2023 Fisker Ocean One on 2040-cars

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Fisker Pear electric hatchback teased, promises $29,900 price

Here is our first good look at a new model from Fisker called “Pear.” Yes, that is Pear like the fruit, so itÂ’s apt that the teaser image is mostly shades of green. Explicit details on the Fisker Pear are few, but the company gave us a couple things to chew on. For one, Fisker is promising a base price below $29,900, and this is prior to federal or state EV tax credit incentives. ItÂ’s to be built on a “new proprietary architecture,” so donÂ’t expect it to share much with the big Ocean SUV CEO Henrik Fisker said that the little hatchback will feature “new lighting and a wraparound front windscreen inspired by a glider plane glass canopy.” We can get a small sense of what the car will generally look like from the single teaser image released by Fisker. While the company claims this vehicle wonÂ’t fit into any existing segment, it sure looks like a compact hatchback to us. Though, we suppose, it's also possible it literally looks like a pear. The beefy fenders give it a decidedly sporty flair, and the large wheels and mesh front grille only add to the effect. Its scatter-shot lighting running the length of the front end does indeed look different from anything else out there, and the same can be said for its strangely curved A-pillar. This concept (or whatever it is) is also sporting camera sideview mirrors. If U.S. regulations are changed to allow those, then theyÂ’d be a possibility. Otherwise, Fisker will need to swap those out for some traditional mirrors before production. Fisker has high hopes on the production front, too. It plans to produce the Pear at the now Foxconn-owned factory in Lordstown, Ohio. Once production ramps up, Fisker predicts it will be able to produce a minimum of 250,000 Pears per year, an extremely ambitious goal. Whether demand exists for 250,000 small EVs per year from Fisker is a question we may see answered this decade, as Fisker says the Pear will enter production in Lordstown in 2024. As for the future, Fisker (the man) says the PearÂ’s platform will underpin two additional Fisker (the car) models, but says details will come at a later date. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Fisker Ocean will start at $379 per month under subscription service

As promised, Fisker on Wednesday opened the order books for its forthcoming Ocean battery-electric SUV and announced pricing and other details ahead of its launch in 2022. Also as promised, the eco-luxury ‘ute will come in well below what Volvo is charging under its Care by Volvo subscription program. Fisker will make the Ocean available primarily through a monthly lease that starts at $379 per month through its mobile app, which is now live for iOS and Android platforms. That compares to $700 per month to get into Care by Volvo with the XC40, and mileage limits are twice those of the latter, at 30,000 miles per year, compared to 15,000 for Volvo. That makes good on founder Henrik FiskerÂ’s promises to be cheaper and more generous on mileage than its competitor. However, youÂ’ll need to put down $2,999 to trigger that price level, compared to just $500 to get started under Care by Volvo. And unlike its benchmarked competitor, insurance is not included, though Fisker says it expects customers will be able to access affordable quotes through its mobile app “due to a unique and proprietary low cost of service and maintenance model.” Similar to some other subscription services, the Fisker lease program eschews long-term contracts in favor of giving customers flexibility to return the vehicle any time, even after as little as a month. It also covers maintenance and service, with pickup and return of the vehicle included. Check out AutoblogÂ’s Complete Guide to Car Subscriptions. Fisker says there will be five option packages for the Ocean, available closer to the end of the year, that are designed to reduce the complexity of option configurators. Fisker will also set up what itÂ’s calling “experience centers” in shopping districts and airports where customers will be able to see the vehicles and spec packages. Starting in 2021, customers will also be able to schedule test drives through the mobile app. The company released some new details, including a “California Mode” — presumably a retractable sunroof feature — that will be standard on all trim grades above the base version, four-wheel drive versions with electric motors front and rear, and the promise of a five-star safety rating. Reservations cost $250 and are fully refundable.

Bob Lutz named chairman at Via Motors

Bob Lutz is staying very busy. The ex-vice chairman of General Motors, and champion of the Chevrolet Volt, has been named chairman of the board at Via Motors. Lutz will need to squeeze that in between his role as senior advisor at vehicle interior designer Katzkin, being an owner at VL Automotive and perhaps as an advisor to Wanxiang and Fisker Automotive. Lutz thinks that Via's business plan of building extended range plug-ins is a smart way to go. "If we are going to see main stream adoption of electric vehicles, the technology must deliver a good return on investment to the largest segment of the auto business, namely trucks, vans and SUVs," Lutz said in a prepared statement, which you can read below. Lutz has decades of experience holding executive positions at some of the world's leading automakers and has spent the last few years working with green-focused start-ups. Lutz will replace Carl Berg, who served as chairman since Via's launch in 2009 and will continue to be the company's largest stakeholder. As Via's new chairman, we figure Lutz will continue bragging about the trucks' bells and whistles – such as its built-in solar panels that can add 10 miles of range to the battery pack if it's parked in the sun all day. ANN ARBOR, MI– VIA Motors announced today that auto legend, Bob Lutz, former vice chairman of General Motors and a board member of VIA Motors, was appointed Chairman of the Board of VIA Motors, maker of extended range electric trucks, vans & SUVs. Lutz is also known as the "father of the Chevy Volt" America's best selling electric vehicle. "VIA is fortunate to have the experience of one of the industry's foremost executives leading our board," said John Weber, VIA Motors, CEO. Mr. Lutz brings with him a passion for the evolution of the automobile, and decades of experience from his tenure in top executive positions at each of the world's leading auto companies, noted Weber. "I believe VIA is electrifying the right end of the business and is implementing a very sound business strategy," said Lutz. "If we are going to see main stream adoption of electric vehicles, the technology must deliver a good return on investment to the largest segment of the auto business, namely trucks, vans & SUVs. That's why I am so confident in VIA and I'm pleased to serve as Chairman," said Lutz. Lutz is replacing retiring chairman Carl Berg, who has served with distinction since VIA's launch in 2009.