toll roads are the advantages that the owner of the domestic electric cross receives.


Keyless entry, panoramic roof with opening section – already a pleasant statement. The interior is the realm of electronics. Two displays: instrument panel and multimedia. The set of road entertainment includes digital and regular FM radio, the ability to broadcast audio and video from a phone, YouTube, etc.

Front-wheel drive. Power reserve 407 km: will definitely connect neighboring regional centers. Electric motor power 163 hp.

Sedan i-Pro

Experts at first glance saw the "Chinese" Dongfeng Aeolus E70 in the sedan profile. The sprint distance of 0-100 km/h is conquered by the car with a 150-horsepower electric engine in 9,9 seconds. Torque is 210 N*m, the available speed is 145 km/h. The range before replenishing energy is declared at 420 km.


Machine dimensions:

✅ Length - 4680 mm
✅ Width - 1720 mm
✅ Height - 1530 mm
✅ Luggage compartment – ​​502 l (opens remotely)

There was hope that taxi drivers would like the spacious interior. There are no armrests or cup holders on the back seat. There are no pockets in the backs of the front seats either. But the deflectors and two USB ports should please passengers.

The final part

We did not express our attitude to electric cars from Lipetsk. We did not add sarcasm, ridicule, negative or, on the contrary, laudatory reviews from users. This topic was discussed in early materials about Evolute i Pro.


Today we express concern about the state of Russian mechanical engineering. If the Ministry of Industry and Trade restricts or deprives the Motorinvest company of state subsidies, the brand will cease to exist. We hope that a solution will be found, and 2 thousand employees will not be left without work. When one door closes, another opens…