EV Startup Aera Unveils SUV Created by Aventador Designer

Italian EV startup Aehra unveiled its first model on Tuesday.

The SUV, whose name has yet to be announced, was designed by former Lamborghini design chief Filippo Perini, who also designed the Aventador and Huracan. Perini is also the design chief of the Aera.

The SUV's design makes the most of the EV platform by featuring a long 118-inch wheelbase and very short overhangs. The roofline is also very low by SUV standards, but Aera says the smart packaging allows even NBA stars to be comfortable inside.

Vertical lift-up doors, similar to those found on supercars, are featured on the front and rear of the Aera. This adds drama to the vehicle while also making it easier for taller occupants to get in and out.

The Aera also uses a monocoque structure for the SUV's construction, with active aerodynamic elements front and rear. Many of the components are also made of carbon fiber.

"With the Aehara SUV, we have eliminated the conservative constraints that have plagued all other automakers in their EV vehicle design approaches to date," Perini said in a statement. This thinking drives not only the design of the vehicle, but also every aspect of the engineering, the interior layout, the state-of-the-art sustainable materials used, and the way we redefine the entire customer journey."

Details on the SUV's powertrain and performance have not been released.

Aehra said it plans to preview a second model, a sedan, next February. The company aims to begin deliveries of both models in 2025.