It might be taking a while, but electric vehicles are slowly becoming more affordable.
A number of entry-level EVs, like the Volkswagen ID.3 are on the horizon for Australia, and other affordable models like the BYD Atto 3 and MG ZS EV are already here.
But another new contender could shake up the segment, if it gets the go-ahead for an Australian launch.
California-based EV company Fisker Inc has released initial details for its second production model that will follow the Ocean SUV.
The new Fisker-badged model adopts the Pear moniker and it is expected to act as an entry point to the brand’s expanding line-up.
According to Fisker, the Pear will be built on a new proprietary architecture that will underpin a further two models beyond the Pear, and it has been engineered and designed to reduce parts for “rapid, simplified manufacturing”.
Fisker’s indicative pricing for America is $29,900 (USD), which equates to about $43,500 in Australia.
While Fisker was expected to launch in Australia with the all-electric Ocean SUV this year, that timing has likely been pushed back given production of the Ocean will only commence at Magna Steyr’s plant in Austria this November.
Going by that timing and taking into account that many brands do not prioritise right-hand drive production, the Ocean won’t reach Australian shores until 2023 or more likely 2024.
Production of the Pear will start in 2024 at a former GM factory in Lordstown, Ohio that is now owned by tech giant Foxconn, with an expected output of 250,000 units a year.
Fisker Inc chairman and CEO Henrik Fisker described the Pear as a “revolutionary electric vehicle that won’t fit into any existing segment”, with new lighting tech and a wrap-around front windscreen inspired by “a glider plane glass canopy” for better visibility.
Fisker has only released one dark teaser image of the Pear, but it appears to be a crossover hatch-type body style and should be a rival for the likes of the Tesla Model Y, and small hatches like the Volkswagen ID.3.
There’s no word on range for the Pear, but the Ocean is capable of driving 550-560km on a single charge.
Keyword: Could this be Australia's next cool, affordable electric car? Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2, Volkswagen ID.3 all on notice as Fisker Pear details emerge