Evolute i Space: what kind of car is this? Full review of the electric car

Introduction: who makes Evolute i Space and why they are talking about it

If you follow the electric vehicle market, you've probably heard of Evolute i Space - a compact urban electric crossover, which is positioned as an affordable alternative to Tesla and Chinese brands like BYD or Geely. But who is behind this brand? Evolute is a Russian brand created by the company MosTransAuto (part of the group GAS) specifically for the production of electric vehicles. In fact, i Space became the first serial electric car of domestic production, which went on free sale not only to legal entities, but also to individuals.

The machine is built on a platform JAC iEV7S — a Chinese electric car, which was adapted to Russian realities: climate, roads and safety requirements. But don’t rush to draw conclusions: despite the “Chinese roots”, Evolute i Space has passed the full certification cycle in Russia, and its assembly is carried out at the plant in Naberezhnye Chelny. This means that warranty service and spare parts will be more accessible than for “gray” imported electric vehicles.

The main trump card of the model is price from 2.5 million rubles (for 2026), which is 30–40% cheaper than similar offers from Tesla or Volkswagen. But is the game worth the candle? Let's figure out what this electric car really is.

Technical characteristics of Evolute i Space: motor, battery, power reserve

Under the hood Evolute i Space hidden electric motor power 120 kW (163 hp), which accelerates the car to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds - not a record, but quite enough for urban conditions. Top speed is electronically limited at 150 km/h, which is typical for most electric cars in the budget segment.

The most interesting thing is the battery. It uses a lithium-ion battery with a capacity 55.3 kWhwhich provides NEDC range up to 405 km. However, in real conditions (in winter, with the heating on), this figure is reduced to 250–300 km. For comparison: Tesla Model 3 Standard Range The power reserve is almost twice as long, but it also costs one and a half times more.

• 🔋 Battery type: lithium-ion (LFP), cobalt-free
• ⚡ Charging: from 0 to 80% in 40 minutes at a fast station (up to 60 kW)
• 🔌 Home charging: 7–8 hours from a regular outlet (220V, 16A)
• 🌡️ Climate control: heat pump (more economical than traditional heating)

One of the key advantages is Battery warranty 8 years or 160,000 km. This is the standard for electric vehicles, but in Russian frost conditions this period looks especially attractive. However, there is a caveat: if the battery capacity drops below 70% before the warranty expires, the manufacturer undertakes to replace it. But if the degradation is within normal limits (loss of 2–3% per year), then the claims will not be accepted.

Exterior and interior: what Evolute i Space is like

Style Evolute i Space can be described as "moderately futuristic". From the front, the eye is struck by a closed radiator grille (typical of electric vehicles), LED headlights with daytime running light boomerangs and a compact hood. In profile the car resembles Hyundai Kona Electric, but with smoother lines. Dimensions are modest:

• 📏 Length: 4 410 mm
• 📐 Width: 1,820 mm (excluding mirrors)
• 📊 Height: 1,630 mm
• 🚗 Ground clearance: 160 mm (enough for city roads)

Everything in the cabin is simple but functional. The finishing materials are fabric and plastic, but the assembly is at a good level: there are no backlashes or creaks. The steering wheel is two-spoke, with multimedia control buttons, and is hidden behind the dashboard 10.25" digital screen. In the center is a touch screen display 12.3 inches with support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Some nice little things:

• 🪑 Heated front seats (optional)
• 🔄 Keyless entry and engine start from a button
• 🎵 Audio system with 6 speakers (not premium, but the sound is clear)
• 🚘 Driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport

But what’s missing is a panoramic roof or premium audio. But there is spacious trunk of 350 liters (1,100 liters with seats folded), which is very good for a compact crossover.

What is hidden under the "Chinese platform"?

The base for Evolute i Space is the JAC iEV7S model, which has been sold in China since 2019. However, for the Russian market the car was modified: the body was strengthened, the suspension was adapted to our roads, an interior heater was added (in China they often use only air conditioning with a heat pump) and battery pre-heating. The software was also changed to be compatible with Russian services, for example, with Yandex maps.

Pros and cons of Evolute i Space: honest analysis

Like any electric car, Evolute i Space has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's start with the pros:

• ✅ Price: one of the most affordable electric vehicles on the market (only cheaper Zetta, but it has worse characteristics).
• ✅ Warranty: 8 years for a battery is a serious argument.
• ✅ Assembly in Russia: easier with maintenance and spare parts than “gray” imported cars.
• ✅ Tax benefits: like an electric car i Space exempt from transport tax in most regions.

Now about the disadvantages - and, unfortunately, there are many of them:

• ❌ Power reserve: 300 km in summer and 200–250 km in winter is not enough for long trips.
• ❌ Infrastructure: The network of charging stations in Russia is still poorly developed (with the exception of Moscow and St. Petersburg).
• ❌ Dynamics: 9.9 seconds to 100 km/h is slower than many petrol crossovers.
• ❌ Shumka: At speeds above 90 km/h, noise from the wheels and wind can be heard in the cabin.

Another important point: secondary market. Bye Evolute i Space sold only from 2023, so there is no data on long-term reliability. However, judging by the reviews of the first owners, the main complaints relate to the software (multimedia glitches) and the not always accurate battery level indicator.

Comparison with competitors: which is better, Evolute i Space or...

