Hands-on with Fisker PEAR, a very promising $30k small electric SUV
We got a chance to get up close and personal with a production-intent version of the upcoming Fisker PEAR, and it looks even better than we expected.
Fisker first unveiled the PEAR at its Product Vision Day in August. We wrote about it at the time, saying that it looked promising but that the promised $30k price and 2025 availability seems quite optimistic, especially for a company that has only just started shipping its first car.
Fisker gave us some more details later that month, but this weekend, we got to see and sit in a “production-intent” version of the PEAR at the Fisker Lounge in The Grove shopping center in Los Angeles, while we were there for a roundtable about the company’s sustainability initiatives.
At the event, Fisker told us all about its focus on making the auto industry more sustainable, especially in manufacturing. We heard from CEO Henrik Fisker, Interior design director Nadya Arnaout, ESG director Patrick Newsom and CTO David King how all of them are incorporating sustainability into every part of their work at Fisker, and how they intend to bring a climate-neutral car to market by 2027.
Then afterwards we got to hop behind the ropes and have a sit inside the upcoming PEAR, which looked and felt great.
We had a glance at the interior at the unveiling event (even though we weren’t supposed to…), and it looked quite spartan, recalling somewhat of a Honda Element vibe.
But in this iteration, the interior seemed much improved from the one we saw just a few months ago. Part of this is because that version had the base “sport” trim and this one had the upgraded interior option. Fisker says the “sport” trim will be less plush, so we might still get some of those Element vibes for those who are looking for them.
Even with these upgrades the interior is still quite spartan, but I like that. There’s still interior storage – a “device shelf” across the largely open dash, with a small ridge that Fisker says will hold devices (though we question whether they’d stay there during “spirited driving”); an open space under the display for small devices or a glasses case; room for a bag under the center console (which doesn’t open, it’s just an armrest); water bottle holders in the door pockets.
We didn’t sit in it for long, but the alcantara-like seat material felt soft and smooth and headroom and legroom were adequate with four adults climbing in and out of the car. Fisker says that there will be an option for a front bench seat that deletes the center console/armrest, bringing the count up to six total seatbelts, though we wonder how wide each of those six people could be.
One feature on display was Fisker’s “see-through A-pillar.” This consisted of a small screen on the inside of the A-pillar, hooked up to a camera on the outside, allowing the driver to effectively see what’s on the other side.
While it’s a neat idea in concept, especially for a city car that is likely to encounter a lot of pedestrians who may be obscured by the A-pillar, the still-prototype version we saw seemed quite chintzy and didn’t work too well. With a little more design focus, it could turn out cool – or drivers could just move their head around a couple inches like they’ve been doing all this time anyway.
The steering wheel was beefy, and seemed impossible to hold at 9-and-3 (which is how you should be holding it). But Arnaout said that Fisker is already working on improving that.
Through the steering wheel was a mockup of the intended driver display, which is rather minimalist and will be integrated into the dash itself. I hope it sticks around in approximately the same form as the mockup (and still functions in bright conditions), because it looked really cool.
We didn’t get to see much from the UI, as it was only running a pre-rendered video. The demo video was buttery-smooth, a stark contrast to the choppy actual software on the Ocean which we had just tested. But the PEAR will use Fisker’s in-house Blade computer, which promises improved performance.
We didn’t sit in the seats with “lounge mode” fully activated, and only saw the 60-split of the rear seat folded down. It didn’t fold down to “flat” as we were promised at the intro event, but it did recline quite far.
Another feature that Fisker is quite proud of is its “Houdini Door,” the rear trunk opening that recesses into the vehicle rather than opening up or out. Fisker says that this will allow easier trunk opening in tight situations, which this city car is likely to be in. Plus, it looks cool – which seems like a primary motivation for a lot of what Fisker does (hey, fair enough).
One thing we didn’t get to see was the frunk, or “froot” as Fisker calls it, which will be a slide-out drawer-style compartment, complete with optional insulation to help keep things hot or cold, as you like.
It was only a quick look at the PEAR, but we came away quite impressed and really looking forward to this small vehicle. Perhaps a worthy successor to the excellent Chevy Bolt, or competitor to the upcoming Boltium or the EX30, which we’re really excited about. Either way, at least we’ll finally get some smaller cars around these parts (but we could always go smaller… or smaller… or even smaller… or minus a couple wheels… but hey, it’s a start).
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The first EV charging hub funded by the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Program in the Eastern US is now online in Deerfield, Massachusetts.
The town installed the region’s first DC fast chargers (four ports), along with four Level 2 chargers, at 59 North Main Street in South Deerfield.
These new charging stations, funded with $2.46 million from the CFI program, are conveniently located near Interstate 91 in Franklin County, the most rural county in Massachusetts, which serves drivers from Connecticut up to the Canadian border.
The hub also features local and regional bus stops and designated bike lanes with secure onsite bike racks. The chargers are meant to cater to everyone: from local residents and visitors to municipal EVs and commercial vehicles that service the region’s businesses, like those in food and beverage manufacturing.
