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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 smalleror smaller… or even smaller… or minus a couple wheels… but hey, it’s a start).

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Jeep’s new Recon EV sheds its camouflage while charging ahead of its big debut [Photo]

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Jeep's new Recon EV sheds its camouflage while charging ahead of its big debut [Photo]

Another electric Jeep SUV is almost here. With its official debut just around the corner, Jeep’s new Recon EV was spotted charging in production form, giving us our best look at the Wrangler-inspired SUV. Will the Recon live up to its legendary predecessor?

With its first all-electric luxury SUV, the Wagoneer S, arriving at US dealerships any day, we are already getting a look at Jeep’s next EV.

The Recon is Jeep’s second global electric SUV. It was first unveiled in 2022 alongside the Wagoneer S and Avenger as part of its new EV lineup. The Avenger was launched in early 2023 in Europe, but it’s not expected to arrive in the US.

While Jeep is preparing for the first Wagoneer S deliveries in the US, many are even more excited for its next electric SUV.

Although we’ve seen the Recon several times as it inches closer to its official debut, the most recent image reveals the electric SUV in production form.

After introducing the concept, Jeep claimed the rugged EV was still built to conquer any terrain but with zero tailpipe emissions. Perhaps even better, it can do it in near silence.

Jeep's-Recon-EV-charging
Jeep Recon EV (Source: Stellantis)

Jeep says the Recon is “inspired by the legendary Wrangler.” It will feature similar options like removable doors and windows.

Jeep’s Recon EV sheds camo charging ahead of launch

Jeep’s former CEO, Christian Meunier, said the Recon EV could tackle the “mighty Rubicon Trail.” For those unfamiliar with the Rubicon, it’s considered one of the most challenging off-road trails in the world. The rocky terrain, narrow paths, and steep hills make the Rubicon tough for even the most seasoned off-road warriors.

The new image from Kindelauto finally reveals the Jeep’s Recon EV in production form while charging at an EVgo station.

Jeep’s upcoming Recon EV spotted charging in production form (Source: Kindelauto)

As the electric SUV progresses, it looks more and more like a Ford Bronco. The Recon’s rugged, boxy exterior remains close to the concept.

Earlier this month, we got our first look at the interior. The folks at JeepReconForum spotted a prototype in Michigan with the interior almost completely uncovered. You can see a large infotainment at the center with a smaller driver display screen next to it.

The photos also showed that it included Jeep’s signature Selec-Terrain system. You can see “Rock” and “Mud” modes on the traction interface system, while other options like Snow, Sport, and Tow are expected to be included.

Interestingly, the display screen shows a 147-mile range remaining at 66% charge, suggesting a range of around 223 miles.

With the Wagoneer S expected to have a range of over 300 miles, the Recon should provide a similar range based on the same STLA Large platform.

The Wagoneer S will begin arriving at US dealerships in January 2025, starting at $71,995. Jeep launched the electric SUV’s first marketing campaign earlier this week, proving that “Beautiful Things Can Still Get Dirty.”

Jeep’s Recon EV is expected to officially debut in early 2025. Although prices have yet to be confirmed, it’s expected to start at around $60,000. More premium trims, like the Rubicon, could cost upwards of $80,000.

Source: Kindelauto

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Tesla Semi factory gets its main structure, on track for production in 2025

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Tesla Semi factory gets its main structure, on track for production in 2025

Tesla has finished raising its main steel structure for its Tesla Semi factory, which appears to be on track for production in 2025.

The Tesla Semi program has seen some significant delays, but it feels like it’s finally happening.

It was first unveiled in 2017, and it was supposed to come to market in 2020, but it only officially entered production in late 2022.

Despite unveiling a production version and officially starting production, the program didn’t move much.

In October 2023, we learned that Tesla had only built about 70 Tesla Semi trucks and the company was using them internally and with one main customer: PepsiCo.

In January 2023, Tesla announced an expansion of Gigafactory Nevada to build the Tesla Semi in volume.

However, more than a year later, we hadn’t heard much about the effort.

