Russo-Balt F200 is a Russian electric cargo van with a hand-welded stainless steel body, 200 hp motor, and 115 kWh battery for a 400 km range. Production starts in January 2027 at $85,200, offering a 100-year body warranty that sets it apart in commercial EVs.
This van revives a historic brand for modern logistics, prioritizing durability in harsh climates. Fleet operators and delivery firms should note its 1,000 kg payload and made-to-order production.
Background: Reviving Russo-Balt for Electric Commercial Vehicles
Russo-Balt, a startup based in Perm, Russia, has revived the historic Russo-Balt marque, originally active from 1869 to 1918 as a producer of luxury automobiles and railway carriages. The company draws on expertise in stainless steel fabrication, previously applied to water dispensers, to build the F200’s unpainted, hand-welded body panels.
A prototype has been spotted on Russian roads, confirming development progress beyond renders. Production follows a made-to-order model with initial deliveries in January 2027, though total volume remains undisclosed. The F200 targets L3H3 classification for large vans, measuring 5,950 mm long, 2,000 mm wide, and 2,550 mm high, allowing standing room inside.
Design draws clear inspiration from Tesla Cybertruck, with angular stainless steel panels, full-width LED lights, and a tailgate resembling Tesla’s tonneau cover. Russo-Balt insists the F200 is original, despite similarities to China’s Weiqiao New Energy V90. Buyers can add polyurethane wraps for color and graphics.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | Single front electric motor, 200 hp (149 kW) |
| Battery | 115 kWh, 400 km range |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Payload | 1,000 kg |
| Chassis | Monocoque stainless steel |
| Dimensions | 5,950 x 2,000 x 2,550 mm (L x W x H) |
| Warranty (Body) | 100 years on stainless steel integrity |
| Price | $85,200 (6.5 million RUB) |
| Reservation Deposit | $131 (10,000 RUB, refundable) |
| Charging | DC fast charging port on the front fender |
Powertrain and Performance Analysis
The F200’s single 200 hp electric motor drives the front wheels, paired with a 115 kWh battery for a claimed 400 km (249 miles) range. DC fast charging is accessible via a front fender port, suitable for commercial fleets needing quick turnarounds. Real-world range in Russian winters, with extensive heating systems, remains untested.
A monocoque chassis—uncommon for vans—supports the 1,000 kg payload while improving rigidity over ladder frames. Rear pneumatic suspension aids load handling, with ABS, ESP, and 360-degree cameras with live streaming for safety. Heating covers seats, steering wheel, mirrors, wipers, and windshield, addressing cold climates.
Infotainment features a 14-inch touchscreen with Russian services like Rutube, VKvideo, and Yandex. Climate control and online camera streaming add utility for monitoring cargo remotely.
Durability and Production Realities
The standout feature is the 100-year warranty on stainless steel body integrity, leveraging the material’s rust resistance. Panels are hand-welded and unpainted, with optional wraps for customization. This durability promise targets long-term commercial use, but skeptics question its feasibility given Cybertruck’s reported panel issues in salt and cold.
Challenges include Russia’s sanctions-hit auto sector, uncertain supply chains, and homologation for export. No details on battery suppliers or production scaling exist. A forthcoming F400 variant adds AWD, dual motors for 400 hp, front air suspension, and a gas range extender, but lacks pricing or timeline.
Comparison with Competitors
| Model | Power (hp) | Range (km) | Payload (kg) | Price (USD) | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Russo-Balt F200 | 200 | 400 | 1,000 | 85,200 | 100-year steel warranty, monocoque |
| Ford E-Transit | 266 | 317 | 1,814 | ~50,000 | Higher payload, established network |
| Rivian EDV | 261 | 193 | 1,134 | ~80,000 | Amazon-optimized, AWD option |
| Mercedes eSprinter | 95-201 | 459 | 892 | ~70,000 | Longer range, premium build |
F200 trails Ford E-Transit in payload but matches Rivian pricing with a unique warranty. Mercedes offers a better range; all competitors have proven production, unlike F200’s startup status.
Verdict: Bold Entry for Niche Commercial Buyers
Russo-Balt F200 delivers credible specs for an electric cargo van, with stainless steel durability and winter-ready features appealing to Russian fleets or off-grid operators valuing longevity over proven scale. Ideal for businesses needing 400 km daily runs with 1-ton loads, but wait for road tests and F400 details—current vaporware risks and unconfirmed export plans limit broad appeal. Deposit holders get early access, but larger fleets may prefer established rivals until production proves reliable.
