Kriss Motors Electric Conversions

Overview of the Saab Sonett

The Saab Sonett, introduced in 1966, is a two-door, two-seat front wheel drive sports coupe with independent front suspension and a fixed rear axle, both supported by special coil-springs and double-acting telescopic shock absorbers.

The fiberglass body is reinforced by a roll bar and steel windshield pillars. Safety features include front disc and rear drum brakes, roll bar, reinforced windshield pillars, and three-point seat belts.


  Saab Sonett with distinctive fiberglass lift-up front body shell

See also The Lithium Electric Sonett (PDF, Nines July/August 2013).

The Cars

Porsche 356 Speedster


The iconic Porsche Speedster proved to be an excellent EV conversion candidate due to its low weight, relatively simple design, and ample front/rear compartments for mounting pristmatic lithium battery cells. Weight distribution was improved over the original rear engine configuration with better acceleration and overall performance.




Saab Sonett


The unusual fiberglass Sonett, originally powered by a Ford V4 engine, combines a low center of gravity and front wheel drive, optimal for our high performance EV conversion. Without the need to accomodate a long drive train, the space behind the two seats was used for additional batteries. The original four-speed transmission remains intact along with the braking system.