As part of my exclusive series on the Emily GT, I had the opportunity to speak with Alrik Söderlind, the first journalist in the world to break the news about the NEVS Emily GT almost two years ago—a revelation that sent shockwaves through the automotive industry.
Alrik is a well-known name in the world of automotive journalism, someone I’ve followed for years, especially on YouTube. So, hearing his voice on the phone for this interview felt like a special moment.
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How Alrik Söderlind Became the First to Reveal the Emily GT
The opportunity to unveil the Emily GT to the world was, according to Alrik, likely a result of his deep-rooted experience in the automotive industry. With over 40 years in the business, he built strong connections with Saab Automotive, particularly during the 2011 bankruptcy, where he got to know both the brand and the people behind it. This trust, he believes, is what led NEVS to approach him.
For over a decade, the halls of NEVS remained silent, concealing their work on various projects. Then, suddenly, Alrik received an invitation: NEVS wanted to tell their story.
He first visited Trollhättan to cover the company’s projects, but it wasn’t until a later visit that he was given the chance to drive the Emily GT. This was not only a major moment for NEVS, which had kept their work under wraps for years, but also a huge milestone for Alrik, as he became the first journalist to experience and share the car with the world.
Alrik’s Driving Impressions: A Car Beyond Its Time
When asked about his experience behind the wheel, Alrik was overwhelmingly positive.
He was genuinely surprised by how refined and production-ready the Emily GT felt—even as a prototype.
According to him, the four in-wheel motors give the car an exceptionally dynamic driving feel, making it feel tight, precise, and incredibly agile. He compared the handling to a high-performance carving ski, where the grip and steering responsiveness allow the driver to carve through corners effortlessly.
In addition, Alrik praised the car’s design, describing it as a modern interpretation of what a Saab could look like today. He also liked the infotainment system, particularly its graphical interface and the ability to adjust driving characteristics via customizable settings.
What Didn’t He Like?
One element he wasn’t thrilled about was the side mirrors, which weren’t fully developed on the prototype.
However, despite minor critiques, Alrik’s overall verdict on the Emily GT was clear:
“A fantastic car—technically ahead of its time. Even today, it would be highly competitive.”
Will the Emily GT Ever Hit the Road?
The big question remains: Will the Emily GT ever make it into production?
Alrik hopes that one day it will be available to buy, but he admits the outlook is bleak.
He highlighted two major challenges:
- The market shift towards SUVs – Large sedans like the Emily GT are becoming less popular, making it harder to find a buyer willing to invest in the project.
- The slowdown in EV investments – The initial boom in EV adoption has slowed, making investors more cautious about acquiring electric vehicle projects.
I shared my own perspective with Alrik—that NEVS’ reputation may have also played a role in hindering a sale. Their lack of transparency surrounding the 2023/2024 buyout attempts led to speculation, with journalists uncovering evidence that the supposed buyers were not legitimate. Alrik agreed that this damaged NEVS’ credibility, making it harder to find serious investors.
Final Thoughts from Alrik Söderlind
Before wrapping up, I asked Alrik if he had any final thoughts.
His response was both honest and heartfelt:
“I’m incredibly impressed by everyone who worked on this project—their dedication and passion are inspiring. They set an example for many. Unfortunately, the financial reality is not on their side, but that’s another story.”
With time running out, the fate of the Emily GT remains uncertain. But if there’s one thing this car proves, it’s that Sweden still has the talent and innovation to build world-class electric vehicles—if given the chance.
Stay tuned for the next part of The Emily Story!
