Fisker EMotion electric sedan promises 400-mile range, top speed of 161 mph

[Shawn Knight]

American electric automaker Fisker Inc. (not to be confused with Karma Automotive, the company whose assets were purchased by Chinese auto parts specialist Wanxiang Group in early 2014) on Monday unveiled details regarding its upcoming all-electric luxury sedan.

Fisker says the EMotion will be able to achieve a top speed of 161 mph and a 400-mile electric range. A newly developed electric powertrain will allow the company to push the vehicle’s interior compartment forward and increase the wheelbase to provide ample interior space and legroom.

Comfort will be a priority and all seats will have access to displays and infotainment features.

Elsewhere, the EMotion will employ a new battery technology using graphene. Fisker Nanotech, a joint venture between Fisker Inc. and Nanotech Energy Inc., will produce the vehicle’s battery packs. A composite, carbon fiber and aluminum structure should result in a rigid yet lightweight frame.

Like rival Tesla, Fisker says the EMotion will come equipped with the necessary hardware to allow for fully autonomous driving. Said equipment will come from a soon-to-be-announced supplier, we’re told.

For now, all we have to go on are the renders seen here. Fisker says the EMotion will be produced in an existing facility in the US and that initial deliveries will be announced once the vehicle has been shown for the first time in mid-2017.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/66871-fisker-emotion-electric-sedan-promises-400-mile-range.html

 

[Rippleman]

I am somewhat of a simpleton, so can someone explain what the point of all these high speeds of cars designed for North America? Is it simply a byproduct of something that can't be avoided or is it to be able to market to people too stupid to think they will be driving that fast? Now, yes, I know ALL cars currently made can break the speed limits (even my SmartCar) but why do some makers publish it as a selling feature when doesn't make any difference? Example: you are contemplating between 2 cars: one can go 2,000 mph and the other says 3,000 mph, which one would you buy?

 

[yRaz]

I am somewhat of a simpleton, so can someone explain what the point of all these high speeds of cars designed for North America? Is it simply a byproduct of something that can't be avoided or is it to be able to market to people too stupid to think they will be driving that fast? Now, yes, I know ALL cars currently made can break the speed limits (even my SmartCar) but why do some makers publish it as a selling feature when doesn't make any difference? Example: you are contemplating between 2 cars: one can go 2,000 mph and the other says 3,000 mph, which one would you buy?

I don't think this is any official term, but me and my car friends refer to this as "the prius problem". Simply put, no one wants an electric car because they think they're slow boring and stupid thanks to Toyota. Tesla has done a great job of showing people that that is NOT the case. Anyway, what we are seeing now are "high performance" electric cars meant to compete with like likes of mustangs and camaro's. Men need to feel comfortable trading in their hellcat for an electric car.

What we are seeing now is just a marketing push to change the image of EV's. That's the only reason "top speed" is mentioned. However, with cars, top speed is sort of the mega pixels of the automotive world. A car can go fast but doesn't feel fast, this comes from torque. Even though EV's have greater torque(like ALOT more) people only see the top speed and HP numbers as what's important. EV's have 100% torque from 0 RPMs where as an ICE might start making noticeable torque around 1000RPM's and peaking at around 2500-3000.

 

[Evernessince]

I am somewhat of a simpleton, so can someone explain what the point of all these high speeds of cars designed for North America? Is it simply a byproduct of something that can't be avoided or is it to be able to market to people too stupid to think they will be driving that fast? Now, yes, I know ALL cars currently made can break the speed limits (even my SmartCar) but why do some makers publish it as a selling feature when doesn't make any difference? Example: you are contemplating between 2 cars: one can go 2,000 mph and the other says 3,000 mph, which one would you buy?

The average American drives allot and the auto industry is huge. People want fast cars to be able to brag they have something better than you, even if they'll never use the full speed.

 

[davislane1]

I am somewhat of a simpleton, so can someone explain what the point of all these high speeds of cars designed for North America?

