"Russo-Balt" Abandons "Pure" Internal Combustion Engines

The revived brand will focus on electric vehicles and hybrid technologies

The revived Russian brand "Russo-Balt" has decided to completely abandon classic internal combustion engines. The company said it is betting on electric vehicles and series hybrids.

According to the company, the efficiency of electric motors can reach 95%. For comparison, for modern internal combustion engines this figure is about 30–35%.

In addition, operating vehicles with internal combustion engines requires regular maintenance and costly repairs. A major engine overhaul may be needed after as little as 200,000–300,000 kilometers of mileage and cost about 200,000–300,000 rubles. Owners of such cars also have to regularly replace the oil, filters, spark plugs, injectors, and fuel system components.

At the beginning of 2026, the company unveiled its first model — the "Russo-Balt F200" electric van. The new product will be manufactured exclusively to order.

The starting price of the vehicle will be about 6.5 million rubles, and the first deliveries to customers are scheduled for January 2027.

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