Fisker, a fledgling EV company founded by veteran car designer, Henrik Fisker, has come for the automotive world with all guns blazing. Before starting the delivery of its first vehicle, the Ocean EV, the company followed up with the announcement of a five-seater EV, the Pear.
You are not alone if you thought the name had anything to do with the sweet fruit, but the “Pear” in Fisker Pear stands for “Personal Electric Automotive Revolution.” Although most gearheads likely prefer a better moniker, the nameplate suggests that the vehicle is not the garden-variety EV, and so do the teasers. Fisker will build the vehicle in partnership with Chinese electronics giant Foxconn in a recently acquired factory in Ohio. Starting below $30,000, the Fisker Pear will increase the short list of low-cost EVs when deliveries begin in 2024. Pending that time, here’s what we know and expect of the 2024 Fisker Pear.
An Urban Mobility Device
Fisker does not think the Pear fits into any existing segment, describing it as an “Agile Urban EV” and “a mobility device rather than a conventional car.” It looks like the automaker is tactically keeping some parts of the EV away from the public since all teaser shots conceal some parts. From our best look, the Fisker Pear is a cross between a hatchback and an SUV. It has a short hood like the Multipla (we’re not suggesting the Pear is ugly), and it adopts what looks like a lower grille. The Pear logo is illuminated and positioned at the center of an illuminated line from the thin headlights.
Although viewing it head-on, the Fisker Pear looks like a smaller Ocean; it also appears to have some similarities with Foxconn’s Model C. The Pear might ride on Foxconn’s platform while taking some design cues from the Ocean. But while both cars fall in the SUV category, Fisker says the Pear is category-breaking since the designers imagined the future of mobility. For example, Henrik Fisker called the Pear “a type of crossover” and explained that “the rear of the vehicle is very unique as it does not have a traditional hatch to access the trunk,” allowing the trunk to open conveniently in tight spaces.
If we made a list of designers capable of creating category-breaking cars, we would surely insert Henrik Fisker’s name close to the top. Henrick has some popular cars in their design portfolio, including the Aston Martin DB9, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, and the BMW Z8. Regarding the design, the CEO said, “The exterior design will feature new lighting technology and a wraparound front windscreen inspired by a glider plane glass canopy, enhancing frontal vision.”
The Fisker Pearl Predicted Performance and Range
Fisker will offer at least two battery options, including a “Hyper Range” pack with an estimated 310 miles of range. The lowest Fisker Ocean trim offers a battery pack with 250 miles of range. Therefore, We expect Pear’s hyper-range battery pack to come with a trim higher than the base one. No words so far on charging speeds, but EV enthusiasts will frown at anything less than 150kW charging speeds from the base trim.
We don’t have high expectations regarding performance from the Pear because of its cost, but we like to be disappointed when Fisker announces the performance figures. If Fisker uses the same platform as the Foxconn Model C, which offers 134 hp, the Pear’s motor might deliver a similar figure. We expect different trims, configurations, and performance specs. But we don’t expect the Pear to match the capabilities of EVs that cost about $10k more, like the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Roomy Cabin
We need to see more teasers to know everything about the interior of the Pear. But we know that the cabin appears roomy, has a unique central display, and the center console is not fully attached to the armrest. We also understand that the focus of the cabin is on sustainability.
Regarding the interior, Henrik Fisker said, “Fisker PEAR’s interior will offer a new level of storage for its segment. Design-wise, the beltline and side window area are extremely low, with a large, wraparound windscreen affording a commanding view when driving.” The CEO also promised “multiple innovations never seen on a production car before,” and we can’t wait to see what’s new on the block.
Price Details
To Fisker, affordability is key, and the automaker keeps emphasizing that the Pear will cost less than $30,000. Combining new technology with futuristic architecture for one of the cheapest entry prices ever known of an EV sounds too good to be true. But Henrik Fisker shed some light by saying, “we are currently working full speed on re-defining how to make an inexpensive car. Reducing parts, make them simpler. Adding technology & unique features to replace tradition!”
Fisker plans to have a manufacturing footprint in the U.S., Europe, and China as part of the strategy. This avoids dependency on local import taxes, thereby keeping the price low. Reservation of the Pear is on for $250, but delivery will not start before 2024.
We expect the announcement of more trim levels, which will shoot the price up, but not without offering valuable additional features.
Competition
Henrik Fisker has announced that the Pear is “NOT a hatchback” but “a type of crossover.” In the Crossover EV section, the Fisker Pear will be up against vehicles like the Ford Mustang Mach E and the Hyundai Ioniq 5. But it’s unfair to pitch the Pear against EVs that cost a lot more. When deliveries start in 2024, the Pear will help to populate the cheap electric cars segment, where there are currently few options like the VW.ID 4, Chevy Bolt EV, and Nissan Leaf.
