Electric SUV to be named the Fisker Ocean

Henrik Fisker's eponymous car company, relaunched three years ago, has announced that the name of its new electric SUV will be the Fisker Ocean.

The SUV, first teased back in March, is projected to cost around $50,000 if and when it goes on sale in Australia. In that interview with carsales, Fisker intimated that Australia would indeed be one of the global markets targeted by the manufacturer.

The Fisker Ocean will be the world's most sustainable vehicle, according to the company's press release, issued overnight.

“For the past two years, we have been working quietly on an emotionally appealing and affordable luxury electric vehicle that will serve as a flagship for driving positive global change – from the most sustainable materials possible across the supply chain to practicality that will change the perception of what an EV can be,” Fisker was quoted as saying.

The company CEO also noted that the electric SUV won't scrimp on comfort or driveability.

“The Fisker Ocean features dramatic sculpture – with a wide stance and a luxurious SUV silhouette. I wanted to combine maximum usability with an unprecedented driving experience. The interior is spacious and extremely modern, bringing a luxury feel and timelessness that has never been seen in a vehicle before.

“The future of mobility is about enjoying an electric vehicle without hassle, long-term commitment and the prohibitive high cost of ownership. Driving the Fisker Ocean will be easy: through a flexible lease via a mobile app. And we take care of all the service and maintenance. Simply put, we’re introducing the future of hassle-free, fun and easy e-mobility.”

The Fisker Ocean will measure around 4.6 metres in length, which places it slap-bang in the middle of the medium SUV segment, if it should launch in Australia. But unlike its potential rivals in that segment, the Ocean will not feature an opening bonnet. The front of the vehicle will be sealed, saving weight and enhancing aerodynamic efficiency. Where the engine would be in a conventional vehicle, the Ocean will house electronic systems and the climate control plumbing. The manufacturer claims that this configuration will also lead to optimised passenger accommodation.

Along the length of the roof, the Fisker Ocean will have a solar panel to collect energy from the sun and replenish the car's battery pack. According to the manufacturer, this will provide "1000 free, clean miles per year", which equates to roughly 1600km.

Sustainability is boosted by use of regenerated nylon – from fishing net waste – for the vehicle's carpeting and polycarbonate polyurethane surfaces with reinforced Rayon backing, which Fisker claims "meets stringent chemical emission limits for various VOCs [volatile organic compounds, including formaldehyde]".

Soft upholstery is labelled 'Eco-suede' and is recycled from polyester fibres found in cast-off T-shirts and recycled bottles. Recycling of polyester reduces energy consumption and CO2 emissions by 80 per cent, compared with a petroleum-based polyester production process. Rubber will be obtained from tyre scrappage which would otherwise go to land fill.

On the emissions reduction front, the Fisker Ocean is claimed to be good for a range of up to 300 miles (483km) from its 80kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

Production is scheduled to commence near the end of 2021 and customer deliveries are timed for 2022. A full global reveal of the production-ready model will take place on January 4, 2020.