Fisker set to target Australia with new $50,000 electric SUV

US electric car-maker Fisker says it is eyeing off international markets including Australia with a new SUV that’s set to rival the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Kona EV.

The as-yet-unnamed high-rider was teased overnight via a single image, promising an electric range of nearly 500km and a price under $40,000 in the US. Using current exchange rates, that would equate to roughly $55,000 in Australia.

Designed by Henrik Fisker, the man responsible for the BMW Z8, the newcomer is due to launch in the US in the second half of 2021, with global markets to follow thereafter.

That will likely mean an Australian arrival at some stage, it can be revealed.

“The vehicle will be released in the US first but expanding globally afterwards,” a Fisker spokesperson told carsales.com.au. “The most we can share at this point is that the vehicle will expand globally [including all continents]”.

Claiming to ‘reinvent’ the SUV, the California-based firm says the SUV adopts design touches previously reserved for supercars. The car-maker uses the following examples: "a small, centre high-mounted radar – behind glass – replace a traditional grill", "a parametric pattern dominates the lower front, where air cooling is directed only as needed", while "lower body aerodynamic features add more stimulating visuals".

Inside, the mysterious high-rider will feature a large heads-up display and interactive user interface.

Of greater interest is what will power the SUV. Fisker has invested heavily in solid-state battery technology, bringing huge advances in recharging times and range.

The SUV will purportedly use two electric motors – one on the front axle, one on the rear – to drive all four wheels, measuring up to 22 inches in size.

Fisker is a relatively small start-up in the US, employing about 100 people at present. However, the bourgeoning electric manufacturer has grand plans for expansion of its workforce, and says it is currently evaluation a facility to produce the all-electric SUV.

There are also plans afoot for a Tesla Model S-rivalling luxury sedan.

“We do not have specific numbers to share in regards to production output at this point, but later details will released closer to the end of the year,” the spokesperson said.