Sandro Andreotti, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder, Aehra
JEC Composites Magazine interviewed Mr. Sandro Andreotti, Aehra Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder, to get an inside view on Aehra’s unique high-end electric cars.
Born in Modena (Italy), Sandro Andreotti studied mechanical design and technology. In 2015, capitalizing on his knowledge of advanced aerodynamics, he founded Aero Gravity, the largest vertical wind tunnel in Europe, together with Hazim Nada. Last June, Aehra, a new international brand of high-end electric cars, was launched.
JEC Composites Magazine: Could you tell us about your role in Aehra and how you developed the concept?
Sandro Andreotti: “I co-founded the company together with Hazim Nada. In 2015, we designed and built the largest vertical wind tunnel in Europe and, from 2019, we threw ourselves headlong into the automotive sector with Aehra, launched in June 2022. I am chief operating officer, taking care of the company’s development.”
JEC Composites Magazine: What is Aehra? Why did you choose CFRP materials for the structure? Which technologies will you use to produce the car?
Sandro Andreotti: “Aehra is, and will remain, the state of the art in high-end vehicles, a new chapter in high-end premium transport.
Our vision is to solve the critical issues in the current transition of the automotive sector to electric power. First, the need to create truly desirable electric vehicles, designed as electric, without links to the concepts inherited from traditional engines. Concerning production and assembly, we will adopt a strategic and sustainable approach, selecting the best and most innovative technologies, processes and materials available. The cars will have the considerable advantage of being lighter, with a limited environmental impact. We chose composite materials for their mechanical capabilities but also for their lightness and low carbon footprint due to the use of recyclable materials (up to 5 cycles) and recycled composites.
Equipped with a state-of-the-art battery platform technology, the Aehra SUV and sedan will aim for a minimum range of 800 km. A threshold that can be reached based on two solid foundations: aerodynamics and lightness. For example, the drag coefficient has a great impact on consumption. With the same tyres and ground clearance as competitors, the Aehra SUV, equipped with our adjustable suspensions, would be the most powerful, with a drag coefficient of about 0.21. For aerodynamics, we relied on the best computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technologies, with studies and simulations offering an accuracy equal to, and in some cases higher than, that found in wind tunnels.
Autonomy is achieved thanks to an accumulator with sufficient capacity. In this respect, we will be in line with our market range, using a battery of about 115-120 kWh. Autonomy will not be a problem for our customers.
The vehicle will be roomy, with four-wheel steering, a carbon fibre body and high-quality advanced composite materials, weighing less than two tons.
Each Aehra model will be equipped with the latest ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), with the aim of achieving fully-autonomous driving.
An exceptionally strong and ultralight carbon fibre composite single-shell frame, with various models available for specific applications, will significantly reduce the vehicle’s weight, improve its range, and provide agility and driving pleasure. Aehra’s vehicle architecture resembles none of the traditional shapes, radically changing the approach to planning and design, projecting our vehicle into a new era of the automotive experience.”
JEC Composites Magazine: When will Aehra go into production?
Sandro Andreotti: “One of our main targets is to deliver the first vehicles as early as 2025. We will unveil the final design and name of our SUV in November at the launch. We foresee a production of around 20,000 units, an ambitious target with 700 million euros of investment.”
JEC Composites Magazine: Which aspects are vital to the market?
Sandro Andreotti: “It is essential to remain focused on the eco-sustainability of the entire production process. This is, and must remain, the mantra of the transition to electric vehicles. Specifically, Aehra will offer a unique experience and opportunity to enjoy the comfort of a car like a room at home.
Approaching a project of this magnitude, composite technologies are an opportunity we firmly believe can make a difference.”
JEC Composites Magazine: What do you think of autonomous vehicles?
Sandro Andreotti: “Safety is the keyword: a car that interacts at 360° with the surrounding environment is an ally for both safety and comfort.
The philosophy of all manufacturers is to provide the best in terms of safety. Many driving mistakes or sudden sleepiness are partly predictable by the car systems, which thus manages to help the driver.
But, as far as private cars are concerned, I think we will have to wait another ten years.”