The "Molniya" D-class electric sedan has been shortlisted for the "Best Industrial Design of Russia" award. The application was submitted by the Directorate for the Development of Electric Transport of the Moscow Metro, representing the project at the federal level.
Initially, "Molniya" existed only as a model: in August 2024, it was shown at the exhibition "Manege Station. Moscow Transport 2030", then transferred to the Moscow Transport Museum and demonstrated at VDNH. However, already in 2025, the concept was overgrown with plans for localizing production, which gave the project a practical perspective.
The developers declare a high degree of unification of platform solutions. According to their calculations, this will reduce production costs by 15% and reduce the amount of investment by 30%. Localization of components should be at least 70%. The project involves loading the capacity of the Moskvich automobile plant, creating additional assembly lines and developing competencies in more than 600 Russian supplier companies.
Strategically, "Molniya" is seen not only as a response to traditional cars with internal combustion engines, but also as an alternative to Chinese electric cars, which dominate the Russian market today. The main market will be Russia, but the developers do not exclude exports to friendly countries, focusing on price and the availability of service support.
The successful launch of the "Molniya" project could stimulate the creation of a national electric transport cluster and give the market an affordable domestic electric car. For the average motorist, this means more choice, and in the future, lower prices for electric cars.
The award for the best industrial design will not only be a recognition of design ideas, but also an opportunity to draw attention to a project that is still balancing between concept and serial reality. If "Molniya" goes beyond exhibition halls, it could become a symbol of a new stage in the Russian automotive industry.