Alaska EV pickup to lead Fisker lineup

Fisker Inc. is just out of the gate with customer deliveries of its first production vehicle, the Fisker Ocean midsize crossover, in June. But the automotive newcomer has big product plans for the next few years, including an electric pickup.

Henrik Fisker, CEO and founder of the EV startup, said the company is entering a new phase: scaling the business to hundreds of thousands — and eventually to millions — of vehicles a year through an expanded global lineup.

"We plan to stand out," Fisker said at a product event in August. "We want to excite our customers with great California-inspired design, we want to be cool, we want to be different, we want to do things that you have never seen before."

Fisker intends to create affordable products and not luxury toys, the CEO said, making product variations on its electric skateboard platform. The Pear compact crossover will have a starting price just under $30,000 and the Alaska pickup will start at just over $45,000. Shipping costs, which vary by location, are extra.

One big challenge to Fisker's plans to become a global EV player is the Chinese auto industry. The automaker has to compete worldwide in the cutthroat EV race with a relatively modest cash pile compared with bigger startups and legacy auto brands.

The CEO got some good news this summer in his quest to become a household name through his EV brand: Automotive reviewers gave the Ocean mostly high marks as stylish, fun to drive and loaded with thoughtful features.

The startup is unlikely to make major physical changes to its new vehicles for several years. Rather, regular software updates will keep the models fresh, said Sam Fiorani, vice president of global forecasting at AutoForecast Solutions. Redesigned sheet metal could take seven to 10 years, he added.

Alaska: The Alaska pickup, based on the Ocean's platform, was the surprise of the company's August product presentation. While the Pear was previously considered Fisker's next production vehicle, Henrik Fisker said the Alaska will come first, by early 2025. He emphasized the Alaska's relatively low starting price compared with other EV pickups and its unique size between a compact and midsize truck. The Alaska's starting price of $45,400 is designed to appeal to mainstream consumers. U.S. production will allow it to benefit from federal EV incentives. No major changes are expected until the end of the decade.

Ocean: Fisker said the new crossover has the best EV range in its class at 360 miles. The brand is first delivering Extreme and One trims, which start at $68,999 excluding shipping costs that can vary by location. The Ocean is made by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria. Later this year, Fisker plans to deliver the $49,999 Ultra trim and the $37,499 Sport version.

No major changes are expected until the end of the decade, although the company will offer an off-road package early next year called Force-E. That option will be available on the Extreme and Ultra trims and get 33-inch tires on 20-inch wheels, special dampers, a roof rack, skid plates and unique graphics. Pricing was not announced.

Pear: Fisker's second crossover is compact but designed to hold up to six people with an optional front bench seat. The Pear, which Henrik Fisker said stands for Personal Electric Automotive Revolution, is designed to be its global volume leader, with a starting price of $29,900 excluding shipping. The company said the Pear is scheduled to launch in mid-2025 and will be made in the U.S. to take advantage of federal EV incentives. No major changes are expected until the end of the decade.

Ronin: Named after the 1998 movie known for spectacular car chases, Fisker's $385,000 "Super GT" will showcase the startup's technology, according to CEO Fisker. The four-door will be limited to 999 vehicles with the start of production planned for the second half of 2025. The Ronin will make over 1,000 hp, accelerate to 60 mph in about 2 seconds and offer 600 miles of range on a single charge. As a limited-production model, no updates are expected.