Fisker Inc. shared its Q4 and full 2022 results with investors this morning, detailing the progress of its flagship Ocean SUV; an update on its second EV model, the PEAR; and a report of operational results that were “better than expectations.” While the American automaker continues its work to deliver its first EV to customers, it is projecting positive growth numbers in 2023. More below.
Fisker Inc. ($FSR) is relaying optimism as the American start-up continues its bold strategy of attempting to homologate on two separate continents simultaneously. This past fall, the company was reporting over 62,000 reservations for its flagship Ocean SUV with production output projections surpassing 42,000 units in 2023.
That chase began a few weeks after Fisker’s Q3 report when it officially kicked off Ocean production on time in Austria, with the help of contract manufacturer Magna Steyr. Since then, Fisker has shared a behind-the-scenes look at its SUVs being built and recently announced a partnership with ChargePoint in North America.
In terms of production output, Fisker has been a tad slow to start but predicted as much coming into today’s Q4 2022 report. Where does the start-up stand overall following a busy year? Let’s break down the key factors to note.
Another look at the upcoming PEAR / Credit: Fisker Inc.
Fisker ends Q4 2022 with over $735 million in cash
According to Fisker, it saw better than expected operational costs in 2022, despite costs for its start of Ocean production in Q4. Total 2022 spending was $702 million, well below its anticipated range between $715 and $790 million.
As of December 31, 2022, Fisker’s cash and cash equivalents totaled $736.5 million (excluding about $28M of VAT receivables that have been delayed to 2023). Fisker says its cash balance includes roughly $57 million raised from its $350 at-the-market (ATM) program in Q4 2022.
Net losses were $170.1 million, equating to $0.54 per share. Weighted outstanding average shares totaled nearly $315 million in Q4 as well. For 2023, Fisker is now projecting non-GAAP operating expenses and capital spends to be between $535 and $610 million, targeting a gross margin range between 8-12%, resulting in potentially positive earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA).
In terms of Ocean production, Fisker reported that it has built 56 EVs to date, including 15 fleet vehicles delivered to Magna in December, which are being used for testing, data collection, and additional validation for “future features.”
The company relayed that it remains on track to produce (up to) 42,400 EVs in 2023, provided its supply chain pulls through and it receives homologation “in a timely manner.” That testing is expected to be completed in the US and Europe in March, followed by regulatory approval processes. Chair and CEO Henrik Fisker spoke:
We are the first startup to homologate two continents simultaneously. We have completed over 250 various tests and the teams are submitting these results continuously to regulatory authorities. The ability to initially sell the Ocean in the US and seven European launch markets is unprecedented and a major de-risking strategy that we implemented from the outset. This approach offers the opportunity to increase sales and shift vehicles to whichever market has the strongest growth.
Launching a high-quality Fisker Ocean with class-leading range, innovations, and features is our number one priority. We have finalized our EPA and WLTP testing and our internal findings show longer range for the Fisker Ocean than we initially projected. These results reinforce our expectation that, at the time of launch, the Fisker Ocean will have the longest range of any SUV/Crossover priced below $70,000. We are excited to get the Ocean in the hands of our loyal customers shortly after the homologation process is complete.
Previously, Fisker has promised the Ocean will have an estimated range of up to 350 miles, so it will be interesting to see where those official EPA numbers land and if they are in fact greater. The company says it has already secured long-lead parts in its supply chain and expects to have everything it needs to produce to first 300 EVs for customers in March – that’s also its previously shared output target for Q1 2023, but it better get moving as we approach the bookend of the quarter.
Production is still expected to ramp up in Q2 as output is targeted at 8,000 units. Ocean reservations were over 65,000 as of February 24, 2023, joined by over 5,600 PEAR reservations. Speaking of the Fisker PEAR, the company shared its latest image of its exterior (seen above), showcasing the compact EV’s high-mounted brake light.
Fisker says the working PEAR prototype has already undergone aero testing and is expected to deliver “well over” 300 miles of range using its E/E architecture that utilizes what the start-up calls its Blade Computer. It still anticipates it will be able to launch the PEAR at a base MSRP of $29,900.
Fisker continues its world tour of the Ocean SUV to consumers and OEMs as it works to implement after-sales service centers throughout the US and Europe ahead of first deliveries. The next milestone we will keep an eye out for is the official start of Ocean deliveries as Fisker continues to try and prove the naysayers wrong and head into a promising 2023.
