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Fisker solid-state batteries won’t arrive until at least 2022

Teaser for Fisker electric SUV
As part of its latest revelation of a new, mainstream electric SUV for 2021, startup automaker Fisker (the eponymous founder's second under his own name), implicitly made a somewhat startling admission: The solid-state batteries the company has been working on may not be ready any time soon.

Founded by Henrik Fisker, the former BMW designer who built the original Fisker Karma (now the Karma Revero, produced by a different company), Fisker originally planned to launch the new company with a super-sedan called the EMotion, which it revealed at the 2018 Consumer Electronics show in January last year.

Henrik Fisker

In July, Mr. Fisker said the car would launch in 2020 with new solid-state batteries that it is developing. “We're actually ahead of where we expected to be,” Fisker told Inc. magazine in an interview at the time. “We have built batteries with better results quicker than we thought.”

READ THIS: Fisker slots $40k electric SUV ahead of delayed EMotion flagship

In its announcement last week, the company put all those plans off in favor of launching a more conventional $40,000 electric SUV to take on the Tesla Model Y in 2020—using conventional lithium batteries with a liquid electrolyte.

Fisker EMotion

At the CES in January 2018, Fisker originally said that the company would launch the EMotion first with conventional batteries before its proprietary solid-state cells were ready and would update the battery pack later in the car's production run once the solid-state cells were ready.

Fisker received an unspecified investment in the technology from heavy-equipment-maker Caterpillar in October.

READ MORE: Fisker gets Caterpillar investment for solid-state battery tech

By announcing that its new so-far-unnamed SUV will use conventional batteries, the company looks to be backtracking on Mr. Fisker's July claim that the batteries will would go into a production car in 2020—apparently implying that the batteries won't be ready.

It's not clear whether the delay is due to cost, production capability, or some other factor affecting the batteries.

Fisker flexible solid-state battery material

In an email to Green Car Reports, Mr. Fisker said: “The business decision we made was not to launch the EMotion with current tech, as we feel that the low-volume, flagship EMotion needed to carry the absolute top-of-the-line, future-forward technology (the Fisker Solid-State Battery most of all).

“We will launch the EMotion, with Fisker Solid-State Batteries, when the batteries are fully primed, tested, and ready for commercialization/vehicle application. This is not a process that can be taken lightly with a brand new technology.

“The batteries are being aggressively developed … within our labs at Fisker. We are on track to commence testing in vehicles with partners next year. This is a brand new technology that’s never been commercialized or introduced—and … initial timelines have always been targets.”

DON'T MISS: Henrik Fisker is latest to claim solid-state battery breakthrough (Updated)

Solid-state batteries promise better safety than conventional lithium batteries with greater resistance to thermal meltdown and fires, as well as higher energy density and faster charging. The challenges with most solid-state designs have been power output, cold-weather capability, and potentially manufacturing challenges.

Fisker's solid-state battery team is led by Fabio Albano, a co-founder of former Michigan-based solid-state battery startup Sakti3, which was acquired by vacuum maker Dyson, which has its own plans to launch electric cars.

CHECK OUT: Fisker EMotion: here's why we're skeptical about Fisker's latest electric car

Other, larger automakers such as Toyota and Volkswagen have also announced plans to produce electric cars with solid-state batteries, but say they won't come until the mid-2020s. Now it looks like Fisker could be joining them. Even Dyson plans to launch its first car in 2021 with conventional lithium batteries.

In Monday's announcement, Fisker said the rollout of the EMotion would come sometime after 2021.

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Fisker Electric SUV priced under $40,000.

