Production of the Evolute i-Space crossover in Lipetsk has been switched to a full cycle
By ForGeeks
Company «Motorinvest» has announced that production of the Evolute i-Space mid-size hybrid crossover at its plant in the Lipetsk region is now a full production cycle, including welding and body painting.
How the transition to a full cycle took place
The testing of the full cycle became known back in June. Now the company has started serial production of cars using this technology.
The «Motorinvest» plant was originally created as a full-cycle site and was launched in 2014 with welding and painting shops in operation. However, since around 2015-2016, these production areas have not been utilized.
The plant was established as a full-cycle site and was launched in 2014 with welding and painting shops in operation.
In order to resume operations, equipment has been re-commissioned and modernized. The working elements of the cataphoresis bath were replaced in the painting complex, new programs for robotized paint coating were developed, and the temperature parameters of the drying chambers were adjusted.
Cataphoretic primer is applied by full immersion of the body, which provides a uniform coating thickness of about 20 microns, including hidden cavities. The secondary priming stage and the paint booth are fully robotized. More than 20 test bodies were produced prior to the start of series production.
Component localization and expansion plans
Russian paints, varnishes and sealants are used for i-Space coloring. Domestic refueling fluids, telematics units and GLONASS modules have also been introduced into the model. Russian tires, rims, and 12-volt batteries are scheduled to be available in December.
The i-Space will be available with Russian-made tires, rims, and 12-volt batteries.
Further localization of production of body electronics, glass and interior elements is envisaged. In the longer term — development of Russian ABS and ESP units, traction battery, charging equipment and power converters.
Characteristics of the Evolute i-Space
The car is equipped with a sequential hybrid powertrain. The power output of the traction motor is — 218 hp, and the battery capacity is 25.1 kWh.
Range range with a fully charged battery and filled fuel tank reaches 1,250 kilometers. Average fuel consumption —5.6 liters per 100 km.