Main competitors Evolute i Space on the Russian market - this is Zetta, BYD Dolphin and Volkswagen ID.4. Let's compare them based on key parameters:

Parameter	Evolute i Space	Zetta	BYD Dolphin	VW ID.4
Price (from), RUB million	2,5	1,8	2,8	4,2
Cruising range (NEDC), km	405	300	427	520
Power, hp	163	95	177	204
Battery Warranty	8 years	5 years	6 years	8 years
Assembly	Russia	Russia	China	Germany

From the table it is clear that Evolute i Space takes the golden mean: it is more powerful and reliable Zetta, but cheaper BYD Dolphin and VW ID.4. If you need a budget electric car for the city with an acceptable range and warranty, then i Space - one of the best options. But if you often travel long distances, it is better to take a closer look at BYD or Volkswagen.

One more nuance: cost of ownership. According to calculations, over 5 years of operation Evolute i Space costs less than a gasoline crossover of the same class (for example, Hyundai Creta) by about 30–40%, if you take into account savings on fuel, taxes and maintenance. However, this is only true if you charge at home. If you have to use paid stations, the difference is reduced.

Real reviews from owners: what those who have already bought say

To form an objective opinion, we analyzed reviews from owners Evolute i Space on the forums (Drive2, Drom.ru) and on social networks. Here's what they highlight:

• 👍 "The car is ideal for the city." Compact dimensions, good maneuverability and quiet running make it convenient for daily trips.
• 👍 "The savings on fuel are obvious." With home charging, the cost of refueling for 100 km is 3–4 times cheaper than with gasoline.
• 👍 "Spacious salon." Despite its external compactness, there is enough space inside for five passengers.

But there is also criticism:

• 👎 "In winter, the range drops significantly." At −20°C, the actual range is reduced to 180–200 km, and recharging takes longer.
• 👎 "Multimedia is slow." This is especially noticeable when connecting a smartphone via Android Auto.
• 👎 "Poor sound insulation." On the highway there is noise from the wheels and wind, which is tiring on long trips.

Interesting point: many owners note that service costs less than foreign cars. For example, replacing brake pads or tire fitting costs approximately 20% less than Tesla or Volkswagen. However, there are delays with spare parts - not all parts are available in warehouses.

How much does Evolute i Space cost in 2026 and where to buy it

For June 2026 Evolute i Space offered in three trim levels:

• 💰 Standard (from 2,490,000 ₽): basic version with fabric trim, 16-inch wheels and a minimal set of options.
• 💎 Comfort (from 2,750,000 ₽): adds heated seats, a rearview camera, climate control and 17-inch wheels.
• 🚀 Premium (from 2,990,000 ₽): leather trim, panoramic roof, premium audio and driver assistance system (ADAS).

You can buy a car:

1. Via official dealers (list on the website evolute-auto.ru).
2. B MosTransAuto showrooms (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan and other cities).
3. Via online order with delivery to any region (payment by leasing or credit is possible).

It is worth considering that the car is affected government subsidies (up to 625,000 ₽ when disposing of an old car) and preferential loans (from 3% per annum). However, these programs are not available in all regions, so please check with your dealer for eligibility.

⚠️ Attention: When buying on lease, pay attention to the conditions for purchasing the car after the end of the contract. Some companies include a high residual payment in the contract (up to 30% of the cost), which makes the deal less profitable.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Evolute i Space

❓ How much does it cost to charge Evolute i Space to full?

The cost depends on the electricity tariff:

• 💡 Home socket (night rate ~3 ₽/kWh): ~165 ₽ (55 kWh × 3 ₽).
• ⚡ Fast station (~15 ₽/kWh): ~830 ₽.

For comparison: refueling a gasoline crossover for 500 km will cost ~1,500 rubles.

❓ Can the Evolute i Space be towed?

Yes, but with reservations:

• 🚛 Maximum trailer weight — 500 kg (without brakes) or 1,000 kg (with brakes).
• ⚠️ When towing Power reserve is reduced by 30–40% due to increased load.

❓ How does the car behave in severe frost?

At temperatures below −20°C:

• ❄️ Power reserve drops to 180–200 km.
• ⏳Charging time increases by 20–30%.
• 🔥 Recommended to use preheating (available in the mobile application).

❓ Which tires are best for Evolute i Space?

The manufacturer recommends:

• 🔄 Summer: 215/60 R17 (for example, Michelin Primacy 4 or Continental EcoContact 6).
• ❄️ Winter: 215/60 R17 with spikes or Velcro (Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3, Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2).

Important: tire pressure there must be 2.3 bar front and 2.5 bar rear for optimal energy consumption.

❓ Does Evolute i Space have an autopilot?

A full-fledged autopilot, like Tesla, no. However, the top-end configuration includes:

• 🚦 Adaptive cruise control (maintains a distance to the car in front).
• 🅿️ Lane Keeping System (warns about leaving the road).
• 🚗 Traffic sign recognition (displays speed limits on the dashboard).

These are systems level 2 (according to SAE classification), that is, they help the driver, but do not replace him.

If you are considering Evolute i Space As the first electric car, it definitely deserves attention. It's not a perfect car, but it offers a reasonable balance of price, performance and reliability - especially if you want a city car with low running costs. The main thing is to soberly assess your needs: whether you have enough range, whether the charging infrastructure in your region suits you, and whether you are willing to put up with small flaws in the finish and software.

⚠️ Attention: Be sure to take the car for a test drive before purchasing. Pay attention to the heating operation, noise insulation at speed and ease of multimedia control - these are the points that often cause complaints from owners.