Electric off-roading with Fisker's Force-E
Alright, let's dive into the world of electric vehicles, an arena where Fisker Inc. has been laying low for a while. Their latest offering, the Force E, promises to shake up the off-road sector, a domain where gas-guzzling beasts like the Jeep Wrangler and Land Rover Defender have reigned supreme.
Fisker, it seems, is ready to play David to the Goliaths of the ICE world. They're sharpening their slingshot with the Ocean Force E, a battery-powered contender that packs a punch. Or so they claim.
When you look at the spec sheet, you realize they're not messing around. The Force E is a robust package, with 33-inch all-terrain tires, 20-inch reinforced wheels, and a specially designed suspension that promises to soften those hard knocks off-road. They've also armored it with a full-length titanium protective plate beneath the battery pack, and front and rear skid plates. A veritable knight in shining armor.
The chairman and CEO, Henrik Fisker, is talking a big game. He's vowing to unleash a beast in the off-road segment. And if the promises hold true, this could be a game-changer for those who love the thrill of the dirt tracks without the guilt of tailpipe emissions.
The Force E's interior modifications and the available roof basket, fender flares, and auxiliary lighting certainly hint at its off-road aspirations. The 550 horsepower dual-motor AWD system is the icing on the cake.
What's intriguing is that Fisker's Ocean is already a formidable candidate in the off-road arena. The estimated 350-mile range, the SolarSky roof for solar charging, and the unique ‘California Mode' for an open-air feel are features that hint at the company's innovative bent.
However, as we all know, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. The Force E package is still in the works at Fisker's UK Magic Works division, with a 2023 launch date. So, while it looks good on paper, it'll be interesting to see if Fisker can translate this into a real-world, mud-splattered off-road champion.
The journey has just begun for the Ocean, with the first model being delivered to a Danish customer. With US deliveries scheduled to start in June, let's wait and see if Fisker's electric wave can make a splash. The Force E could well be the dark horse that disrupts the off-road segment. But until then, the ICE behemoths still hold the throne. Will the electric revolution finally make its way to the dirt tracks? Time will tell.
Pros:
- Zero Emissions: As an electric vehicle, the Force E offers off-road enthusiasts an eco-friendly alternative to traditionally gas-guzzling off-road vehicles.
- Powerful Performance: The Force E comes with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system boasting 550 horsepower, which should provide plenty of power for tackling tough terrains.
- Robust Design: With features like 33-inch all-terrain tires, reinforced wheels, and a protective titanium plate underneath the battery pack, the Force E seems well-equipped for off-road adventures.
- Solar Charging: The SolarSky roof provides a unique feature for charging the car using solar power, potentially adding an extra 1,500 to 2,000 miles of range per year.
- Long Range: With an estimated range of 350 miles, the Force E should be more than capable of handling long trips, which is typically a concern for electric vehicles.
Cons:
- Unproven in the Market: Fisker is relatively new in the off-road segment and doesn't yet have a proven track record like established ICE models such as the Jeep Wrangler or Land Rover Defender.
- Availability of Charging Stations: As with all electric vehicles, the availability of charging stations, particularly in off-road or rural areas, may be a concern.
- Possible Range Anxiety: Despite the impressive estimated range, the so-called ‘range anxiety' (the fear of running out of charge) might still be a concern for potential customers, especially when venturing off the beaten path.
- Price and Affordability: The price hasn't been mentioned, but given the high-end specs and the general trend of electric vehicles being more expensive than their ICE counterparts, affordability could be a potential issue.
- Delayed Features: Some features such as the frunk-embedded spare tire and grille-mounted fresh water tap that were previously seen on the design study appear to have been dropped in the latest iteration, which may disappoint some potential buyers.
Remember, these are potential pros and cons based on the available information, and the real-world performance could be different. Therefore, it's always wise to wait for actual user reviews and more detailed specifications before making a judgment.