Russian startup wants to produce world’s cheapest EV

Zetta – an automotive startup company headquartered in Tolyatti, Russia – has announced a new lightweight all-electric coupe scheduled to hit the market if its first model, the compact-sized City Modul 1, becomes successful.

The City Modul 1 comes based on a tubular frame with plastic outer and inner paneling bonded with a special foam. It utilizes China-made electric motors and batteries and has a claimed range of 180 km (112 miles) with the entry-level battery. A larger traction battery can give up to 500 km (310 miles) of range, and all four wheels are driven in the top spec.

The Zetta City Modul 1 remains set for production later in 2020. The company has already secured an own manufacturing site, but whether it has the funding to begin production is a good question. Another issue not addressed by the manufacturer is the driving range, which is quoted at 180 km for a small 10-kWh battery. The car has to be exceptionally light to pull it off, and even then it might be unachievable.