1. Indicates a relatable measure of power and torque. Frankly, slow cars are an annoyance to drive on account of the amount of space you need to merge into traffic.

2. Rural roads and i285 are particularly fast. Attempt to merge left onto 285 in a slow car and you'll get rearended unless traffic is at a standstill. Smartcars in particular are a road hazard on 285 for just this reason--they cause log jams.

3. Some people take their cars to the track, because it's fun.

Example: you are contemplating between 2 cars: one can go 2,000 mph and the other says 3,000 mph, which one would you buy?

Neither, on account of the 0 margin of error even on a salt flat. A more realistic comparison would be 155mph (a common limiter cap on performance cars) or 198mph (the common top-end).

I can't speak for anyone else, but I'd go for the 155 for the simple fact that dealers charge you hundreds to thousands of dollars to "unlock" the limiter when you can just switch it off yourself for free. Why have that capacity anyways? Because you can cruise at 100-120 in a 155 car. In something only capable of "legal" speeds, you'd need to have it floored, which is extra wear and tear on the car (as well as terrible for fuel consumption).

 

[Uncle Al]

Of course, one of these days some car maker is going to create an electric car with that range of 400 miles, that will run upto 90 MPH and can be recharged in less than an hour ... oh yes, and the most important part is it's priced between 20-30K ...... THAT will be the new Volkswagen for today's average buyer .....

 

[IAMTHESTIG]

400 mile range? We'll see... even if they do that still isn't enough considering at some point you'll have to stop for a few hours to recharge the thing. A normal diesel car can do a lot more than 400 miles and refueling only takes a few minutes. So I still don't see electric cars taking over until they can get passed this.

Now hydrogen fueled electric cars... now we're talking. Unfortunate that manufactures seem to have given up on this because of the challenges associated.

 

[Raoul Duke]

Not limited to cars only, look at any 1 liter engine motorcycle (sportbike), for example the Kawasaki ZX-10. 180+ horsepower, with a curb weight of 450 pounds and six gears. I'm guessing it tops out about 300 km/h (186 mph) right off the showroom floor. I'm sure I could blow past the highway speed limit in 2nd gear if I was willing to listen to the rpm. This is just a normal model, they have more powerful ones, then if you are into aftermarket mods.........

 

[wiyosaya]

I am somewhat of a simpleton, so can someone explain what the point of all these high speeds of cars designed for North America? Is it simply a byproduct of something that can't be avoided or is it to be able to market to people too stupid to think they will be driving that fast? Now, yes, I know ALL cars currently made can break the speed limits (even my SmartCar) but why do some makers publish it as a selling feature when doesn't make any difference? Example: you are contemplating between 2 cars: one can go 2,000 mph and the other says 3,000 mph, which one would you buy?

Despite what others are saying about "The Prius Effect", with 274 ft*lbs of torque available to me in my '06 Prius, it merges into high speed traffic much faster than the "Girly Car" types here know. I suspect that is because the "Girly Car" types have written it off because they have been told that it is a "Girly Car" and have no direct experience driving a CAR with 274 ft*lbs of torque. I once had a friend in the car with me and I was doing some maneuvering in traffic with that 274 ft*lbs of torque; he was quite surprised as to how nimble and quick the car is.

I also had some "Arnold" type in a homeboy hot rocket going slow deliberately from a red light. My lane was blocked, the "Arnold" type was in the center lane and he was looking at me like "what you gonna do???". I floored it, and the "Arnold" type's jaw dropped to the floor as I easily passed him and got in front of him. I think its safe to say that that "Arnold" type will be wary of 274 ft*lbs of torque in the future.

I agree with you. This amount of speed is in no way whatsoever necessary. As I see it, it is only a selling point for people that think speed == some sizeable manly thing.

 

[IAMTHESTIG]

...As I see it, it is only a selling point for people that think speed == some sizeable manly thing.

In some very rare instances power can safe your life. That being said, if you can make something powerful for little to no cost more, why not? I'd much rather have extra power in reserve than a vehicle that can't get me out of a sticky situation by simply leaving the area quickly.

