Russian Atom EV completes extreme cold testing down to -42°C
Atom electric vehicle passes winter climate tests in Surgut
Russian Atom EV completes extreme cold testing down to -42°C
The Russian Atom EV has finished climate testing, showing stable performance at -42°C. Learn about its heating, battery, and range results ahead of 2026 production.
2026-02-14T06:54:28+03:00
2026-02-14T06:54:28+03:00
2026-02-14T06:54:28+03:00
The Russian electric vehicle Atom has completed a full cycle of climate testing, demonstrating stable performance of all systems in extreme temperatures down to –42°C. These tests, shown in a video, marked the final stage of winter validation before the start of series production scheduled for spring 2026.Before heading to Surgut, engineers conducted a series of calibrations in climate chambers to verify the proper operation of heating, battery thermal regulation, and auxiliary components. Road tests lasted two weeks under conditions that significantly exceed the model's standard temperature range. Despite the cold, the climate control, heating systems, battery circuit, and swing doors functioned without major issues. With a target temperature of +24°C, the cabin warmed up from –30°C in about twenty-five minutes.The total mileage of the test program exceeded 1,500 kilometers. The electric vehicle was equipped with telemetry equipment that recorded load on power electronics, heat loss, cabin heating characteristics, and battery behavior. Charging speed was tested at different types of stations: at –30°C, the interval from 20 to 80 percent took about forty-five minutes.For objective evaluation, popular electric vehicles from other manufacturers were tested alongside. In terms of thermal efficiency, range, and climate system performance, Atom showed comparable or better results, with range higher in some scenarios. Against internal combustion engine vehicles, the difference was even more noticeable: at –42°C, traditional cars required heaters and sometimes failed to start, while Atom began operation instantly after overnight cooling.According to the project's chief designer Nikolay Bobrinsky, the stability of operation resulted from a set of engineering solutions. A heat pump, an intelligent thermal regulation system with a liquid circuit and heating element, enhanced body insulation, and cabin sealing ensured efficient heat retention with minimal energy loss. The model includes a full winter package with heated seats, windows, steering wheel, mirrors, and wiper area, enhancing comfort in any winter driving scenario.Completing the test program will allow for software refinement before series launch. Atom is positioned as a versatile urban electric gadget vehicle designed for private owners, taxis, car-sharing, and corporate fleets, and its resilience to extreme cold is a key factor for operation in Russian regions.
Atom electric vehicle, Russian EV, climate testing, extreme cold, winter tests, electric car, EV battery, thermal regulation, Surgut, 2026 production
2026
Michael Powers
news
Atom electric vehicle passes winter climate tests in Surgut
The Russian Atom EV has finished climate testing, showing stable performance at -42°C. Learn about its heating, battery, and range results ahead of 2026 production.
Michael Powers, Editor
The Russian electric vehicle Atom has completed a full cycle of climate testing, demonstrating stable performance of all systems in extreme temperatures down to –42°C. These tests, shown in a video, marked the final stage of winter validation before the start of series production scheduled for spring 2026.
Before heading to Surgut, engineers conducted a series of calibrations in climate chambers to verify the proper operation of heating, battery thermal regulation, and auxiliary components. Road tests lasted two weeks under conditions that significantly exceed the model's standard temperature range. Despite the cold, the climate control, heating systems, battery circuit, and swing doors functioned without major issues. With a target temperature of +24°C, the cabin warmed up from –30°C in about twenty-five minutes.
The total mileage of the test program exceeded 1,500 kilometers. The electric vehicle was equipped with telemetry equipment that recorded load on power electronics, heat loss, cabin heating characteristics, and battery behavior. Charging speed was tested at different types of stations: at –30°C, the interval from 20 to 80 percent took about forty-five minutes.
For objective evaluation, popular electric vehicles from other manufacturers were tested alongside. In terms of thermal efficiency, range, and climate system performance, Atom showed comparable or better results, with range higher in some scenarios. Against internal combustion engine vehicles, the difference was even more noticeable: at –42°C, traditional cars required heaters and sometimes failed to start, while Atom began operation instantly after overnight cooling.
According to the project's chief designer Nikolay Bobrinsky, the stability of operation resulted from a set of engineering solutions. A heat pump, an intelligent thermal regulation system with a liquid circuit and heating element, enhanced body insulation, and cabin sealing ensured efficient heat retention with minimal energy loss. The model includes a full winter package with heated seats, windows, steering wheel, mirrors, and wiper area, enhancing comfort in any winter driving scenario.
Completing the test program will allow for software refinement before series launch. Atom is positioned as a versatile urban electric gadget vehicle designed for private owners, taxis, car-sharing, and corporate fleets, and its resilience to extreme cold is a key factor for operation in Russian regions.
