At the Los Angeles Auto Show in late 2021, car designer Henrik Fisker introduced the Fisker Ocean, an electric SUV that he proclaimed would be the world’s “most sustainable vehicle”. However, the automotive venture has faced significant challenges since the first deliveries began in 2023. Fisker Inc. ultimately filed for bankruptcy, leaving those who purchased the car with a mix of admiration for its design and frustration over numerous operational issues.

The Fisker Ocean was intended to represent a new era for electric vehicles, but reports have surfaced detailing a range of problems since production began. Owners have experienced everything from slow touchscreens and malfunctioning air conditioning to more severe issues such as the alarming loss of braking power while driving. Following the company’s collapse, a dedicated community of Fisker Ocean owners has formed to share tips and solutions for maintaining their vehicles, a move critical to preventing them from becoming obsolete.

Motorists have turned to platforms like Facebook and YouTube to exchange information on repairs and modifications. One notable figure is Jon Lamb, a former electronics engineer from Hampshire, who has taken it upon himself to create instructional videos on basic maintenance tasks for Ocean owners. His content has attracted thousands of viewers seeking guidance on issues like reprogramming car keys and fixing interior glitches. Sharing his expertise, Mr Lamb explained that he purchased his Ocean for a fraction of its original price in March 2023 and has since invested considerable effort into keeping it operational. He admitted that his experience has been mostly positive despite some recurring problems, noting, “I have had nothing really major happen.”

Another enthusiastic owner, Teo Bradley, who acquired his Fisker Ocean Extreme for £58,000 in November 2023, has reported a series of glitches, from unexpected braking to inaccurate range estimates. He expressed disappointment in the vehicle’s officially advertised range of 440 miles, stating he could only achieve around 290 miles at best. Nevertheless, he remains devoted to the car, describing its aesthetics and acceleration as “awesome” and showing willingness to overlook its quirks, as long as it continues to function properly.

Despite its appeal, not every owner shares this optimism. Karin Simonsen, a marketing manager from Southampton, found herself severely dissatisfied after her Fisker Ocean fell victim to software problems, rendering it immobile since June. Following the company’s bankruptcy, her vehicle was left on her driveway, disconnected from its 12V battery to prevent incessant alarms. Ms Simonsen described her experience as a “catalogue of catastrophes”, leading her to doubt ever purchasing an electric vehicle again.

In the wake of the company’s demise, the Fisker Owners Association has emerged to provide a support network for current owners, aiming to facilitate repairs and modifications in absence of the manufacturer. A group of software developers has also created an application, dubbed “Freesker”, which allows owners to diagnose and even resolve some of their vehicle’s software issues independently.

Henrik Fisker and his wife, Geeta Gupta-Fisker, have refrained from public comment since the company’s bankruptcy amid ongoing legal challenges from shareholders. Following the winding down of operations, American Lease now controls over 3,000 unsold Fisker Ocean vehicles and the company’s IT infrastructure, which previously supported vehicle updates.

As the community of Fisker Ocean owners continues to band together, many express a refusal to abandon their vehicles despite the challenges. While the circumstances surrounding the Fisker Ocean have undeniably shifted, the ongoing support from its owners highlights a resilience and commitment to maintaining their unique electric SUVs.

Source: Noah Wire Services