Reports are circulating that Nissan might be on the verge of a significant move in the electric vehicle (EV) market. According to sources familiar with the matter, the Japanese automaker is in advanced discussions to potentially invest in Fisker, the American EV startup, and undertake the production of the highly anticipated Fisker Alaska electric pickup truck. This deal could also pave the way for Nissan to develop and manufacture its own electric pickup using the same platform.
According to a Reuters report, citing anonymous sources, Nissan’s potential investment in Fisker could reach $400 million, specifically earmarked for the development and production of the Fisker Alaska. The production is rumored to commence as early as 2026 at a Nissan manufacturing facility in the United States. Furthermore, the deal may extend beyond just contract manufacturing, with Nissan reportedly planning to leverage the Alaska’s platform to build its own branded electric pickup truck.
Side view of the Fisker Alaska electric truck concept showcasing its modern design and pickup bed, hinting at a potential Nissan partnership for production.
This potential partnership emerges as Fisker faces financial headwinds. The EV manufacturer recently announced it was actively seeking a partnership with a major automaker, encompassing potential investment, joint development of EV platforms, and North American manufacturing support. This announcement coincided with Fisker’s fourth-quarter earnings report for 2023, where the company openly expressed concerns about its ability to continue operations without securing additional funding.
Fisker’s current flagship model, the Ocean electric SUV, is produced by Magna in Austria. While production commenced in late 2022, delivery rates have been slower than anticipated due to various operational challenges. Fisker aims to deliver between 20,000 and 22,000 Ocean SUVs in 2024 and is transitioning towards a franchised dealership model after initially pursuing a direct-to-consumer sales approach.
Front three-quarter view of the Fisker Alaska electric pickup truck concept, highlighting its robust stance and futuristic lighting, suggesting US manufacturing possibilities with Nissan.
The Fisker Alaska, first previewed in 2021 and fully unveiled in August 2023, is positioned as a mid-size electric pickup truck. Fisker has indicated a starting price of around $45,400 and a targeted range of 230 to 340 miles. The company also boldly claims that the Alaska will be the lightest electric pickup truck in the market once it enters production. The design revealed in 2023 showcased the Alaska built upon a stretched version of the Ocean platform. However, CEO Henrik Fisker had previously suggested that Magna might not be the production partner for the Alaska. The emphasis has consistently been on U.S.-based production for the Alaska, and a Nissan partnership could be the key to realizing this ambition.
If the deal materializes, it would provide a crucial lifeline for Fisker, enabling the production of the Alaska and potentially securing the company’s future in the competitive EV landscape. For Nissan, this could represent a strategic move to quickly enter the electric pickup truck market and expand its EV portfolio, leveraging Fisker’s design and platform expertise. The automotive world awaits further developments on this potential partnership, which could reshape the electric pickup truck segment.
