Ahead of the 2018 Fisker Emotion's debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) next week, company founder Henrik Fisker has previewed the solid-state batteries that allow the electric supercar to be charged in just nine minutes.
In an interview with Autocar, Fisker revealed that the 2018 Emotion will be powered by graphene solid-state batteries compared to the lithium-ion batteries that other electric vehicles in the market currently use. Graphene batteries are said to be 2.5 times denser than lithium-ion batteries. This allows the 2018 Emotion to receive 125 miles of charge in less than 10 minutes.
Fisker also mentioned that the way the batteries are stored translates to an aerodynamic exterior design as well as a maximized interior space.
"Because of the better packaging of an EV model, we have been able to create a more dynamic and sporty design but the leg room is on par with large luxury saloons," he explained.
The change in proportions was a risky move, according to Fisker, because people are not used to seeing such. However, this allows the electric supercar to have a more original design.
The 2018 Emotion comes with a 400-mile range and a top speed of 161 miles per hour (mph). It has a price tag of $129,900 and is scheduled to arrive in the United States in 2019.
Meanwhile, Fisker is already working on upgrading its solid-state batteries. The automaker has filed patents that claim their technology will enable a 500-mile range and charging time of just one minute. This technology could be introduced to the market by 2023.
"It's all about who breaks the code and smashes the barriers to future battery technologies that will enable mass market electrification," Fisker said.
Aside from that, Fisker is also working on an innovative charging solution for electric vehicles. Speaking with Car and Driver, the company founder talked about an in-ground coupler system that would allow the Emotion's battery to be charged quickly without the driver having to get out of the car. As cars line up, the charging system will come up from the ground and connect to the vehicle.
"It also means you don't have any interaction with the high voltage. It's very safe because it's under the car," Fisker explained.
Along with the 2018 Emotion's debut on Jan. 9, Fisker will also demonstrate their in-ground coupler system at CES 2018.
