Russia to Test Electric Vehicle in Arctic Using Nuclear Icebreaker

In an extreme environment trial, Russia’s state-owned electric car 'Atom' will head to the Arctic—delivered by a nuclear icebreaker—for a test drive across the ice.

The Russian-made electric vehicle 'Atom' is heading to the Arctic for a landmark expedition aimed at proving the car’s resilience in the harshest conditions on Earth. The vehicle will be delivered by the nuclear-powered icebreaker '50 Let Pobedy' and will undergo tests on ice surfaces to evaluate its maneuverability and performance.

Alexander Bukhvalov, director of the Electric Mobility business line at TVEL—a subsidiary of the state nuclear corporation Rosatom—shared the details with RIA Novosti. According to him, the goal is to show that extreme cold is no longer a deal-breaker for electric transport.

During the tests, Atom will navigate across ice, showcasing its all-season capabilities. Developers are hoping to demonstrate that the vehicle’s reliability holds even under Arctic temperatures, proving its potential as a rugged, climate-adapted EV.

The journey starts in Murmansk at the end of June, where the vehicle and passengers will board the icebreaker. During the voyage, guests will be introduced to the pre-production prototype and its technical specifications.

Rosatom plans to manufacture about 60% of the car’s components domestically, including the battery packs, electric motors, rare-earth magnets, microelectronic systems, and advanced polymer and composite materials.