Fisker Inc. Reveals Stunning All-Electric SUV Design, Priced Below $40,000
Dramatically sculpted vehicle is set to #ReinventTheSUV with a futuristic, elegant muscular look – to be launched in the second half of 2021Emotion-stirring design is combined with a technologically advanced, intuitive user experience and a target range of close to 300 miles to make EVs as practical, desirable and attainable as everThe luxurious SUV is the first in an upcoming lineup of three affordable all-electric vehicles created by world-renowned American automotive industry design icon, Henrik FiskerWHAT/WHEN:
Fisker Inc. – designer and manufacturer of the world’s most desirable electric vehicles, breakthrough automotive technology and advanced mobility solutions – is releasing early details on a stunning new all-electric SUV design, priced below $40,000 (U.S.) and set to launch in the second half of 2021. #ReinventTheSUV: The all-electric luxury vehicle is shattering old notions of what an SUV can be. World-renowned American automotive design icon, Henrik Fisker, sculpted a futuristic, elegant muscular EV with clean surfaces and a dramatic shape. The affordable mass market vehicle features captivating design touches that have been traditionally reserved for supercars in the past.Passion In the Details:
Future-forward technologies are now an integral part of the SUV’s design. A small, center high-mounted radar – behind glass – replaces a traditional grill, which is no longer a necessity on an EV.A parametric pattern dominates the lower front, where air cooling is directed only as needed. Lower body aerodynamic features add more stimulating visuals.Never-Before-Seen, High-Tech User Experiences:With the touch of a button, an extended open-air atmosphere will be made possible without compromising the rugged and safe structural integrity of an SUV.The vastly spacious interior is complemented by a modern aesthetic and high-quality materials.Dashboard features will include a large heads-up display and a unique, intuitive user interface that will control some of the latest emerging in-vehicle technologies.Cutting-Edge Options and Performance:
Available in four-wheel drive with two electric motors – one at the front and one at the rear.The all-electric SUV will come standard with an extended range (target of approximately 300 miles), enabled by an enhanced +80 KWh lithium-ion battery pack. More details will be released closer to launch.Optional 22-inch wheels.Pricing and Sales:
Set at a base price below $40,000 (U.S.), final pricing and a drivable prototype is anticipated to be revealed by the end of 2019. Fisker is set to sell direct to consumers. A nationwide concierge service model is also in development for a superior user and maintenance experience. The company will begin accepting early deposits closer to the start of production. More information on timelines, as well as a website link, will be shared at a later date.Production:
Fisker Inc. is currently finalizing the selection of a facility, located in the United States, to produce the all-electric SUV. The First of Three All-New, Mass Market Vehicles:
The company is actively engaged in the development of a larger line-up of affordable, luxurious and technologically advanced electric vehicles – with the SUV launching first.The previously unveiled Fisker EMotion luxury electric sedan, the brand’s low-volume flagship model, will now be introduced to the market after an affordable model becomes available. As the ultimate symbol of future emerging technologies, the high-end EMotion will retake the stage as patented Fisker Solid-State Battery technology becomes ready for vehicle application and commercialization. More information and timelines will be released at a later date. HENRIK FISKER, CHAIRMAN AND CEO:
· “Our team set out on a mission to create an affordable EV that’s more exciting and emotion-stirring than what the market has been offering. We’re now excited to be introducing a vehicle that truly reinvents the SUV. At an affordable price point, starting below $40,000, we’re delivering a desirable, luxuriously rugged and green vehicle – complete with unique new experiences and technologies – that’s accessible to people across the USA and the world.
· While other manufacturers have introduced beautiful, high-performance electric cars with high price tags, the real race is about who can deliver a truly high-volume, affordable, yet desirable EV – produced through a unique, profitable business model. The Fisker team is thrilled to be playing a leading role in that revolution. The future success of EVs relies on creating an emotional connection with the consumer – in addition to longer range and more practicality for the wider market. Our affordable SUV will be powered by an enhanced +80 KWh lithium-ion battery pack that pushes the limit – with a range of close to 300 miles.
· At the same time, we’re investing heavily into next generation technologies, highlighted by our patented Fisker Solid-State Battery technology. Our team of scientists have been working tirelessly within our in-house labs, with remarkable results to date as we move toward vehicle testing with partners next year. We believe that super luxury vehicles must offer the absolute latest in emerging technologies. Our flagship, low-volume EMotion luxury electric sedan will be the first model to feature Fisker Solid-State batteries, targeted to deliver more than 500 miles of range with a single, quick charge.”
MEDIA/ANALYSTS:
· For inquiries, please contact fisker@GoDRIVEN360.com.
About Fisker Inc.
California-based Fisker Inc. is revolutionizing the automotive industry by developing the most emotionally desirable electric vehicles complemented with the longest range and shortest charging times on earth. As a leading force in influencing mass market electrification across the globe, the company’s scientific breakthroughs include the patented Fisker Flexible Solid-State Battery – ushering in a new era in fast charging, safety and range.
The brainchild of EV pioneer and world-leading automotive designer, Henrik Fisker, Fisker Inc.’s mission is to set a new standard of excellence and performance in the electric vehicle industry and mobility services – developing unique, high-performance electric vehicles that feature the latest in emerging technologies and exciting user experiences. To learn more, visit www.FiskerInc.com.

Topics:

Innovation,

Design,

SUV,

Electric Vehicle

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