LOS ANGELES — Electric-vehicle and solid-state battery technologies maker Fisker Inc. has officially announced a new working partnership with former U.S. Representative Richard “Dick” Gephardt.

“Dick’s participation and insights will amount to immeasurable success for Fisker Inc., as well as for the larger movement toward a cleaner world,” said Henrik Fisker, the company’s chairman and CEO. “Together, I believe we can create a model where our highly skilled American workforce can become an important stakeholder in creating sustainable, affordable electric vehicles for the global market.”

Although not made public until now, Gephardt, a former member of the board at Ford Motor Co., has been working with Fisker over the past five months as a key consultant as Fisker readies itself for some “significant industry announcements,” according to the announcement. Gephardt will advise on U.S. state manufacturing partners, labor contracts, and best practices with innovative compensation plans.

“I feel strongly about the kinds of changes our nation needs in order to cope with the challenges of the new global marketplace,” Gephardt said. “Around the world, people look to the United States for leadership because of our economic success and commitment to free market capitalism. To maintain this leadership, we must invest in workforce skill development, increase our production and use of alternative energies, and maintain our competitive edge in international markets.”