 

[davejonnes]

I am somewhat of a simpleton, so can someone explain what the point of all these high speeds of cars designed for North America? Is it simply a byproduct of something that can't be avoided or is it to be able to market to people too stupid to think they will be driving that fast? Now, yes, I know ALL cars currently made can break the speed limits (even my SmartCar) but why do some makers publish it as a selling feature when doesn't make any difference? Example: you are contemplating between 2 cars: one can go 2,000 mph and the other says 3,000 mph, which one would you buy?

Despite what others are saying about "The Prius Effect", with 274 ft*lbs of torque available to me in my '06 Prius, it merges into high speed traffic much faster than the "Girly Car" types here know. I suspect that is because the "Girly Car" types have written it off because they have been told that it is a "Girly Car" and have no direct experience driving a CAR with 274 ft*lbs of torque. I once had a friend in the car with me and I was doing some maneuvering in traffic with that 274 ft*lbs of torque; he was quite surprised as to how nimble and quick the car is.

I also had some "Arnold" type in a homeboy hot rocket going slow deliberately from a red light. My lane was blocked, the "Arnold" type was in the center lane and he was looking at me like "what you gonna do???". I floored it, and the "Arnold" type's jaw dropped to the floor as I easily passed him and got in front of him. I think its safe to say that that "Arnold" type will be wary of 274 ft*lbs of torque in the future.

I agree with you. This amount of speed is in no way whatsoever necessary. As I see it, it is only a selling point for people that think speed == some sizeable manly thing.

Ok so torque translates into faster acceleration, which is what we feel right? In other words what will make us feel like (and actually determine) we are going fast is acceleration not torque ultimately. So having 274 torque means nothing... what actually matters, is how that torque is put down, and how it translates into acceleration.... The prius might have 274 tq, but it is still heavy and slow AF. 0-60mph is recorded around 10-11 seconds. That is as fast as a what? A corolla? In other words, even with 274 tq, yes the Prius is still there with the "girly cars".

 

[Rippleman]

Ok so torque translates into faster acceleration, which is what we feel right? In other words what will make us feel like (and actually determine) we are going fast is acceleration not torque ultimately. So having 274 torque means nothing... what actually matters, is how that torque is put down, and how it translates into acceleration.... The prius might have 274 tq, but it is still heavy and slow AF. 0-60mph is recorded around 10-11 seconds. That is as fast as a what? A corolla? In other words, even with 274 tq, yes the Prius is still there with the "girly cars".

what's a "girly car"?

 

[davejonnes]

what's a "girly car"?

no idea, just used the same term he used ^ lol

 

[wiyosaya]

I am somewhat of a simpleton, so can someone explain what the point of all these high speeds of cars designed for North America? Is it simply a byproduct of something that can't be avoided or is it to be able to market to people too stupid to think they will be driving that fast? Now, yes, I know ALL cars currently made can break the speed limits (even my SmartCar) but why do some makers publish it as a selling feature when doesn't make any difference? Example: you are contemplating between 2 cars: one can go 2,000 mph and the other says 3,000 mph, which one would you buy?

Despite what others are saying about "The Prius Effect", with 274 ft*lbs of torque available to me in my '06 Prius, it merges into high speed traffic much faster than the "Girly Car" types here know. I suspect that is because the "Girly Car" types have written it off because they have been told that it is a "Girly Car" and have no direct experience driving a CAR with 274 ft*lbs of torque. I once had a friend in the car with me and I was doing some maneuvering in traffic with that 274 ft*lbs of torque; he was quite surprised as to how nimble and quick the car is.

I also had some "Arnold" type in a homeboy hot rocket going slow deliberately from a red light. My lane was blocked, the "Arnold" type was in the center lane and he was looking at me like "what you gonna do???". I floored it, and the "Arnold" type's jaw dropped to the floor as I easily passed him and got in front of him. I think its safe to say that that "Arnold" type will be wary of 274 ft*lbs of torque in the future.