Gabe Klein, executive director of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, sees this as a model for future projects:
Multi-modal charging hubs in communities are key to giving more people the choice to ride and drive electric. The Town of Deerfield is showing leadership in building out convenient charging infrastructure that brings new transportation choices to rural and disadvantaged communities while supporting local commerce.
In recent years, Deerfield has experienced increased climate change-driven flooding from nearby rivers, including the Deerfield River, the Connecticut River, and the Bloody Brook. The project incorporates environmental engineering designed to mitigate and adapt to the effects of flooding and climate, including the installation of permeable asphalt and rain gardens, planting of native trees, grasses, and shrubs, and the creation of new greenspace in the center of Deerfield.
The Biden-Harris administration’s CFI Grant Program is expanding EV infrastructure nationwide. It offers grants for projects that complement and expand upon the initiatives of the NEVI program in urban, rural, and disadvantaged and low-income communities. So far, the CFI Grant Program has allocated over $1 billion to nearly 100 projects across the US, encouraging private investments and expanding the EV charging network to make EV ownership more practical and convenient.
Read more: The US reaches milestone of 200,000+ public EV charging ports
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Kia’s upcoming EV4 electric sedan was just spotted testing in the US for the first time. The low-cost EV is expected to make its big debut by the end of the year. Here’s a look at the new model.
The EV4 will round out Kia’s new “EVs for all” master plan launched last year. Kia showcased three new models, the EV3, EV4, and EV5, during its first annual EV Day in October 2023.
During the event, Kia outlined its new global strategy to “lead and accelerate the EV revolution” with a wide range of models priced from $30,000 to $80,000.
Kia plans to rapidly expand its lineup with a series of smaller, lower-priced models. It launched the EV9, its first three-row electric SUV, which is already proving to be a hot seller in the US. Starting at under $55,000, the EV9 is still a great deal compared to others in its class, but Kia plans to go even lower.
The EV3 and EV4 are expected to be among the most affordable electric vehicles when they arrive in the US.
Kia’s new EV4 is now testing in the US
Ahead of its official debut, Kia’s new EV4 sedan was recently caught driving on US streets for the first time.
The latest image from KindelAuto doesn’t reveal much more than what’s been shown in the past, but the fact that it’s now testing in the US is significant.
Kia’s EV3 is already on sale in Korea, starting at around $30,000 (42.08 million won). Earlier this week, the company said its new compact SUV is now available across Europe, starting at around $38,000 (36,000 euros) with a “segment-leading range” of up to 375 miles (WLTP).
Next up will be the EV4. Kia is expected to officially reveal the new EV by the end of the year, with deliveries starting in 2025. It could be as soon as next week at the 2024 LA Auto Show.
The interior will feature Kia’s advanced new ccNC infotainment system with dual 12.3″ navigation and driver display screens. An otherwise minalimalistic design is expected inside.
Kia’s EV4 will also be available in a hatchback variant. Although the hatch is likely aimed at European buyers, it was also recently spotted testing in the US for the first time.
We will learn official prices closer to launch, but the EV4 is expected to start at around $35,000 to $40,000.
Kia is teasing five new vehicles for the US, at least one being a new EV, that will debut at the LA Auto Show next week. Will it be the EV3? EV4?
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Nissan introduced its newest EV, a sleek all-electric sedan, at the Guangzhou Auto Show this week. The N7 is the first Nissan electric vehicle under its new strategy to spark life back into the brand in China.
Nissan hopes new N7 EV can compete in China
Like most foreign automakers, Nissan is struggling to stay afloat in China as homegrown automakers, like BYD, take control of the market.
Nissan hopes to turn things around after Dongfeng Nissan, its Chinese JV, unveiled the new N7 EV sedan at the Guangzhou Auto Show on Wednesday. The N7 is the first next-gen Nissan EV aimed at China as it looks to regain ground in the world’s largest electric car market.
Nissan claims the new model will “redefine the new benchmark for China’s mainstream family pure electric sedans.” It will be the first model built on Dongfeng Nissan’s new dedicated EV platform.
The company promises the new platform offers “a stress-free driving experience, superior comfort, and a suite of intelligent technology.”
At 4,930 mm long, 1,895 mm wide, 1,487 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,915 mm, the N7 is slightly longer than the Tesla Model 3 (4,720 mm long, 1848 mm wide, 1,442 mm tall, 2,875 mm wheelbase).
You can see Nissan’s signature V-Motion design in the headlights and front bumpers. Inside, the N7’s infotainment system is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295p processor for a faster, seamlessly connected system.
Nissan also partnered with smart driving tech leader Momenta to offer an advanced driver-assist system called “Navigate on Autopilot.” The N7 will be equipped with high-speed navigation NOA, city memory navigation NOA, and full-scenario intelligent parking.
The new N7 EV is set to go on sale in China in the first half of 2025 as Nissan aims to regain relevancy. Nissan’s sales in China fell 5.4% through the first nine months of 2024 after crashing 33% in 2023.
Will the N7 help Nissan reignite the brand in China, or will it continue losing ground to domestic auto brands like BYD and NIO? Let us know what you think of the electric sedan in the comments below.
Nissan isn’t the only legacy automaker developing specific EVs for China. Hyundai is launching a new AI-powered EV in China next year as it looks to counter China’s surge.
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