New US electric ute to be cheaper than a Tesla Model Y

US electric-car start-up Fisker has confirmed new details of its first ute, which is a similar size to a Ford Ranger or Toyota HiLux – and claims up to 550km of driving range.

California-based electric-vehicle start-up Fisker – has published new information and images of its Toyota HiLux-sized Alaska ute, due in US showrooms in 2025.

The new Fisker is set to be priced from $US45,400 ($AU70,000) before government rebates – cheaper than a Ford F-150 Lightning ($US49,995 for the Pro model currently off-sale) or a base Tesla Model Y ($US47,740).

Unveiled earlier this month by the electric-car maker – founded by former Aston Martin and BMW designer Henrik Fisker – the Alaska measures 5.3 metres long, similar to a Toyota HiLux or Ford Ranger.

However unlike the heavy-duty frame of the HiLux or Ranger – as well as the LDV eT60, the first electric ute on sale in Australia, priced from $92,990 plus on-road costs – the Alaska is based on the car-like underpinnings of the Fisker Ocean family SUV.

Deliveries are due to commence in the US in early 2025. Plans for an Australian launch for the Fisker brand are yet to be announced.

When the Alaska ute arrives in US showrooms, it will sit alongside the Ocean SUV, as well as the upcoming Fisker Pear city car, and Fisker Ronin hypercar.

It remains to be seen if the Fisker Alaska is cheaper than the Tesla Cybertruck, which was announced from $US39,990 at the unveiling of the concept four years ago – but is in line for hefty price rises when the production model launches in the coming months.

The Alaska pick-up is planned to offer a choice of a 75kWh battery with 370km of claimed driving range, or a 113kWh battery for 547km of claimed range.

It has what Fisker refers to as a ‘Houdini’ cab that can open the wall between the cabin and tub to load longer items. This, in addition to lowering the tailgate, extends the load area from 1.4 to 2.8 metres long.

Production of the Fisker Alaska is due to commence in the US at the end of 2024, or early 2025.

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