Source:
Carscoops
Archive:
Ghost
- Russian brand Russo-Balt unveils an electric van with Tesla flair.
- The F200 uses a hand-welded stainless steel body and monocoque.
- It looks similar to a Chinese van, but company claims it’s original.
Tesla hasn’t
created a Cybervan yet, but someone else just beat them to it. A Russian startup has stepped in with something that looks uncannily like a bulked-up Cybertruck, except it’s an electric van, and yes, it’s heading for production.
Meet the Russo-Balt F200, a stainless steel slab of a van with unmistakable Cybertruck flair. It’s the first model from a newly revived brand that traces its name back to a storied Russian automaker and railway carriage builder that operated between 1869 and 1918. Production plans are already in motion, with initial deliveries scheduled for January 2027.
As we previously reported, the F200 has already been seen roaming public roads in Russia, confirming that it’s more than a rendering or vaporware project. Amusingly, the company even featured a link to our earlier coverage on its own website.
Although we pointed out a resemblance to China’s Weiqiao New Energy V90, Russo-Balt insists the F200 is its own creation and not a rebadge job.
What Is This Thing, Exactly?
The body panels are shaped from unpainted stainless steel, just like the Cybertruck, welded together by hand. Despite the raw-metal finish, buyers can personalize the look with optional polyurethane
wraps, available in a full range of colors and graphics.
From its sharp creases to the flat windows and squared-off arches, the F200 borrows more than a few cues from the
Cybertruck. Full-width LED lighting front and rear, plus a tailgate design that recalls the styling of
Tesla’s electric truck bed cover, round out the visual nods.
While most
vans of this size ride on a ladder-frame chassis, the F200 uses a monocoque chassis. This setup supports a payload of up to 1,000 kg (2,205 pounds), which appears to be in line with commercial expectations.
100-Year Warranty
According to the Russian startup, the vehicle falls under the international L3H3 classification and measures 5,950 mm (234.3 inches) in length, 2,000 mm (78.7 inches) in width, and 2,550 mm (100.4 inches) in height, tall enough for most people to stand upright inside.
The standard build includes a 100-year body warranty for the stainless steel panels, which sounds a bit rich for a van that hasn’t hit the road yet in full production form.
Power comes from a single electric motor with 200 hp sent to the front wheels. A 115 kWh battery pack provides a claimed range of 400 kilometers (249 miles), with DC fast charging supported via a port on the front fender.
How Much Does it Cost?
Pricing is set at 6.5 million rubles, roughly $85,200 at current exchange rates. A refundable deposit of just 10,000 rubles (around $131) secures a place in the production queue, though the total planned volume hasn’t been disclosed.
Standard equipment includes ABS, ESP, climate control, rear air suspension, and a 360-degree camera setup with live streaming capability. Virtually every surface that could be warmed, including seats, steering wheel, mirrors, even the windshield wipers, is heated. This is a vehicle built for Russian winters, after all.
Infotainment is handled by a 14-inch touchscreen, which displays vehicle settings and offers integrated entertainment from Russian platforms such as Rutube, VKvideo, and Yandex.
More to Come from Russo-Balt
Interestingly, the team behind the F200 claims prior experience in manufacturing stainless steel water dispensers, and they plan to carry over the same material and fabrication expertise to the van. Production will be on a made-to-order basis.
A second model, the F400, is already in development. This one will feature a range-extending gas engine and all-wheel drive via dual electric motors, combining for a projected 400 horsepower. It will also add front air suspension, in addition to the rear air spring setup already included on the F200. Pricing details have yet to be announced.