Unveiling the Buyer Behind the Emily GT Project: The Rise of EV Electra in the Automotive World

EV Electra’s Origins and Global Expansion

EV Electra, the first electric vehicle manufacturer with a research and development center initially based in Lebanon, has emerged as a significant player in the automotive industry. Initially launched as a division of Jihad Mohammad Investments, EV Electra has now become an independent company, expanding its reach with dealerships in Canada, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands, backed by a vision of global presence.

The Launch of QUDS “Rise”: A Symbolic Beginning

In early 2020, the company announced its plan to unveil its first electric car during the second quarter of the same year. However, the pandemic delayed the premiere until early 2021, when they introduced their first model, QUDS “Rise”.

The name “Rise” suggests a Phoenix rising from the ashes, a concept also reflected in their stylized Phoenix bird logo. The design of the EV Electra’s first model, “Rise,” was entrusted to the young designer Mihael Merkler from Gostivar in North Macedonia.

Jihad Mohammad’s Vision for EV Electra

Jihad Mohammad, a Palestinian entrepreneur born in Beirut who made his fortune in the Canadian telecommunications sector, was quickly intrigued by the electric car project. The initial concept was to create a Canadian car, featuring bold gullwing doors and a powerful electric drive. As production neared, the design became more subdued, though some extreme design elements remained.

Expanding the EV Electra Fleet: From Concept to Reality

Following the Rise model, EV Electra introduced several others, including the Rise two-seater, Capital ES, and Nostrum. All these models bear the prefix Quds, derived from Al-Quds, the Arabic term for “holy” and also for Jerusalem. The last two models feature a prominent golden grille-mask inspired by the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, one of the oldest and most beautiful mosques.

The Making of Quds Rise: A Leap into Electric Mobility

A team of 300 people, including Palestinian and Lebanese engineers, worked for four years to create the Quds Rise, a red sports car with upward-opening doors. Announcing the first electric car in Lebanon to media representatives in Beirut, Jihad Mohammad, CEO of EV Electra, mentioned that all transactions were conducted in Lebanon from start to finish, and the vehicle would be sold for approximately 30,000 US dollars.

He noted that the Quds Rise would enter mass production within a year, with an initial run of 10,000 cars. Mohammad also explained that the large golden logo on the front represented the Dome of the Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem. However, mass production of this model never materialized.

EV Electra’s Design Philosophy: Merging Art with Technology

Interestingly, the QUDS Rise and Capital E.S. models were made of “The advanced fiber glass body panels” combined with a reinforced light aluminum chassis, while the Nostrum E.E. was constructed from carbon fiber body panels combined with the same type of chassis. All models are characterized by an exaggerated and unusual design that might not appeal to Western consumers.

Strategic Acquisition: EV Electra and Detroit Electric

In November 2021, EV Electra acquired “Detroit Electric,” a company revived in 2008 by Albert Lam, former Group CEO of the Lotus Engineering Group and Executive Director of Lotus Cars of England. Detroit Electric was envisioned to produce an electric vehicle that seamlessly integrates refined aesthetics, innovative technology, and superior handling and performance. EV Electra became a major stakeholder in Detroit Electric by investing $500 million.

Challenges and Skepticism: The Road Ahead for EV Electra

Despite these ambitious projects and investments, some skepticism remains about EV Electra’s actual production capabilities and financial backing. The company has also expressed interest in manufacturing solar panels in Lebanon, but progress has yet to be seen.

Swedish media have cast a critical eye on EV Electra’s investment, with doubts about whether production will ever resume at Saab’s facilities in Trollhattan. However, Jihad Mohammad is confident, intending to make Trollhattan EV Electra’s largest factory in Europe. “I can’t call it Saab’s legacy, but let me call it Trollhattan’s legacy. To succeed, we must try to bring back everything that was sold and gather it within EV Electra Sweden,” Mohammad said in an interview with Ttela magazine.

Reviving Trollhättan’s Automotive Legacy: EV Electra’s Ambitious Plans

As the automotive industry in Trollhattan anticipates a revival, local residents have mixed feelings. While most view the new job opportunities positively, some remain skeptical, waiting to see the first cars roll off the production line.

EV Electra and Trollhättan: A Dream or a Tangible Future?

The acquisition of the electric car Emily from Nevs and the plan to build cars in Trollhattan is a “dream come true,” according to Nina Selander, Executive Director. However, restarting a car factory is “not as simple as pressing a button”. For EV Electra’s vision of car production in Trollhattan to become a reality, significant financial backing is necessary.

For those of us closely following the saga of Saab and later NEVS, this investment by EV Electra strikes as particularly unusual and somewhat reminiscent of the past unsuccessful attempts by companies like Spyker and Koenigsegg to invest in the sector. Moreover, it’s challenging to reconcile the oriental renderings of Middle Eastern vehicles by EV Electra with the Scandinavian philosophy of design. The stark contrast in design ethos – EV Electra’s flamboyant and regionally inspired aesthetics against the minimalist and functional approach typical of Scandinavian design – presents a curious blend that raises questions about the harmonization of these two distinct styles in the automotive world.

Jihad Mohammad’s Vision: Beyond Saab’s Heritage – A Tech-Driven Approach to Electrification in Trollhättan

Mr. Jihad Mohammad’s approach to the acquisition of Saab’s legacy seems to be driven more by his technological and business acumen than a personal passion for Saab vehicles. As revealed in his interview with “Auto, motor und sport,” Jihad is primarily a tech enthusiast, focused on accelerating the electrification of the automotive industry.

However, he does recognize the value of Trollhättan’s workforce, emphasizing their passion and expertise as crucial elements for success. His goal is clear: to rapidly scale up car manufacturing in Trollhättan, tapping into the local talent pool from the outset. The interview paints a picture of a man brimming with energy, ideas, and a playful spirit, eager to inject his vision and enthusiasm into this new venture.

Despite his dynamic approach and focus on technological innovation, Mr. Jihad Mohammad shows little trace of Saab enthusiasm, emphasizing a business and tech-centric perspective in his ventures.

The Saab Spirit: Awaiting a New Dawn in Automotive History

Time will tell whether this investment is realistic and based on solid foundations. For now, there is hope that the spirit of Saab will somehow survive and find new life in one of these models that may once again roll off the production lines in Trollhattan.