Fisker invited me to drive the brand new Fisker Ocean on an prolonged check drive. I used to be invited me to an occasion the place they defined how they design their vehicles to have the lowest lifecycle carbon footprint of any electrical SUV, and I acquired to see their production-intent, very economical PEAR and midsized pickup referred to as the Alaska. I’ll cowl my ideas on the presentation, the PEAR, and the Alaska in one other article. This text can be on the Fisker Ocean Excessive I drove (which is the top-of-the-line mannequin beginning at $61,499).
The Fisker Ocean is an all-electric SUV that’s primarily based on a platform developed with the contract producer Magna. The Ocean is on the market in three totally different trim ranges: Sport, Extremely, and Excessive. The Sport trim has a spread of 250 miles, whereas the Extremely and Excessive trims have ranges of 350 and 360 miles, respectively. All three trims come commonplace with a 17.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic glass roof, and a set of driver-assistance options.
The Ocean is about the identical measurement on the Tesla Mannequin Y. It’s an inch longer, lower than an inch taller, and fewer than an inch wider. I discovered it a classy and trendy SUV that’s positive to show heads. The outside is smooth and aerodynamic, with an extended wheelbase and a brief overhang. The inside is spacious and comfy, with loads of room for passengers and cargo. The supplies used within the inside are top quality, and the general match and end is superb.
The Fisker Ocean is a pleasure to drive, however the traction management and throttle management are much less refined than different electrical vehicles I’ve pushed. There’s a software program replace coming that ought to enhance the smoothness of the traction management, antilock braking, and throttle response. I discovered the trip easy and comfy. The electrical powertrain supplies loads of energy, and the automobile can speed up from 0 to 60 mph in simply 3.7 seconds. The Ocean additionally has various driver-assistance options that make it simpler to drive in visitors, reminiscent of adaptive cruise management and lane departure warning. The adaptive cruise management wasn’t but enabled on my check automobile, however that is additionally anticipated to roll out as an over-the-air replace. That characteristic can be essential to be aggressive on this house.
The Fisker Ocean’s dashboard is dominated by the 17.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which takes up many of the heart console. The high-resolution show is the place you management the brains of the automobile, offering entry to a variety of options, together with navigation, music, cellphone, local weather management, car settings, and apps.
The Fisker Ocean’s software program is full of options and performance. The navigation system labored effectively. Though, it took me a short time to determine alter the too-loud navigation prompts (decrease the quantity utilizing the bodily quantity button when it’s giving instructions), and it affords real-time visitors updates and dynamic routing.
The music participant helps a wide range of streaming companies, together with Spotify, iHeart Radio, and TuneIn Radio, along with FM radio (there is no such thing as a AM or XM radio). The cellphone interface means that you can make and obtain calls, ship and obtain textual content messages, and entry your contacts.
The house display options an intuitive format with massive icons for the principle capabilities. You possibly can simply entry totally different pages, reminiscent of a navigation map, music participant, and cellphone interface. Every display is effectively designed and uncluttered, with easy-to-read controls and enticing graphics.
Along with the touchscreen, the Fisker Ocean additionally has a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. This show reveals important data, reminiscent of pace, vary, and navigation instructions. The graphics are clear and crisp, and the format is simple to learn at a look. I discovered the display had a slight lag, which they are going to hopefully be capable to remedy with additional optimization of the software program, delivered by an over-the-air replace.
The local weather management system can also be built-in into the touchscreen. You should use it to regulate the temperature, fan pace, and vent settings. The system additionally contains an computerized mode that can maintain the cabin comfy primarily based on the present temperature and humidity.
Along with these commonplace options, the Fisker Ocean additionally affords various optionally available options, reminiscent of a full-fledged photo voltaic glass roof that claims to have the ability to assist you to drive as much as 2000 miles a yr on the solar, an inside air filtration system, and a premium audio system.
Fisker Ocean Conclusion
The Fisker Ocean is a brand new electrical SUV that has been producing quite a lot of buzz currently. It’s a classy and spacious SUV with lengthy vary and spectacular efficiency. Nonetheless, there have been some complaints in regards to the automobile’s software program, which has been buggy and sluggish. Fisker has promised to repair these points with a future software program replace.
Within the meantime, there are nonetheless some issues to love in regards to the Fisker Ocean. The automobile has a cushty and well-designed inside, and it’s enjoyable to drive. It’s additionally full of options, together with a big infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, and a vegan inside. Nonetheless, the software program points are a significant concern, and it’s unclear when they are going to be fastened.
If you happen to’re contemplating shopping for a Fisker Ocean, you could wish to wait till the software program points have been resolved. Nonetheless, in case you’re keen to miss these points, the Fisker Ocean is a promising new electrical SUV.
General, the Fisker Ocean is a promising new electrical SUV with quite a bit to supply. Nonetheless, the software program points are a significant concern. If you happen to’re contemplating shopping for a Fisker Ocean, you could wish to wait till the software program points have been resolved.
Disclosure: I’m a shareholder in Tesla [TSLA], BYD [BYDDY], Nio [NIO], XPeng [XPEV], Hertz [HTZ], NextEra Vitality [NEP], and several other ARK ETFs. However I supply no funding recommendation of any type right here. Fisker coated a few of my journey bills to expertise the automobile and presentation.Â
All pictures by Paul Fosse
