The 2023 Fisker Ocean is an all-new, all-electric compact SUV from a new company, with a maximum range of 350 miles. Pricing starts at $37,499, but the only 2023 version available is the Ocean Extreme, from $68,999.
Electric vehicles are still a bit like the Wild West, with fresh ventures cropping up to explore and exploit this new frontier. Enter the Ocean, an SUV with a relatively affordable starting price, as long as the company can deliver the goods.
Although Henrik Fisker is the same person behind each operation, this new Fisker
FSR,
company is different from the one that made the sleek but challenged Fisker Karma luxury plug-in hybrid sedan.
The new Ocean SUV is being built by an Austrian company (Magna Steyr) that also builds the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and BMW 5 Series, plus other vehicles whose quality is absolutely fine — except that the Ocean is assembled in a carbon-neutral facility.
2023 Fisker Ocean pricing
The 2023 Fisker Ocean starts at $37,499. In theory, this would buy the Ocean Sport model with front-wheel drive, one electric motor, and an estimated range of 250 miles.
However, production runs of the 2023 Ocean Sport and all-wheel-drive Ocean Ultra models have sold out, likewise the Ocean One — a limited edition introducing the Ocean electric SUV to the world. The company is still taking orders for the Extreme, which is virtually the same as the One.
- 2023 Fisker Ocean Sport: $37,499
- 2023 Fisker Ocean Ultra: $49,999
- 2023 Fisker Ocean Extreme: $68,999
- 2023 Fisker Ocean One: $68,999
These are the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices and do not include the factory-to-dealer delivery fee (destination charge). At the time of compiling this review, Fisker had yet to set said fee.
Read: New electric car buying incentives kick in Jan. 1, and a lot has changed. Here’s an explainer.
The spread of Ocean pricing means a broad set of alternatives. The Volkswagen ID.4 starts at $37.5K. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is priced from $41.5K, the Ford Mustang Mach-E from $47K, and the Kia EV6 from $48.5K. Looking at more luxurious choices, the Audi Q4 e-tron comes in at $49K, the Volvo XC40 Recharge starts at $53.5K, the Genesis GV60 at $59.3K, and the Tesla Model Y at $66K.
See: The 2022 Kia EV6 vs. the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4: which electric SUV is better?
Intriguingly, the Fisker offers a lease plan with a yearly driving allowance of 30,000 miles. And customers can return the Ocean whenever they want.
Range: A possible leader in its class
The Fisker Ocean even has doggie windows.
Fisker
While we’re waiting to get behind the wheel, let’s look at range, the distance covered by a single battery charge before it needs a fresh supply of electrons.
Fisker estimates that the 2023 Ocean is capable of 350 miles. That’s achieved by the top Extreme and One models, although the less expensive Ultra is only 10 miles shy.
For some context, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is rated at 303 miles, the Kia EV6 can do 310 miles, and the Ford
F,
Mustang Mach-E does 312 miles. The Genesis GV60 and Volkswagen ID.4
VWAGY,
aren’t quite so competitive, at 248 and 275 miles, respectively. The Audi Q4 e-tron has 265 miles. And the Volvo
VLVLY,
XC40 Recharge is only estimated to achieve 223 miles.
In this respect, the main rival is the Tesla
TSLA,
Model Y at 330 miles. These figures are all from the Environmental Protection Agency. If Fisker’s calculations are correct, that would make the Ocean a class leader. The most affordable Sport version is expected to reach the 250-mile mark.
Plus: Tesla’s approval rating sinks into negative territory, survey finds
Eco-conscious interior
Aiming for sustainable production, the 2023 Ocean electric SUV has cabin materials made from recycled plastics and does not use any animal products. The interior design follows the current clutter-phobic trend (the air vents are adjusted using the infotainment screen, for example), but it’s not as sparse as a Tesla.
There should be plenty of space for occupants in both rows, with the usual 5-person seating plan.
See: How much does it cost to charge an electric car? We do the math
Blue sky thinking
Size-wise, the 2023 Ocean SUV is about the same length and height as a Tesla Model Y, but almost 3 inches wider. Or let’s say longer, lower, and wider than a Honda
HMC,
CR-V, if that’s a better frame of reference.
Considering the person behind the Ocean was once a designer for other car companies, then a distinct look was to be expected. Mission accomplished.
The solar roof helps power the car.
Fisker
One of the more remarkable aspects is the SolarSky roof fitted to the most expensive models. It captures the sun’s energy to help maximize the vehicle’s range. Also, just between the windows in the rear passenger doors and the rear pillars are small “Doggie” windows for that wind-in-their-snout sensation.
Our favorite features and tech
App as key
Using a smartphone app to access the vehicle is an increasingly common feature and comes as standard across the 2023 Ocean lineup.
Over-the-air updates
This means that the Ocean can continue to improve even after it’s been purchased.
California mode
With the press of a button, all the windows open, including one set into the liftgate. For when you really want a blast of sea air. This is standard in the top trims, but not available in the Sport version.
Revolving touchscreen
All versions of the new Ocean all-electric SUV have a large 17.1-inch infotainment touchscreen oriented vertically. The party trick in the Extreme and One versions, though, is that the screen can rotate to a horizontal orientation. Users can stream some TV while waiting for the Ocean to charge.
Park My Car
This self-parking feature, which Fisker says is for parallel and angled spaces, is standard in the Extreme and One models.
Two-way charging
The Ocean will offer the option to charge another electric vehicle, various appliances, or (with the right equipment) provide emergency power for a house.
Read: 2023 gas prices will average 50 cents per gallon below 2022, but expect to pay this much come May
Engine and transmission
There’s a pattern emerging with modern electric vehicles, where one motor turns the front wheels. And if there’s a second, it will turn the rears, making a form of all-wheel drive.
That’s how the new Ocean rolls. The base Sport version has a single motor making 275 horsepower and has an estimated range of 250 miles. The others in the lineup have two motors. The Ultra is propelled by a massive 540 horsepower and has a 340-mile range, while the Extreme and the One have 550 horses and achieve the Ocean’s maximum estimated range of 350 miles. The rear motor can disconnect automatically when the Ocean is cruising to save energy.
Charging times were still approximate as we were compiling this review, but a fast charger should provide around 200 miles of range in about half an hour. A home charger running at a lower voltage could replenish the battery to the tune of 25 miles for each hour it’s connected.
Single electric motor (Sport)
275 horsepower
Estimated range: 250 miles
Dual electric motors (Ultra)
540 horsepower
Estimated range: 340 miles
Dual electric motors (Extreme, One)
550 horsepower
Estimated range: 350 miles
6-year/60,000-mile warranty
Fisker’s new-vehicle warranty is for six years or 60,000 miles, whichever happens first. This includes roadside assistance. The all-electric powertrain and battery are protected for 10 years or 100,000 miles, with the battery covered for 75% efficiency.
KBB’s car review methodology.
This story originally ran on KBB.com.
This post was originally published on Market Watch
