For many years, experts have agreed that the 400-mile threshold is a key benchmark for Electric vehicle (EV) battery range in order to enhance mass adoption of EV’s. In reality, with EV sales soaring to 20%+ of all registrations in 2023, we’ve already seen EV sales growth far beyond what most people expected.
With the Tesla Model Y offering 330 miles of range, or 300 in real terms, it is only Mercedes “EQ” range that sees range approaching.
Who are Fisker?
Fisker automotive was one of the early movers in the EV industry, before a certain Mr Musk had risen to prominence with his little known Tesla brand. They raised over $1 billion dollars from private individuals, as well as over $500 million from the US federal government. However, this ended in disaster, as the company ended up bankrupt in 2013.
Cue one of the most amazing ‘phoenix from the flames’ business turnarounds, as visionary founder Henrik Fisker launched Fisker Inc. in 2016, and has now brought the Ocean to the market to popular acclaim.
5 cool features for the new Fisker Ocean
Solar sky roof
For all Fisker’s talk of “Ride the Sky” sounding like Silicon Valley-speak for a sun roof, the Solar sky does offer the possibility of something that has often been mooted, but yet to be in production elsewhere (even Tesla who have rumoured the technology for years).
You can harvest the sun’s rays to generate free energy to support the vehicle’s battery-powered motor. Fisker say this can give you up to 2000 miles per year, but we’d probably suggest that isn’t based on British weather. Either way it is a neat glimpse of what the future might hold for EVs.
Sports car speed in an SUV
The Ocean Extreme offers 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds. To put that into perspective, the Porsche 911 Carrera does that in 4.2 seconds.
California Mode
Push a button and eight glass panels open simultaneously to transform a versatile SUV into a coastline-cruising convertible. With this California Mode, you can drop the front windows, both rear-seat windows, both “Doggie Windows”, and the window in the boot, while opening the SolarSky roof at the same time. Fisker suggest you can even load a surfboard through the open rear window.
Revolve Screen
An optional feature, the Revolve screen allows you to switch between Control Mode—a portrait view—to Hollywood Mode—a landscape 16:9 widescreen format with 360 degree sound. Great for those California beach evenings, or alternatively waiting for the kids in the rain to finish football practice…
6 year, 60,000 mile warranty and no servicing
No manufacturer in the world has suggested their vehicles don’t need servicing, but Fisker say just that. You buy tyres, and you have a mobile servicing support service, but there will be no formal ‘service centres’ for the brand.
How the Fisker Ocean answers the most common misconceptions of EVs:
Worried about range?
The Ocean “Extreme” model has a 440 mile range – expected real range of 400 miles on one charge.
Electric cars are more expensive?
£35,000 to £60,000 list price.
Plus, with a salary sacrifice scheme from Pike + Bambridge, you could have the top of the range new Ocean Extreme, including the car, all maintenance and tyres, and insurance for £694 per month with zero deposit.
Energy costs mean electric cars aren’t much more cheaper anyway…
Don’t forget that at 10,000 miles per year, the Ocean will cost you circa. £400-500 per annum in home charging energy costs, vs. £1600-1700 for an equivalent Audi Q5 or other combustion-engine vehicle.
Whether you are looking for a Fisker, or any other EV, as a private customer, or a member of one of our EV Salary Sacrifice schemes, get in touch with the team today for a chat.
