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Fisker abandons solid-state EV batteries

Henrik Fisker's eponymous electric car startup has abandoned plans to develop solid-state battery technology, citing its lack of near-term viability (among other complications) in an interview with The Verge.  Fisker said the company felt it was "90 percent there" on solid state tech, but that the final 10% proved too challenging given the constraints of current technology. He feels the move to solid state battery composition will require a significant breakthrough followed by years of development.  "I think personally, they’re at least seven years out, if not more, in terms of any sort of high-volume format," he said. "... once you have a breakthrough in that technology, you need probably three years to set up high-volume manufacturing, and then you need another three years to do durability testing. So even if somebody invented it today, it would be at least probably six years out." "[W]e have completely dropped solid-state batteries at this point in time because we just donÂ’t see it materializing," Fisker said. "Would we do something in the future? If we do, it would be something completely new, and we obviously have a battery team thatÂ’s looking at the current technology thatÂ’s here. But the solid-state battery that we worked on, that just doesn't have a future at this point in time in the near future." As to whether Fisker's abandonment of solid-state tech had anything to do with the company settling a lawsuit brought by QuantumScape, Fisker cited the settlement's non-disclosure clause and nothing more. Fisker has shied away from promoting solid state battery development since the introduction of its production-intent Ocean electric SUV, which is going to be produced in partnership with automotive supplier Magna.  Meanwhile, others in the industry remain committed to solid-state battery tech, at least for the time being. Toyota said just months ago that it intends to introduce a solid-state prototype some time in 2021, with production viability coming as soon as 2025. That would be sooner than Fisker predicted, but not outrageously so, and if anybody has the resources to rapidly develop next-generation automotive powertrains, it's Toyota.  Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Fisker Emotion | CES 2018

Henrik Fisker presents 'Thunderbolt,' a take on the Aston V12 Vanquish

Henrik Fisker's name no longer even appears on the vehicles from his former brand, but since leaving the company, the man is slowly transitioning back into what made him famous in the first place: design. Fisker has already put pen to paper for a concept motorcycle and a carbon-fiber-bodied Ford Mustang. For his latest project, Fisker has made his unofficial return to Aston Martin to create a one-take on the Vanquish called the Thunderbolt. Debuting its carbon fiber skin at the 2015 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, Fisker keeps his transformation of the Vanquish far more subdued than his recent work on the Mustang. He enlarges the grille to take up the entire front end but retains Aston Martin's traditional shape, and the hood receives a power dome with triangular air intakes on each side. In profile, this is still clearly an Aston just sharper and leaner. It's also lowered 0.6 inches and rides on 21-inch wheels. A big change comes at the back where Fisker adds wraparound rear glass and transforms the taillights into thin strips of LEDs. The interior offers a mix of high-end leather and more carbon fiber, plus an 11.6-inch Curved Control Screen from Panasonic. Unfortunately, even if you have the means and want to buy this Thunderbolt, it's not for sale. However, Galpin Aston Martin is taking limited orders for a tweaked version with a revised front end that includes different intakes on either side of the grille and without the Panasonic infotainment screen. As designer for the Aston Martin DB9 and V8 Vantage, the Thunderbolt can be thought of as Fisker's return to the British brand, albeit in an unofficial and extremely limited way. Still, it's fascinating to get a glimpse at what the marque's models might look like, if he were still there. Related Video: HENRIK FISKER UNVEILS HIS LATEST DESIGN STUDY, A TIMELESS GT COUPE, AT 2015 AMELIA ISLAND CONCOURS D'ELEGANCE One-Off V12 Vanquish-Based Coupe Features Carbon Fiber Coach-Work and World's First Panasonic Curved Screen Infotainment System Amelia Island, Florida (March 14, 2015) – Henrik Fisker today took the wraps off of his latest design study, the "Thunderbolt," at the 2015 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. Designed by Henrik Fisker as a powerful GT coupe; this is his personal interpretation of how his Aston Martin V12 Vanquish coupe could look like.

Fisker Alaska electric pickup is one of the coolest Cybertruck and F-150 Lightning rivals yet

The Fisker Alaska electric pickup truck. Fisker US EV startup Fisker unveiled an electric pickup to take on the Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T.  Fisker says the Alaska will start at $37,900 after incentives and go on sale in early 2025. It offers an ingenious bed that extends from 4.5 feet to 9.2 feet.  EV startup Fisker wants to snag a chunk of America's pickup market from giants like Ford and GM.  The company on Thursday laid out plans for its next batch of products, including a very cool truck called the Alaska. Fisker didn't mention too many details, but we now know a few things about the upcoming truck.  "I think it's very important for us to say that we want to create unique vehicles," company CEO and designer Henrik Fisker said during the event.  The Fisker Alaska electric pickup truck. Fisker Fisker says it'll start at $45,400, or $37,900 after a $7,500 federal tax credit. That should make it one of the most affordable electric trucks in the US when it goes on sale sometime in early 2025.  The F-150 Lightning (a bigger truck, but still) was supposed to start at just under $40,000, but rising materials costs have pushed the entry-level model to $51,990. The Rivian R1T, a bigger, higher-end offering than the Alaska, costs $73,000 and up.  The Fisker Alaska electric pickup truck. Fisker That makes the Alaska look like a mighty compelling deal, if Fisker can keep the price where it is. There's also currently nothing like it. All the electric pickups out right now — the Lightning, GMC Hummer EV, and R1T — are fairly large. The soon-to-be-released Tesla Cybertruck looks like a pretty big boy too.  Fisker revealed three brand-new electric models and a new version of its Ocean SUV during an event in California. Fisker Fisker says the Alaska will fit somewhere between the compact and midsize categories. So think bigger than a Ford Maverick and smaller than a Toyota Tacoma. It could strike a chord with buyers who want an electric truck for casual errands but don't need anything huge.  During Thursday's product-reveal event, Fisker's CEO said the company didn't want to compete with full-size trucks and wanted to build a pickup that works well as a daily driver.  The Fisker Alaska electric pickup truck. Fisker Still, he wanted the Alaska to provide pickup utility when people need it. Thanks to a retractable wall between the cab and bed, the Alaska's 4.5-foot bed can fit items as long as 9.2 feet — if you fold the back seats and drop the tailgate.