Electric Vehicles in the USSR

The history of Soviet experiments with electric vehicles includes a wide range of passenger cars, trucks, and buses. Particularly notable progress occurred in the 1970s, thanks to advancements in electrical engineering, electronics, and chemical power sources. Institutions such as the Research Institute of Motor Transport (NIIAT), the All-Union Research Institute of Electromechanics (VNIIEM), the All-Union Research Institute of Electric Transport (VNIET), as well as automobile manufacturers like VAZ, ErAZ, RAF, and UAZ, were involved in creating prototypes and experimental models—some of which even earned international recognition and awards. Let’s take a closer look at some of them.

NAMI-750 and NAMI-751: Early Post-War Electric Vans

Shortly after World War II, the NAMI institute began developing electric postal vans: the NAMI-750 with a payload capacity of 500 kg, and the NAMI-751 with 1500 kg. Although identical in appearance and construction, the two models were equipped with different electric motors. The NAMI-750 had two 3.2 kW motors, while the NAMI-751 used two 6 kW motors. Each motor powered one of the rear wheels. The body was a space frame clad in aluminum sheets with wooden elements. These electric vehicles could reach speeds of 30–33 km/h and had a range of 70–85 km.

UAZ U-131: Early Utility EV

One of the most interesting Soviet electric vehicles was the U-131, built on a UAZ chassis. Developed in 1974 as experimental models for the 34th Motor Depot of Mostorgtrans, five vans were produced with a load capacity of 500 kg. Charging was done using an external device, so the vehicles were recharged overnight in a special garage at the motor depot.

UAZ-451mi and the Final Version 3801

In 1978, an experimental batch of UAZ-451mi electric vehicles arrived. These looked nearly identical to the standard UAZ-451 but featured onboard chargers and AC motors. The batteries were mounted beneath the frame, and the vehicle could be charged from nearly any power source—even during loading operations. The batteries charged up to 70% in just one hour.

At the 1978 World Electric Vehicle Exhibition in Philadelphia, the UAZ-451mi was the only alternating current (AC) — while all the others used direct current (DC) systems, which were more common at the time for electric vehicles.

The final version, labeled UAZ-3801, could carry 800 kg, had a top speed of 70 km/h, and offered a 75 km range with regenerative braking. It featured three pedals—for acceleration, regenerative braking, and conventional braking.

RAF-2203: Micro Electric Minibuses

In 1976, the Jelgava Auto Plant produced a batch of RAF-2203 electric minibuses. Each had a 23 kW motor, carried up to 9 passengers, and could reach 60 km/h with a range of around 70 km. These RAFs, equipped with solar panels, served as judge transport vehicles during the 1980 Olympics. In 1982, three of them were used as electric taxis in Moscow.

ZAZ-968: Ukraine’s Contribution

The ZAZ-968 electric vehicle featured a pulsed semiconductor converter—an innovation at the time. This electric “Zaporizhets” received a bronze medal, while its control system was awarded silver at the 1974 USSR Exhibition of Economic Achievements (VDNKh).

VAZ: Pioneering Soviet EVs

In 1976, VAZ created a department to handle all aspects of EV development. That same year, it built the 2102E electric station wagon, which passed government tests and was recommended for production. It was a two-door van with corrugated panels replacing the rear windows.

Model 2801

Between 1980 and 1981, 47 units of the 2801 model were produced. These used nickel-zinc batteries mounted on an aluminum frame and featured a charging hatch instead of the rear-right door. Some were used at the Tolyatti plant and for mail delivery. The main batch went to Ukraine, including units used at the “Garant” TV repair facility in Zaporizhzhia.

The battery pack weighed 380 kg and powered a 25 kW (35 hp) motor. The van could carry 320 kg, had a top speed of 87 km/h, and a range of 130 km. Despite its promise, the model never entered mass production due to practical limitations.

Tests showed that the body of the VAZ-2801 was too weak for such a load. The VAZ‑2801 version was therefore built on an aluminum frame. It had a range of 110 km, but the batteries lasted only three to four months under intensive use. Between 1981 and 1985, 47 of these electric vehicles were produced and, as part of an experiment, operated in various regions of the country.

The next step for the Volga plant was the VAZ-2802 “Pony” — a van and flatbed truck built on a unique tubular backbone frame with an original body design. The front suspension was retained from the Zhiguli, while the rear suspension was specially developed. Work began in 1982, and by 1988, a cooperative named “Orion” from the Kemerovo region even planned to purchase the documentation from VAZ and launch mass production. However, the economic turmoil of those years did not favor such an initiative.

Experimental Designs

• In 1979, VAZ created the VAZ-1801—an open, four-seater EV for resort and park use.
• In 1980, the 2802-02 prototype was developed. This was an electric van with a plastic body, designed by V. Pashko (also known for designing the VAZ-2108).

The Decline of Soviet EV Development

By the late 1980s, electric vehicle development in the USSR slowed dramatically as state funding dwindled during the perestroika reforms. Demand for this type of vehicle in our country was close to zero. The problem was not only the lack of charging infrastructure (though that was also an issue) but primarily the absence of suitable domestically produced batteries. All of our electric cars were equipped with lead-acid batteries — relatively inexpensive but heavy, bulky, with low lifespan and limited capacity. This solution was only viable within factory premises, where open cargo electric vehicles were successfully used (and continue to be used). But the use of such outdated technology for civilian applications on regular roads was out of the question.

Sources and further reading:

• 5koleso.ru — История электромобилей в СССР
• ElectricMotorsClub.ru — Электромобили СССР
• Wikipedia — Категория: Электромобили СССР