Global debut for production-intent prototype at electronics show; customers get access to largest open DC fast charging network for EVs in the US; frictionless charging experience; over 320km range from 30 minutes of charging; unique 'California Mode' feature.
24 Dec 2019 | 6240 Views | By Autocar Pro News Desk
Fisker Inc, designer and manufacturer of electric vehicles and advanced mobility solutions, is to showcase the Fisker Ocean all-electric luxury SUV at the Consumer Electronics Show 2020 in Las Vegas next month. Fisker has also announced its partnership with Electrify America, the largest, open DC Fast charging network for EVs in the ...
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Fisker Inc, designer and manufacturer of electric vehicles and advanced mobility solutions, is to showcase the Fisker Ocean all-electric luxury SUV at the Consumer Electronics Show 2020 in Las Vegas next month. Fisker has also announced its partnership with Electrify America, the largest, open DC Fast charging network for EVs in the United States. Fisker says drivers of the Ocean SUV will enjoy a frictionless charging experience and more than 200 miles / 320 kilometres of range from 30 minutes of charging. The two companies are also working together on further reducing charge times without compromising battery life.
"I have been eagerly waiting to show our revolutionary Fisker Ocean luxury SUV to the public, so we decided to debut the full prototype – reflecting the actual production vehicle – at CES 2020," said Henrik Fisker, chairman and CEO of Fisker Inc. "The world will get to see the fully-engineered vehicle, which rides on a production-ready platform – signaling our intent to get it to market efficiently. I'm also very excited about our partnership with Electrify America, which enables Fisker driver access to the largest open DC Fast charging network in the USA – with approximately 800 charging stations and about 3,500 chargers across 45 states by 2021. Fisker customers will enjoy automatic recognition of the vehicle at Electrify America charging stations, a free miles package from Fisker and the ability to find charging stations through the Fisker Flexee mobile app. Overall, Fisker Ocean will serve as a model for how desirable EVs can replace gasoline vehicles as practical daily drivers."
"Electrify America is delighted to collaborate with Fisker, a name associated with innovation and design, and the Fisker Ocean is a vehicle that embodies these qualities," said Giovanni Palazzo, president and CEO of Electrify America. "As part of our shared mission to increase electric vehicle adoption, we look forward to offering our network of ultra-fast public chargers to take Fisker customers from coast to coast and advancing e-mobility throughout the United States."
Fisker mobile app to connect with Electrify America's charging network
Drivers of the Fisker Ocean will "enjoy a truly hassle-free, practical experience" when using Electrify America's extensive charging network across North America through Fisker's proprietary mobile app.
Fisker Ocean vehicles will be automatically recognised by Electrify America's charging stations – allowing for simple charging, automatic release and automatic payments. Fisker will offer a free miles package with each vehicle, allowing for a certain amount of complimentary charging.
Electrify America expects to install, or have under development, approximately 800 total charging station sites with about 3,500 chargers by December 2021. During this period, the company will be expanding to 29 metros and 45 states, including two cross-country routes, delivering on its commitment to support increased Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) adoption with a network that is comprehensive, technologically advanced and customer friendly.
The Fisker Ocean features a CCS Type 2 Combo plug – enabling the vehicle to be charged through any stations that leverage technology in line with the latest in international standards.
The vehicle is equipped with a state-of-the-art battery – with 80 kWh capacity and a range of up to 300 miles / 480 kilometres (depending on driving conditions).
More than 200 miles / 320 kilometres of range can be delivered from 30 minutes of charging for the Fisker Ocean (15% capacity to 80% capacity). Electrify America's 350 kW chargers can charge capable vehicles up to 20 miles / 36kmper minute.
In open-air California Mode
Fisker has patented a unique experience called 'California Mode', which allows passengers to experience the sun, fresh air and an open feeling without being in a convertible. This feature lowers/slides nine glass windows/panels to open the entire cabin with one touch – creating an open-air feeling, while still maintaining a full 'roll cage' safety structure around the passengers.
The feature adds functional utility by allowing the rear hatch glass to drop – enabling long items to be placed through the opening without having to drive with an open tail gate, as is the case with pickup trucks, for example.
Fisker says its engineering team patented the overall idea and had to tackle several challenges to achieve what seemingly would be a simple feat: Traditional monocoque body structures employ a single body side pressing – which incorporates the rear quarter outer of the vehicle. This includes an aperture to allow subsequent fitment of a glazing unit to create a non-openable 'window'. When this glazed panel is finally bonded into the aperture, the overall assembly creates a watertight structure, which also makes up the 'Class A' surface of the vehicle.
In order to make this traditionally fixed piece of glazing move, several challenges had to be solved:
- Create a space which the moving glass may move into when it’s opened.
- Create a design solution which the manufacturing team may easily build without the need for expensive, unique tools.
- Ensure that no water can leak past the moving glass into the passenger cabin.
Fisker Engineering has redesigned the traditional body structure to create a unique space in the relevant area, allowing the rear quarter glass to be electrically opened. To do this, Fisker has changed the manner in which the body structure is assembled – reengineering the steel and composite body panels in this area.
The team also redesigned the second row seatbelt mounting structure to allow the moving glass unit to fit from inside the vehicle – thus creating a solution which ensures we can keep the inside of the vehicle dry in weather conditions.
Finally, Fisker has created a unique charge port installation which creates additional space in this area for the window to occupy when lowered. The package of features the Fisker team has deployed to facilitate this function is subject to a patent application. Fisker will offer this feature as standard across all option packages, except the base model.
Production of the luxury Fisker Ocean SUV is targeted to begin production at the end of 2021 – with the first high-volume deliveries projected for 2022.