Fisker Inc will deliver four electric vehicles (EVs) by 2025 including the Ocean SUV, a wing-doored sports sedan, a sleek crossover and an electric ute.
The grand game plan was unveiled by the company on Thursday (US time) along with a tantalising image of the four vehicles, with one catch – the ute, or pickup as it is known in the US – is still under wraps.
Fisker Inc, the second eponymous automotive company headed by Danish car designer Henrik Fisker, will build the vehicles using drivetrain platforms, batteries and other parts from leading car makers and suppliers, but with a distinct Fisker flavour, the CEO said on Thursday.
“When we created Fisker Inc., we set out to create a company that could deliver electric mobility as a service, but do so through a range of highly emotional and differentiated vehicles,” said Fisker, who also shared the news on Twitter, in a statement.
the future of #Fisker! Our product plan until 2025!! First: Fisker Ocean in 2022, then 3 additional #EVs from 2023 onwards. Each will have their unique character, moving away from similar products just in different sizes. https://t.co/eI1Xz4nX13 $SPAQ #NYSE #sustainebleliving pic.twitter.com/AfS1w5TOVU
— Henrik Fisker (@henrikfisker) July 30, 2020
Fisker Inc is looking to find a unique position in the burgeoning electric vehicle market as a “mobility-as-a-service”, by leasing its vehicles as a package that includes maintenance to drivers as a way of making electric mobility more affordable.
While electric vehicles are already cheaper than internal combustion engine vehicles when taking into account total cost of ownership, the model looks to circumvent the higher upfront cost of EVs for drivers.
The leasing plan will include several term options ranging from one month to several years including a $0 drive away option, Fisker Inc said in December.
“Together with our innovative lease program, we will be able to bring a diverse choice of products to suit a wide variety of customers across many different budgets points,” says Fisker.
The first vehicle to come to market will be the Fisker Ocean SUV, which was unveiled in January in Las Vegas. It will be priced from less than $US40,000 ($A55,710 converted) for the base version, and have up to 480km driving range.
The good news for Australians is Fisker Inc has also said it will be produced in a right-hand-drive version, and is eyeing off Australia as a market.
Unfortunately there is no timeline for this though – with the Ocean expected to go on sale in 2022, expect it to arrive in Australia from 2023 onwards.
The announcement comes as Fisker prepares to go public through a reverse merger with Spartan Energy Acquisition Corporation ($SPAQ).
Hinrich Woebcken, who will be retained from Spartan in an advisory role said of the merger that, “”As electric charging infrastructure is building up fast, range of EVs increase and prices for EVs come down, more and more consumers see an EV as a great choice.
“The strong transition into electric mobility has just begun. I believe that Henrik and his team have created a great brand, product and business model package which has the potential for a strong growth journey.
“The Fisker Ocean is a stunningly good looking, family friendly compact SUV with inside midsize dimensions and feel. The affordability of this premium EV will be additionally convincing.”
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.