CES: Fisker unveils all-electric Ocean SUV

FOLLOWING its reveal at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas earlier this month, American EV manufacturer Fisker has revealed more concrete details of its all-electric Ocean SUV, which is set for release in North America by 2022.

The first SUV released by the burgeoning EV brand, the Ocean brings practicality, sustainability and performance, and joins the existing eMotion sedan as the only models for the company started by former BMW and Aston Martin designer Henrik Fisker.

Measuring 4640mm long, 1930mm wide and 1615mm tall, the Ocean is comparable in size to the Mercedes-Benz EQC and Audi e-tron, and can offer 566 litres of luggage space, up to 708L with the parcel shelf removed and 1274L with the rear seats folded.

Fisker is calling the Ocean “the world’s most sustainable vehicle” thanks to the addition of a number of features that promote sustainability and a low carbon footprint.

First revealed in a teaser in August, the Ocean debut’s Fisker’s full-length solar roof, which can help recharge the vehicle’s battery systems and can provide up to 1000 miles (1609km) of charge-free driving range per year.

The brand says that it will be able to yield greater driving ranges from its solar roof panels as the technology continues to evolve.

A number of sustainable materials have also been used through the interior, with recycled carpet made from abandoned fishing net waste, a fully vegan interior and suede trim made from recycled polyester fibres and plastics.

Discarded rubber waste from tyre manufacturing will also be used in the manufacturing process.

Fisker has only revealed partial details of the Ocean’s powertrain, stating that four-wheel drive will be offered on all trims bar the base model, and that the most affordable all-paw version will offer an output of over 225kW.

An “ultra-high performance” version is also on the way to be announced next year, with Fisker targeting a zero-to-60mph (0-97km/h) time of less than three seconds.

Equipped with an 80kWh battery pack, the Ocean will sport a driving range of up to 300 miles (483km), with the battery able to be charged from 15 per cent to 80 per cent capacity in 30 minutes when plugged in to a 150kW charger.

Visually, the Ocean sports a sleek design with a front-end design not unlike that of the Land Rover Discovery, featuring slim headlights, a downward-sloping bonnet and a shapely front bumper design.

Large 20-inch alloy wheels give the Ocean a sense of on-road presence which can be upgraded to 22-inch hoops, while the rear end also sports slim tail-lights along with a roof-mounted rear spoiler.

The highlight of the Ocean’s interior is undoubtedly the feature the brand calls California mode, with nine glass panels comprising the roof and windows able to fold away through the touch of a button to create a convertible-like driving experience while still retaining a ‘roll cage’ safety structure around the passengers.

Inside, the Ocean will score a 16.0-inch touchscreen and 9.8-inch digital instrument cluster, as well as an integrated head-up display.

Fisker also announced plans to expand its operations into Europe and China, ramping up production to over one million vehicles between 2022 and 2027.

More details of its manufacturing plans will be revealed at the Geneva motor show in March.