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Genesis is preparing to shake things up with its most luxurious SUV yet, the GV90. Thanks to a new patent filing, we are getting a detailed look at how its Rolls-Royce-style coach doors will work.
New patent reveals Genesis GV90 coach door system
When Genesis first unveiled the full-size SUV at the NY Auto Show last March, it wasn’t the stunning design or advanced tech that caught everyone’s attention. It was the coach doors.
Although we were worried it wouldn’t make it to the production model, like many concepts, the Genesis GV90 will be offered with coach doors.
The ultra-luxe electric SUV was first caught with coach doors earlier this year on a car carrier in South Korea. Just last month, the GV90 was spotted in California with a hinge at the rear to open the coach doors.
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After several new patents were filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for new door latching devices, we are getting a sneak peek at how they are expected to work.
The patents, titled “Cinching Device For Door Latches in Vehicle,” and “Door Latch Device for Vehicles,” give a pretty detailed explanation of how the Genesis GV90’s coach doors will operate. The “Door Latch Device” uses a door striker on the lower side of the door, which is opened or closed by a hinge unit.
Unlike traditional doors, which use the B-pillar for support, the device is attached directly to the door itself, allowing for hinge-like movement.
The cinching device works in a similar way. It’s also attached to the door and part of the vehicle. However, unlike most of its kind, Genesis found a way to use a single cinching device to control multiple units. Again, the device is used for B-pillarless doors that swing open.
Genesis already said that B-pillarless coach doors are now feasible in production vehicles. The patent reveals a glimpse into how the luxury automaker could make it a reality.
Genesis Neolun ultra-luxury electric SUV concept (Source: Genesis)
Although the Genesis GV90 is expected to be offered with coach doors, they will likely not be standard. Other variants, with traditional door handles, have also been spotted testing in the US and South Korea.
Genesis is expected to launch the GV90 in mid-2026. It will be built at Hyundai’s Ulsan plant in South Korea. The flagship Genesis SUV is scheduled to debut on Hyundai’s new eM platform, which the company said will “provide 50% improvement in driving range.” It will also be loaded with the latest technology, software, connectivity, and Level 3 or higher autonomous driving capabilities.
In the Electrek Podcast, we discuss the most popular news in the world of sustainable transport and energy. In this week’s episode, we discuss the launch of the Tesla Model YL, more Tesla probes and lawsuits, new Nissan Leaf pricing, and more.
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The new electric Mercedes CLA (Source: Mercedes-Benz)
July EV sales looked strong on the surface, but the looming impact of tariffs and the end of EV tax credits reveal a more complicated picture, according to Cars.com’s new Industry Insights report.
New-vehicle sales jumped 6.6% year-over-year, even as dealer inventory fell for the first time since 2022. Much of the spike came from a “buy now” mindset as shoppers raced to lock in deals before tariffs and policy changes drive prices higher. For EVs in particular, the looming end of the federal $7,500 tax credit on September 30 added another layer of urgency.
EV inventory growth is slowing – for now
Shoppers technically have more EV options than ever, with 75 models on the market – a 27% jump from last year. But new EV inventory growth has slowed to just 9% year-over-year, the lowest since before the Inflation Reduction Act revived federal incentives. Analysts expect another wave of buying before the tax credit vanishes, but after that, higher prices could cool demand, especially with most new EVs still priced in the premium-to-luxury bracket.
Tariffs set to push prices higher
Automakers absorbed an estimated $12 billion in tariff costs in the second quarter alone to keep sticker prices steady. That’s not sustainable, and once those costs flow into 2026 models, EV buyers could be facing thousands more on the same car.
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At current 25% tariff levels, the average new-vehicle price could jump from $48,000 to $54,400 – about $6,400 more. Even if trade deals trim tariffs to 15%, buyers would still see increases of more than $4,000. That’s a huge gap compared to household incomes, which grew only 1% last year.
The used EV market is heating up
While new EV prices are bracing for impact, the used EV market is gaining momentum. Inventory is up 33% year-over-year, while average prices dipped 2% to $36,000. Affordable used EVs under $25,000 – including the Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf, and Chevy Bolt EV – are selling 20% faster than average. Many also qualify for the $4,000 used-EV tax credit, which, like the new EV credit, ends September 30.
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