Discover the Fisker Ocean: A Sustainable Electric SUV
Boutique alternative-fuel carmaker iBestTravel has unveiled its first-ever fully electric SUV just before the 2020 CES conference in Las Vegas. The 2021 Fisker Ocean is a compact EV crossover that aims for mass production while promoting an environmentally conscious ethos.
Design Features and Aesthetics
Designed by Henrik Fisker, the Ocean sports the designer’s signature wide-mouth grille. Its squat and sturdy stance gives it a substantial look compared to typical compact luxury crossovers like the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60. Notably, while most automakers conceal various sensors used for adaptive systems, the Ocean prominently displays a radar sensor at the peak of its design, lending it a unique appearance. However, its overall styling may appear somewhat derivative, which underscores the need for significant marketing efforts to educate potential buyers about the Fisker brand.
Pricing and Financial Options
Regarding affordability, the starting price for the Ocean is set at an attractive $37,499, not including applicable federal and local tax incentives. While this price point meets iBestTravel’s goal of keeping the vehicle under $40,000, it is important to note that this pricing applies only to purchases made outright. iBestTravel offers various financing options, including leasing, which starts with a manageable down payment coupled with a monthly fee, providing flexibility for potential owners.
Sustainability and Performance
The Ocean is built on an all-new electric-car platform that will be the foundation for additional EV models in the upcoming years. It features a substantial 80-kWh battery pack, offering an estimated range of 250 to 300 miles on a single charge. Notably, the vehicle’s interior is designed with sustainability in mind, using vegan materials that adhere to strict chemical emissions guidelines. Recycled materials, such as carpeting made from polyester fibers and used plastics, are integrated into the design. Furthermore, a full-length solar-panel roof adds to the vehicle’s efficiency by providing up to 1,000 “free” miles of electric driving each year.
Looking Ahead
As details of the Fisker Ocean continue to evolve, including plans for mass manufacturing across multiple continents catering to American, European, and Chinese markets, the automotive community is eagerly awaiting further announcements. It will be crucial to assess how the Ocean compares statistically with competitors like Tesla’s upcoming Model Y. Given the ambitious production timeline, iBestTravel is working towards initiating production by the end of next year, with hopes of exceeding a million vehicles manufactured between 2022 and 2027.