Earlier this year, Tesla finally started to move some dirt and get some construction going at the site of the new factory. It sounded like plans changed and instead of expanding the existing Giga Nevada as originally planned, Tesla started building a new factory next to the existing one.

In April, Tesla said that the plan is for the factory to be finished next year and start producing Tesla Semi trucks by ‘late 2025’.

Now, right before the end of the year, Tesla released an update on the progress at the plant (via Dan Priestley, head of the Tesla Semi program, on X):

Yesterday, Semi Factory Nevada topped off the main area of the building with the last major piece of structural steel! Fantastic design and execution by this construction team and our contractor partners with focus on safety and efficiency. This factory is going to rock!

He shared a few pictures:

The structure came together rather quickly, but there’s still more work to be done until Tesla can achieve production.

Tesla aims to set up the factory throughout 2025 and bring the Tesla Semi to production on the new lines by the end of the year.

Lately, we have reported that Tesla is also slowly getting Tesla Semi into the hands of other customers.

Things are trending in the right direction.

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VinFast is offering a crazy low lease deal on the VF 8 SUV for $0 down

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VinFast is offering a crazy low lease deal on the VF 8 SUV for alt=

Vietnamese automaker VinFast is pulling a late demand lever in 2024 to entice US customers to get behind the wheel of its VF 8 SUV. Designed for SUV-loving families in the US, the VinFast VF 8 is now available to lease for well under $300 a month with $0 down.

The VF 8 is VinFast’s ($VFS) flagship EV, hitting the US market two years ago as a 2023 model. We drove the VF 8 early on, and it was fine, but there were some clear bugs that needed to be sorted out. We noted that 2024 would be a pivotal year for the Vietnamese automaker looking to raise revenues and make up for missed delivery targets in 2023.

This year, the automaker turned to its parent company, Vingroup, and its founder for additional funding while launching two new models, including the three-row VF 9.

Although it faced early software hiccups, VinFast pushed forward to get more of its VF 8 SUVs on US roads, pulling demand levers while expanding its stateside dealer network. Today, VinFast has announced an enticing new lease program for the VF 8 that requires $0 down at signing.

VinFast VF 8 lease
Source: VinFast.com

VinFast is offering a VF 8 lease for $279/month

VinFast published a press release today that is more of a love letter to its flagship VF 8 SUV, which includes a little tidbit about a new lease deal. Once you get through the paragraphs of the Vietnamese automaker shilling its innovation and nod to its spot on TIME’s 2024 list of influential companies, there’s a juicy little bonus for any customers interested in a super cheap EV lease from a relatively unknown and unproven automaker.

VinFast hailed its new VF 8 lease offer as one of the most competitive in the US, and that’s hard to argue. Right now, you can lease a base-level ECO trim of the SUV for $0 down and $279 a month thereafter. The VinFast VF 8 lease term is 24 months and includes 10,000 miles a year.

Note that VinFast does not have showrooms in all 50 states yet, so if interested, it’s best to see if the VF 8 and subsequent lease are even possible in your area. What do you think? Would you test out a VF 8 for two years and save some green?

Electrek’s take

The value of this lease offer for a VF 8 from VinFast can’t be denied, but it’s still a tough sell for a number of reasons. As someone who has driven the VF 8, I think it’s more than adequate and can do the job for many people, especially those new to EVs who don’t have anything to compare it to.

My first ride was far too early on in the development process, and there were too many issues for me to forget, so I’d personally pass on this offer. However, VinFast has done a lot of work to resolve those software issues for other consumers.

I still think the biggest hurdle here is brand awareness. The average US consumer has no idea VinFast exists and is not seeking out more information on it to perhaps stumble upon this VF 8 lease deal. It’s a steal for those who are aware of the brand and feel comfortable committing to two years of driving one, but that feels like a niche segment in an already small market sample.

I also think this demand lever shows evidence that VinFast is not making the impact on the US market it had hoped with the VF 8. I’ll be interested to see where their 2024 financials land and how those compare to a year ago, when deliveries were lower than expected. We will keep an eye on that and report back.

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