Originally released in 1977, the Lada Niva he refuses to die and even has companies that want to help him adapt to the new era the car industry is preparing to enter: the era of electrification.
We are talking about the Germans from Elantrie, a company owned by Schmid GmbH that decided to electrify the “eternal” Russian model by exchanging the 1.7 l petrol engine with 83 hp for an electric motor with 88 hp.
Despite the new engine, the electric Lada Niva remains faithful to the original transmission, with permanent all-wheel drive, one of its hallmarks. Aesthetically, the only differences are the disappearance of the exhaust pipe and the addition of a small air intake in the hood.
Despite the new "electron diet" Niva has not lost the all-terrain skills that have always characterized it.
Electricity goes on and it even "gives"
Powering the electric motor is a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 30 kWh placed precisely where the fuel tank used to be. According to Elantrie, a full charge allows a range of between 130 and 300 km, depending on the driving style and the location where we travel.
As for the battery's durability, the German company promises that it can maintain 80% of its capacity after 450,000 kilometers and 9,000 charge cycles. To do this, just recharge it whenever its capacity reaches 50%.
In the trunk there is a 220V socket that allows powering electrical appliances.
But there is more. Remember how the Hyundai IONIQ 5 can power other electrical appliances? Well, this electric Niva does the same. It's true that its 220V socket appears in the trunk, but that doesn't mean it is unable to supply appliances with a power of up to 2000 watt.
As for prices, if you already have a Lada Niva, the transformation is at the 2800 euros . If you don't have any copies of the Russian jeep, Elantrie sells a 100% electric Lada Niva for 19 900 euros . And you, if you had a Niva, would you transform it or keep it original? Leave your opinion in the comments box.