California-based electric car maker Fisker has revealed that its follow-up to the yet-to-be-launched Ocean SUV will be called PEAR. In a surprise announcement, Fisker suggested that the new model will go on sale in the US in 2024 ahead of a launch in European markets. The brand has also opened a reservation list for interested buyers.
The news was announced in a brief six paragraph press release that offered no actual details of car except for its price which is expected to be $29,900. Although that translates to £22,000 for the UK, the US price is without tax, so a more realistic figure would be around £26,500.
"Our customer wants to take a step into the future with us," CEO Henrik Fisker said. “We are opening up reservations for PEAR following continued demand. PEAR will feature the very latest technology in a beautifully designed, affordable urban mobility device,” he added. “It’s an exciting vehicle and an exciting time for the company as we expand our lineup.”
The unusual name is an acronym of Personal Electric Automotive Revolution and is one of the few details given in the announcement. Fisker claims that the new PEAR will take the form of a five-seater urban EV, but stopped short of revealing whether the finished product will be an SUV, hatch or saloon. However, the accompanying image render suggests that the finished design is most likely to be a compact SUV.
Fisker also confirmed that the PEAR will be engineered Chinese technology giant Foxconn. Better known as Apple’s manufacturer of choice for its iPhone, the Chinese brand has already developed a universal electric car platform, which will shorten the development process. Unlike the Ocean, which will be built in Austria, the PEAR will be produced in Ohio, USA with Fisker anticipating a production volume of 250,000 units a year.
Customers can place a $250 deposit to join the reservation list. Fisker is aiming for deliveries to start in 2024.
