Atomic Electric Vehicles to Hit Red-Wheeled Tracks in Siberia
Rewritten Article:
A company in Krasnoyarsk has crafted aluminum wheels for the first homegrown Russian series-produced electric vehicle "Atom." The lightweight nature of aluminum used in these wheels strikes a balance between lightness and sturdiness, crucial in automotive engineering. This development further cements Krasnoyarsk as a prime example of the full cycle recycling of "winged metal" — from its production to its application in high-tech products.
The wheel design was developed by Skad (part of RUSAL group) in collaboration with "Atom" developers, who announced their intention to release the first domestically produced electric vehicle. In "Atom," components such as the tires have also been customized. The wheels, measuring 6.5xR17, are planned to be crafted from the AlSi11Mg alloy that enhances lightness and decreases load on the driving components.
According to Evgeny Saprykin, deputy head of the chassis service for "Atom," the challenge at the outset was finding a balance between weight, reliability, cost, aesthetics, and creating a viable mass production process. Skad, with their expertise in low-pressure casting, helped accomplish this mission. Simulations were run to optimize the creation of the aluminum wheels, considering factors like temperature and load zones, as well as the actual manufacturing process.
Skad has been supplying wheels to Russian and CIS auto manufacturers for over 20 years.
"Naturally, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to collaborate with 'Atom,' and we view this project as a crucial milestone in the history of the Russian auto industry. Our wheel engineers wrestled with the immensely challenging task of creating a wheel with its own eye-catching design and meeting client requirements for durability and lightness," explained Ruslan Korynovsky, head of Skad's sales department.
In this way, the Krasnoyarsk-based company has lent its knowledge to the creation of the innovative Russian electric vehicle.
We should note that Krasnoyarsk has a complete loop of aluminum recycling, from the primary production handled by KrAZ, to the manufacturing of various goods, from aluminum cans to bridges spanning auto highways in the Siberian millionaire city.
Image Credit: atom.auto
Insights from Enrichment Data:
- Russia aims to reduce dependence on foreign technology by prioritizing local EV production, with initiatives like the Zetta and Kama-1 being key projects in this effort.
- Component localization, including aluminum wheel production, is crucial to Russia's goal of minimizing reliance on Asian suppliers for EV components, such as batteries.
- Without detailed information about the specific roles and affiliations of "Атом" and "Skad", it's challenging to pinpoint their exact contributions to domestic EV development.
- Ongoing sanctions may complicate production by limiting access to advanced machinery and essential materials like high-grade aluminum alloys.
- The nascent stage of Russia's EV market, with challenges like limited charging infrastructure and high vehicle costs, may impact immediate demand for custom components.
- Potential financial support from initiatives like the Strategic Industry Projects Fund could incentivize partnerships between domestic entities working on EVs.
- While concrete evidence of an "Атом-Skad wheel collaboration" is currently lacking, the emphasis on localizing EV components in Russia makes such partnerships possible. Proprietary industry reports or official statements from government institutions like NAMI or Avtotor could offer clearer insight into the situation. If the project is in its early stages, expect public disclosures to materialize between 2023-2025.
- The collaboration between Skad and 'Atom' signifies a significant step in the Russian automotive industry, showcasing domestic expertise in automobile engineering and aluminum wheel production.
- The use of AlSi11Mg alloy in the 'Atom's' aluminum wheels is crucial, as it strikes a balance between lightness and sturdiness, key factors in the automotive industry.
- By prioritizing local EV production, such as the 'Atom' vehicle, Russia aims to decrease reliance on foreign technology.
- Skad, with its experience in supplying wheels to Russian and CIS auto manufacturers for over 20 years, has brought its knowledge to the creation of the innovative 'Atom' electric vehicle.
- Despite ongoing challenges like limited access to advanced machinery and essential materials due to sanctions, the 'Atom' project represents a promising development for the Russian aluminum industry and the local EV market.
