This week, Fisker Inc. officially introduced its Ocean electric crossover prototype at the LA Auto Show. The model is scheduled for production next year. The newly unveiled EV has a range of innovative features that include a solar roof, power-out capability for charging other EVs or as a home power backup, and an infotainment screen that can be adjusted to a portrait or landscape layout.
The Ocean will be available in three trim levels: Sport, Ultra, and Extreme, with the single-motor front-wheel-drive Sport starting at $37,499 before the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. According to Fisker, the base Ocean Sport will use lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells from CATL. The dimensions and capabilities of the packs are yet to be revealed. Both packs in the Ocean, according to Fisker, will charge at a peak of more than 250 watts. Electrify America fast-charging will also be included.
2023 Fisker Ocean Prototype
The first 5,000 Ocean cars will be Ocean One editions, which will be priced at $68,999 and include 22-inch F3 SlipStream wheels as well as an exclusive matte-metallic Big Sur Blue exterior color. The Ocean's top $68,999 Extreme and One models will come with a SolarSky roof that, according to the manufacturer, may provide up to 2,000 miles of range per year—or up to 1,500 miles "under normal sunny sky" in California.
Unique "Mode" Features
The vehicles will have a "California Mode" that opens up the roof while lowering the front and rear windows, as well as the far-back Doggie Power Windows and rear liftgate window. The Ocean, according to Fisker, was built to be a true SUV above all-out aerodynamics, while CEO Henrik Fisker predicted a low coefficient of drag for the car.
Vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-home charging will be available on all Ocean models, which the company refers to as PowerHouse. All Fisker models come with Fisker's Intelligent Pilot active safety suite, which uses radar, camera, and ultrasonic sensors and includes features like automated emergency braking, driver attention monitoring, and more.
While the small gauge cluster ahead of the steering wheel will show the essentials, most models will have a 17.1-inch infotainment screen in the center of the dash, which is supplied by Foxconn-owned Sharp and has class-leading resolution and can be flipped 90 degrees with a button press when the vehicle isn't moving. This allows for vertical navigation and driver reminders, whereas landscape (Hollywood) mode is better for watching and pleasure. There's also a Limo Mode, which allows occupants in the second row to regulate the cabin's temperature and audio.
Design and Layout
There are a few surprises in equipment and layout. One is that the single motor version of the Ocean is front-wheel drive. Another one is that—in the interest of keeping costs under control—the Ocean has no frunk.
It will offer a lot of space, though—something close to what’s considered a mid-size SUV in the U.S. The Ocean’s dimensions have changed a bit since its concept debut in January 2020. Length, width, and height have expanded and it rides on a long wheelbase.
Sales Model
In its initial two regions, the United States and Europe, the business wants to open service facilities near major cities, but it will largely avoid the stores and galleries that other EV startups have concentrated on. Reservations require a $250 deposit, but Fisker also offers a Flexible Lease program for $379 per month plus a $2,999 initiation and activation cost, which includes 30,000 miles per year and the ability to cancel at any time without penalty.
Manufacturing Approach
Every electric vehicle startup aspires to be the next Tesla. But so far, all they've done is try to imitate Tesla's approach and defeat it at its own game. So far, none of them have made much of an impact. That is why Henrik Fisker's latest electric vehicle project is so intriguing. He's adopting a different strategy than the rest of the group. As Elon Musk built Tesla, he followed Henry Ford's lead and built everything in-house.
Meanwhile, Fisker is steering his electric vehicle company in a new path. Almost everything is outsourced to him. He won't have to buy any manufacturing equipment or construct any factories, which will save him a lot of time and money. Everything, including final assembly, will be handled by his suppliers. Fisker only needs to set the specifications, develop the product, and manage the customer experience. All of the other electric vehicle startups are attempting to imitate Tesla, but in this market, you need to be unique to survive and be a major player in the EV market.