I agree with you. This amount of speed is in no way whatsoever necessary. As I see it, it is only a selling point for people that think speed == some sizeable manly thing.

Ok so torque translates into faster acceleration, which is what we feel right? In other words what will make us feel like (and actually determine) we are going fast is acceleration not torque ultimately. So having 274 torque means nothing... what actually matters, is how that torque is put down, and how it translates into acceleration.... The prius might have 274 tq, but it is still heavy and slow AF. 0-60mph is recorded around 10-11 seconds. That is as fast as a what? A corolla? In other words, even with 274 tq, yes the Prius is still there with the "girly cars".

Go test drive one. Won't cost you a thing. Slow off the line is one thing, but having the ability to accelerate when in motion is another.

While you are at it, explain to me what advantage you have being able to do 0-60 in 3.4s as some electric cars do? And it sounds like you just may know a bit about physics - so you do realize that flooring a car like that puts a considerable instantaneous drain on the energy source - in other words, your charge goes down much quicker than with a slower off-the-line acceleration.

Marketing blather will try to hit you where your wallet is, and if you cannot use it except at a track, WHY are they trying to market it to you?

 

[wiyosaya]

In some very rare instances power can safe your life. That being said, if you can make something powerful for little to no cost more, why not? I'd much rather have extra power in reserve than a vehicle that can't get me out of a sticky situation by simply leaving the area quickly.

I highly doubt that this will be an inexpensive vehicle. All directly-driven electric cars will have high instantaneous torque available to them. Manufacturers could choose to have high instantaneous power available in "needed" situations, and if they really wanted to, that could translate into quick 0 - 60 times; however, that does not mean that the top-end needs to be in the class of a supercar. Most people, even buyers of this car, will never need that kind of top end speed.

Personally, I see the top speed of this car as a marketing ploy which does nothing more than pad the pockets of the makers of this car. But people buy into that facade...

 

[IAMTHESTIG]

How come you are all caught up in this top speed thing? Sure it pretty much all marketing but I think it probably helps give people a perspective on its capabilities. People often decide on vehicles based on their capabilities, and if performance is one of them, so be it... it is important to them.

 

[davejonnes]

Go test drive one. Won't cost you a thing. Slow off the line is one thing, but having the ability to accelerate when in motion is another.

While you are at it, explain to me what advantage you have being able to do 0-60 in 3.4s as some electric cars do? And it sounds like you just may know a bit about physics - so you do realize that flooring a car like that puts a considerable instantaneous drain on the energy source - in other words, your charge goes down much quicker than with a slower off-the-line acceleration.

Marketing blather will try to hit you where your wallet is, and if you cannot use it except at a track, WHY are they trying to market it to you?

Well the point is, while top speed can be somewhat "pointless" because of speed limits, acceleration does not see that constraint as much... so acceleration -which the prius has basically none- will matter on a day to day basis, translating into what many will consider as an important feature of how "fun" the car is to drive (that is why manufactures advertise 0-60 times so heavily on sporty cars).

The "prius effect" is not based on how "girly" a car feels, but on how boring it is. Even if the throttle response is quick because it's electric, it's still slow AF (regardless if you're moving or launching) which = boring. Not to mention how atrocious it looks - but this one is my opinion, so you can completely disregard this.

Oh, and I've driven one before . While the instant torque from the electric part is somewhat surprising at first -since we are so used to gas powered engines - once you get used to it, it is no longer surprising... The sudden torque becomes expected, and the second after you press the pedal, you have nothing but a 100hp heavy car.

And what I was talking about is not limited to electric cars... with gas cars, you can step on it every time and not worry about any loss of power the next time you step on it.

 

[captaincranky]

Oh goody, another car to be built sometime later which may or may not, look like the picture, and may or may not, do what they claim. Is it time for me to run to the bank and mail them a deposit? I want to be as trusting and gullible as Tesla's customers, yet still not give Musk a dime.