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radical zero: Aehra

Ambitious

Hazim Nada, born in America and raised in Italy, is a smart man. He holds a master’s degree in theoretical physics from Campradige University and also a doctorate in applied mathematics. He was first a banker, then a commodity trader in his own company, so he has some knowledge of oil and lithium and other natural resources. In 2019, this knowledge led him to found a new e-car brand, Aehra, in Milan with former fighter pilot and aerodynamics specialist Sandro Andreotti. Nada speaks softly, level-headedly, his answers are analytical, ready to print. And yet there must be a touch of madness about him, the world really wasn’t waiting for a new car brand – or was it?

Of course, Nada is right when he says that current e-cars do not take advantage of the potential benefits of e-architecture. At Aehra, they have found many a point that needs technical improvement, definitely aerodynamics, but also weight. The use of space has also been miserable so far, and the emotional appeal is low. Aehra also wants to revolutionise the manufacturing process and the buying experience. If everything is done right, Hazim Nada is convinced, Aehra will be able to sell 25,000 to 30,000 cars a year in the Ulta premium segment from 2025.

The CEO of Aehra knows himself that this is very ambitious. On the other hand, Nada can hardly be accused of not being able to calculate. And then he unpacks his greatest trump card: the first vehicle to be launched under the Aehra name in 2025. Sure, an SUV. That’s what customers want now and probably also in 2025. There will also be a sedan, but we are now looking at a 5.1-metre-long and only 1.65-metre-high vehicle designed by former Lamborghini chief designer Filippo Perini – and we immediately understand what Nada means by his revolution.

He doesn’t want to say anything about the cW value yet, but it is literally obvious that it will be good. Very good. The SUV has all the ingredients to be both chic and efficient, an air-wing on what used to be the bonnet; at the back there are active aerodynamics in various areas, at the side, including the diffuser, with an extending rear spoiler. But what is even more striking is how far forward the cabin has been moved for the occupants – finally, one is tempted to say. After all, there is no twelve-cylinder engine working there any more.

In the Aehra SUV, there will be one electric motor on each axle, which will have an output of 550 kW. They draw their power from a mighty 120 kWh battery; the whole story is based on a very modern 850 volt architecture. Nada doesn’t want to talk about the range yet, but he’d rather talk about the weight. Less than two tonnes, he says. And that is quite astonishing for such a large vehicle with such a large battery.

The basis for this is a carbon structure, a monocoque of the larger kind, so to speak, which also accommodates the batteries; it weighs just 170 kilos (this underbody, not the battery). And it probably comes from Dallara, although Aehra won’t confirm that. The bodywork is also made of this expensive but lightweight material. However, this has the small disadvantage that for the time being the variety of colours known from other luxury manufacturers is not yet possible. But the Italians, who don’t want to show the interior of the SUV yet, still have time; developments, not only in this area, are rapid.

For this reason, Nada and his comrades-in-arms have not yet decided which manufacturer they will buy their batteries from. They are keeping a close eye on developments, for example at Geely and Toyota, and know that a wrong decision could jeopardise the entire business model. But, precisely, if you listen to Hazim Nada, you absolutely trust him to have this under control and an overview. He has also understood that not all markets function in the same way – and that is why Aehra will organise the sales organisation differently from country to country. Of course, the Italians want to function mainly online, but especially in Germany and Switzerland, this cannot be the only way for a vehicle that will cost from 160,000 euros upwards.

In any case, we are curious – and stay tuned to Aehra. More Stromer can be found at: zero. Everything else in our archive.

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