From the ashes of Saab, the Emily GT rises again..
Many might not know the saga of Saab‘s fall and subsequent purchase by National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS). Saab, once a renowned Swedish automaker, faced financial turmoil and eventually declared bankruptcy in 2011. Stepping into this scenario, NEVS, a Swedish entity with a keen interest in electric vehicles, acquired Saab with ambitious plans to revitalize the iconic brand, focusing on electric vehicle technology. The first fruit of this venture was the Emily GT, a concept car rooted in the legacy of the Saab 9-3, envisioned to redefine the brand as a pioneer in high-tech, sustainable mobility.
However, NEVS’s journey was anything but smooth. The company, despite its innovative aspirations, was not immune to economic challenges, and the global pandemic only exacerbated its struggles. Reports surfaced of NEVS facing severe financial strain, leading to the unfortunate layoff of 95% of its workforce, casting a shadow over the future of the Emily GT.
In a twist of fate, EV Electra, a trailblazing Lebanese-Canadian electric vehicle startup, stepped in to salvage the Emily GT project. As the first company in Lebanon dedicated to electric vehicle research and development, EV Electra saw an opportunity to blend its innovative spirit with NEVS’s vision. Jihad Mohammad, the CEO of EV Electra, expressed optimism about this collaboration, foreseeing a rejuvenation of the Emily GT project and a valuable contribution to the growth of the Swedish automotive industry. This partnership symbolizes a beacon of hope, not just for the Emily GT’s journey to production but also for the revival of a beloved automotive legacy.
In a significant rebranding move, the Emily GT, initially associated with NEVS and Saab, will now carry the name EV Electra Emily GT as it rolls into showrooms. This change comes amidst financial tribulations faced by Evergrande, the Chinese real estate giant owning NEVS, particularly concerning liquidity issues. Earlier reports from Sweden indicated an attempt to purchase the Emily and Pons projects, emphasizing the condition that they continue to be developed in Trollhättan, a nod to preserving the cherished legacy of Saab.
At the CarExpo in Gothenburg, Sweden, EV Electra’s CEO, Jihad Mohammad, confirmed the acquisition of both the Ponds and Emily projects, signaling a new chapter for these ventures. The plan is to initiate full-scale production of the Emily GT at NEVS’s existing facility in Sweden. Mohammad envisions Trollhättan playing a pivotal role in this revival, relying on the city’s rich automotive expertise to bring his ambitious vision to fruition.
Beyond corporate maneuvers, the Emily GT is poised to challenge the likes of the Tesla Model S in the electric vehicle market. Earlier this year, a prototype boasting 480 horsepower was unveiled, hinting at the car’s capabilities. More impressively, plans are underway for a high-performance iteration equipped with 635 horsepower and a staggering 1,622 lb-ft of torque. The vehicle is expected to offer battery options of 105 kWh, 140 kWh, or 175 kWh, enabling a range of up to 620 miles. A unique feature of the Emily GT is its individual motor, enabling advanced torque vectoring capabilities without the need for steering adjustments.
The resurgence of this legendary brand, now under the EV Electra banner, is a welcome sight. Fans and enthusiasts alike are eager to witness the blend of Saab’s historic brilliance with modern electric innovation, potentially marking a new era in electric vehicle technology.
