For several months, Fisker has been facing major financial difficulties. After a first bankruptcy in 2013, the manufacturer is preparing to experience a similar situation. We spoke with several French owners of the Ocean to try to understand how they are preparing for this possible crash, and the impact it could have on their use of the model.
Henrik Fisker, the Antithesis of Elon Musk?
Henrik Fisker is an eternal dreamer. Having worked at Tesla, BMW, and Aston Martin, this renowned designer has always wanted to start his own business. In 2007, he officially created Fisker Automotive. A brand whose ambition is to compete with Tesla. Like Elon Musk, Mr. Fisker has always been convinced that electrified cars had the potential to revolutionize the industry.
However, his fate will not be the same as his former boss’s. After launching the Karma in 2011, a plug-in hybrid sedan with a 22 kWh battery, Fisker went bankrupt in 2013. Three years later, Henrik Fisker returned with Fisker Inc. and unveiled his first 100% electric SUV in 2020, the Ocean. The model made its debut in 2023 in several markets, including France.
Today, just one year after the first deliveries of the Fisker Ocean, the brand is struggling to make ends meet. For various reasons, Fisker is facing financial difficulties, and its model is accused of having many defects. We wanted to verify if these rumors are true and understand the mindset of French Ocean owners.
What Does the Fisker Ocean Really Offer?
Automobile Propre spoke with three owners of the Fisker Ocean and a shareholder of the company. Many positive points stand out. According to Raf (a pseudonym), 42 years old, the model stands out mainly for its range. As a former owner of a Tesla Model X who regularly travels across Europe with a caravan, he emphasizes the importance of range for families who drive a lot and want to drive electrically.
“For a family that drives a lot, has a caravan, and absolutely wants to drive electric, range is very important,” he told me. “We needed a car with a large battery, capable of quickly recharging.” With his Model X, Raf had to stop every 150 km. Since owning his Ocean, he can go “up to 300 km”. All while towing his caravan.
An electric car owner since 2016, Raf has had the opportunity to own several models: Tesla Model 3, Model Y, Model X, Volkswagen e-Golf, and Fiat 500 electric. Keeping an eye on Fisker’s return in 2016, he seized the opportunity with the great discounts offered by the brand. He also appreciates the comfort, V2V functionality (for roaming electric insurance), the panoramic roof, and the design of his Ocean.
Fairly Satisfied French Owners
I also spoke with Gab (a pseudonym), 56 years old, a surgeon from the Lyon region. This car and motorsport enthusiast also moved away from Tesla, trading his Model S Long Range not out of dissatisfaction, but out of a desire for change. Gab mentioned that his rare visits to Tesla’s after-sales service were “catastrophic”.
Upon receiving his Ocean, he was impressed by the “very aesthetic” aspect of the model. From the first kilometers, it was confirmed: “this is the first time I’ve been stopped so much and asked what car it is.” He also noted the comfort of the Ocean, “even better than my Model S,” which is already a good benchmark in this area. According to him, “the finishing is on par with Tesla.”
Accustomed to driving with heavy loads, Gab did not change his habits with the Ocean. He tested his electric SUV with a trailer loaded with a track car for over 1,500 km. He found the Fisker car to be an “excellent tow vehicle.” He noticed surprisingly reasonable fuel consumption, allowing him to go 250 km before stopping, “as long as the temperature does not drop below 10/15 °C.”
Some Flaws and Cold Sensitivity
Between 0 and 3 °C, it’s “difficult to travel more than 180 km,” with this load. Overall, he found the Ocean to be more sensitive to cold than his Tesla Model S. Despite being quite content, Gab pointed out a few minor flaws. For example, the lack of seat support is particularly noticeable during fast cornering and the absence of handles for passengers.
He also mentioned the considerable weight of the car. “Even though the acceleration capabilities are as significant as those of the Tesla Model S,” according to him. The braking also poses real issues. “The ABS kicks in very early,” on the one hand, and “the regenerative braking releases abruptly, which can be very surprising, although you get used to it quickly,” on the other hand.
Gab remains hopeful for a potential software update, as “that’s where it’s at,” he tells me. While the range is there, it doesn’t exactly match the promises made by the brand. “The announced 700 km are nowhere to be found,” according to the Lyon-based owner. However, he is still able to achieve 400 km on the highway, as long as the temperature does not drop below 10/15 °C.
Despite a few minor flaws, Gab emphasizes that he “appreciates it a lot” this car. Very pleasant to drive and very comfortable. According to him, most of the failings are related to the software, but “the base is very healthy in my opinion.” Despite the brand’s situation, updates should continue to arrive, and the owner is “counting on that” to improve his daily use of the Ocean.
How to Prepare for a Possible Bankruptcy?
All the owners interviewed express concerns about the brand’s future. Most of them, however, have opted for leasing (LOA or LLD), which protects them in a way because the financier takes the risk. However, they are aware that they may face a shortage of parts or a lack of software updates.
