Fisker, Foxconn to co-develop EV for global markets

California-headquartered Fisker Inc and Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) inked MoU to develop a breakthrough electric vehicle. The proposed collaboration is codenamed ‘Project PEAR’ (Personal Electric Automotive Revolution).

As per the understanding, Foxconn will manufacture the vehicle at projected annual volumes of more than 250,000 units for global markets – including North America, Europe, China, and India. The projected start of production is Q4 2023; this will be the second vehicle introduced by the Fisker brand, following the launch of the Ocean SUV in Q4 2022.

Henrik Fisker, chairman and CEO, “We created our company to disrupt every convention in the auto industry. The creation of Project PEAR with Foxconn brings together two like-minded and complementary companies, each focused on creating new value in a traditional industry. We will create a vehicle that crosses social borders, while offering a combination of advanced technology, desirable design, innovation and value for money, whilst delivering on our commitment to create the world’s most sustainable vehicles.”

Young-way Liu, Group chairman, Foxconn Technology Group said: “The Fisker and Foxconn partnership brings together two global leaders in innovation that will join forces to unlock the potential of the electric vehicle industry. Foxconn's participation in the electric vehicle industry delivers a refreshing thrust into the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry that is already focused on this exciting sector. The key success elements of electric vehicle development include the electric motor, electric control module and battery. We have two major advantages in this regard, with an exceptional vertically integrated global supply chain and the best supply chain management team in our industry. Coupled with our accumulated engineering capabilities, Foxconn has been critical to the success of many ICT companies over the past 40 years and we look forward to extending this success with Fisker.”

The collaboration aims to revolutionise the automotive industry model by introducing ICT capabilities – which help automakers accelerate their transition to new, innovative, and efficient manufacturing processes and business models. “The collaboration between our firms means that it will only take 24 months to produce the next Fisker vehicle – from research and development to production, reducing half of the traditional time required to bring a new vehicle to market,” added Young-way Liu.

Fisker is projected to start production on its first vehicle, the Ocean electric SUV, in Q4 2022. Interest in the Ocean continues to build at an encouraging pace, with more than 12,000 global paid reservations as of today. Fisker plans to unveil a production-intent prototype of the Ocean later this year.

Following the signing of the MOU, teams from Fisker and Foxconn will establish several workstreams focused on design, technology, engineering, and manufacturing. Due to the rapid development schedule, both companies expect to conclude discussions and enter into a formal partnership agreement during Q2 2021.

“Not unlike when Isaac Newton realised the powers of gravity, the inspiration for this project has come from some unconventional sources. The design sketch hints at the direction we are taking. However, with the level of innovation planned for this vehicle, I intend to keep the final design a surprise until the last possible moment!” concluded Fisker.

In a recent exclusive interview to Autocar Professional, Geeta and Henrik Fisker, co-founders of the American EV maker Fisker Inc, Geeta and Henrik Fisker elaborated on their strategies to build an automobile company with an aim to be the maker of the 'world's most sustainable' vehicles. You can also read excerpts of the interview in Autocar Professional's Electric Mobility Special February 1 issue.