Fisker Inc. has announced a deal to work with global mega-supplier Magna International Inc. on a strategic platform-sharing and manufacturing cooperation for its upcoming electric Ocean SUV. Under the agreement, the SUV will initially be manufactured exclusively by Magna in Europe, where the supplier currently produces several vehicles for other global brands. It has decades of experience in vehicle production, having produced more than 3.7 million vehicles of 30 different models.
Magna and Fisker plan to develop new technologies that will accelerate innovation across multiple automotive systems and architectures for Fisker vehicles. Using the Fisker-Flexible Platform Adaptive Design (FF-PAD), Fisker’s design, engineering, and software teams will integrate Magna’s EV architecture with the Ocean’s interior and exterior design. Plans call for the new FM29 lightweight aluminum-intensive platform to be the basis not only for the Ocean but also for other future vehicles.
“We chose to leverage the Magna EV architecture after detailed due diligence on several options—and in consideration of our own product and technology strategy,” said Henrik Fisker, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fisker. “Combined with our own Fisker developed IP, the new FM29 platform is projected to deliver class-leading range, interior space, with third-row seating and overall vehicle performance. These factors, combined with capital investments, Bill of Materials, and manufacturing costs, will enable us to deliver the Ocean to market at a starting MSRP of $37,499.”
Magna is to be issued warrants to purchase up to 6% of the capital stock of Fisker following the proposed business combination between Fisker and Spartan Energy Acquisition Corp.
“This is a great example of our strategy to leverage our strong portfolio to scale for future mobility needs and utilize our full vehicle engineering and manufacturing capabilities,” added Swamy Kotagiri, President of Magna International. “This is a unique competitive position for us, particularly with new mobility players and OEMs seeking to expand their electrified offerings.”
At its public debut during CES 2020, Fisker the man claimed that the Ocean will be the world’s most sustainable vehicle from the world’s first all-digital car company. Among the sustainable features are a full-length solar roof supporting the car’s electric power source, boosting fuel efficiency, lowering carbon dioxide emissions, and resulting in up to 1000 free mi/yr. The company says that as the technology evolves, better energy yields could yield more free mi/yr.
The vegan interior features 100% polycarbonate and polyurethane surfaces with 100% reinforced Rayon backing. Eco-suede interior textures and patterns are made of Dinamica from Sage Co.’s Miko srl unit. Derived from fibers from T-shirts, recycled bottles, and other plastics, the company claims that the use of recycled polyester means reduced energy consumption and CO2 emissions by 80% compared to the traditional petrol-based polyester production process. The Ocean’s fully recycled carpeting is made from regenerated nylon, which is made from abandoned fishing net waste pulled from the oceans and “aquaculture.”
Fisker also plans to use discarded rubber waste generated during tire manufacturing, diverting it from landfills.
The all-electric five-seat luxury SUV is 4640 mm (182.7 in) long, 1930 mm (76.0 in) wide, and 1615 mm (63.6 in) tall. With all seats in place, the vehicle has 566 L (20 ft3) of trunk space, which can be increased to 708 L (25 ft3) with the parcel shelf removed and 1274 L (45 ft3) with the rear seats folded. Inside a heads-up display complements a 16-in center touch screen and a 9.8-in cluster screen and augmented reality and haptic touch features for an immersive digital experience.
The patented California Mode lowers or slides the nine glass windows and panels with one touch, giving the cabin an open-air feeling while still maintaining a full “roll cage” safety structure around the passengers. The feature allows the rear hatch glass to drop so long items can be carried through the opening without having to drive with an open tailgate.
All trims except for the base model will have four-wheel drive. The base four-wheel-drive configuration will deliver an output of over 225 kW, with an ultra-high-performance version targeting zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) in less than 3 s. The SUV will ride on 20-in wheels, with 22-in wheel options.
The Ocean’s 80-kW·h capacity battery pack is expected to give a range of up to 300 mi (483 km). Featuring a CCS Type 2 Combo plug, the SUV will be automatically recognized by Electrify America’s charging stations—allowing for simple charging, automatic release, and automatic payments. Fisker will offer some complimentary charging, details of which are to come later in 2020. More than 200 mi (322 km) of range—from 15% to 80% capacity—can be delivered from 30 min of charging. Electrify America’s 150-kW chargers can charge vehicles at up to 20 mi/min.
Fisker recently reinforced its California roots, creating a two-campus operation. It announced in October its new Inception global headquarters in Los Angeles County, Calif. at Manhattan Beach for design and engineering facilities for the Ocean and future portfolio expansion. Last month it announced the opening of its Source Code engineering and research center in San Francisco’s Mission District focusing on the development of software and electronics, for both in-car and data-center technology.
Both facilities will contribute to Fisker’s plans for a portfolio expansion to a four-vehicle range by 2025. In addition to the Ocean, the four-vehicle lineup will include a super-sports sedan based on the EMotion concept, an extreme sports crossover, and a lifestyle pickup truck.
Ocean reservations are set at $250 for either the full purchase or a lease program. For purchases, the Federal tax credit can drop the $37,499 starting price of the SUV to $29,999. Fisker is promising a lease starting at $379 per month with $2999 down. The start of production is planned for Q4 2022.
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