Aehra SUV unveiled as “ultra premium” futuristic EV

Electric vehicle start-up, Aehra, has unveiled the design of its first model, an “ultra premium”, futuristic-styled SUV.

It’s likely you haven’t heard of the Italian-based carmaker before considering it was only established earlier this year.

Regardless, Aehra aims to do things a little differently in terms of the design and technology it applies to its vehicles.

Starting it on its journey is an SUV, which will go on sale without a specific model name.

At first glance, we are greeted to a reasonably lengthy three-metre long wheelbase with a low front end and short front and rear overhangs. The roofline dominates much of the side profile, almost extending past the front wheel, which we imagine has been done to maximise space inside the cabin.

The front fascia dons an angry-look with slender front headlights and lower LED strips leading into the centre of the SUV’s face.

Flowing lines make their way along each side which shape the four skyward-opening doors. It even has wing mirrors inspired by racing motorbikes.

The rear-end mimics the front’s upper and lower LED lighting arrangement and provides a large opening hatch to access boot storage.

Design work was headed by Filippo Perini, Aehra’s Chief Design Officer, who says: “With the Aehra SUV, we have shunned the conservative constraints that have encumbered all other car manufacturers in their approach to designing EV vehicles to date. Instead, we have taken a highly courageous approach.”

It isn’t just about looks though as Aehra utilised Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in the design process which helped optimise the SUV’s drag coefficient, cooling, and battery thermal management.

A range of 800km is expected from the EV while it is said to make between 550 and 600kW of power. More technical specifications are expected closer to the model’s release date.

Pricing will start between $US160,000 and $180,000 or around $NZ270,000 to $NZ300,000 in our money.

A second sedan model is also under development with customer deliveries expected in 2025.