Schmid GmbH is offering an electric conversion of the three-door Lada Niva for €20,000 in Germany.
The petrol engine makes room for an electric motor rated at 88 PS (87 hp / 65 kW), which continues to drive all four wheels. A 30-kWh traction battery supplies enough power for 130–300 kilometers (81–186 miles) of range, depending on the circumstances. In theory, it should withstand 9,000 charging cycles, meaning about 25 years of comfortable use until the capacity degrades to less than 80%. A 220V power socket found in the trunk can power external devices rated up to 2,000 watts.
The original Niva SUV (shown in the video) features a 1.7-liter eight-valve engine rated at 83 PS (81 hp / 60 kW), which toils in tandem with a five-speed manual gearbox. It does not meet the European emission standards and is therefore not available in the EU since 2019. Going all-electric would be one way for the Russian car to reclaim the lost market.
The company points out that the so-called Elantrie kit can be used to convert nearly any car to electric power. Three years ago, Schmid GmbH tested a 1990s-era Mk3 Volkswagen Golf with a similar powertrain. The final costs depend on the specific model and the customer’s wishes.