We boarded the Fisker Ocean electric SUV which will be produced in Europe during the year, then available in our regions from 41,900 euros from next year. For those in a hurry, pre-orders are already open.
Source: Fisker Inc.
As if lost in the middle of a new, empty western hall, the small Fisker stand at CES 2022 confirms the brand’s ambitions with its Ocean electric SUV model. Two pre-production vehicles are on display, just back from the video session in the desert which is filming on the big screens, explains their press manager. You can also observe the underside of the automobile with the platform developed by Magna-Steyer, using a lot of aluminum to contain the weight.
The battery is supplied by CATL, with different types of chemicals depending on the version (entry-level LFP and NMC for the others). The basic single-engine version is called Sport, offering an estimated range of 440 km WLTP, with already decent performance: 275 hp. The other twin-engine versions boast some 550 horsepower, enough to play the game. drag race as the Americans love to do.
An expected design
The look of the Californian SUV is irresistibly reminiscent of the Range Rover Evoque, a flattering reference even if we would have liked a little more personality here. But let’s not sulk our pleasure, the whole is attractive, well balanced and very typical SUV. We note the solar sunroof, whose brand assures us that it can collect 1,500 to 2,000 miles / year (between 2,400 and 3,200 km), at least under the Californian sun… We also note the recycled aluminum and carbon wheels . The template is large, but not disproportionate for the length of 4.77 m, but beware of the width of 1.99 m which will handicap in car parks …
Source: Nicolas Valeano for Frandroid
Two women are in charge of the design of the car under the responsibility of Henrik Fisker, the boss of the company, famous car designer. The German Nadya Arnaout is in charge of the interior design and the Korean Seumghee Oh signs the exterior. We observe very marked wheel arches, a high body line and flush handles… not really functional here, nor the menus of the display of the swiveling giant screen or certain physical buttons.
This demo vehicle which is still a long way from the production model, the production start date of which is however very close: November 17 of this year. For France, where the first deliveries are announced for early 2023, maintenance should be provided by the Speedy network.
All opening windows
One of the originalities of the Ocean lies in its California mode, which opens all the windows with a simple press from the key. Thus a (large) dog will be able to take the air in the trunk by means of its small side “doggie window” and a surfboard will be able to protrude from the rear window. The rear trunk seems to have an average volume, and no “frunk” comes to supplement the useful volume under the front hood.
Source: Nicolas Valeano for Frandroid
In the rear seats, we appreciate the vast legroom, including in the middle, thanks to a central console between the front seats cut off at the level of the rear floor. On the other hand, the fleece of the bench still seems too hard, especially in the central place. Headroom is average due to thick headlining on the sides of the sunroof.
Magna’s “Free form” front seats, all in one piece, are on the other hand very welcoming and particularly aesthetic. From there, we are perfectly installed to discover the dashboard which ticks all the virtuous boxes of the new materials: vegan, with a kind of Alcantara (faux upturned leather) made from … recycled t-shirts, or floor mats from a material based on recycled fishing nets. The ocean, always …
A huge central screen
The huge 17.1-inch central screen impresses, upright while driving or horizontal to watch a movie while stationary. Fans of Tesla Model 3 or Model S will all find their account there … But unfortunately, impossible to test its menus, nor the HyperSound sound system of 500 watts and 16 speakers. Too bad for a press demonstration vehicle!
Source: Nicolas Valeano for Frandroid
The instrumentation is displayed on a small screen behind the steering wheel. There are also a few physical keys on board, housed on an original floating turntable to regulate the air conditioning. The whole leaves a strange feeling of concept not yet fully completed as the “job # 1” (production launch) approaches.
But with Magna’s guarantee of seriousness, we can be reassured about the future of the project. This signals the start of a new era for the Californian manufacturer, which has seen ups and downs in its attempts to launch its own car. Once having crossed the Ocean (we couldn’t help but …), Fisker is already planning a next small electric car project, named PEAR (Personal Electric Automotive Revolution), which Foxconn will manufacture, this time in the USA. , from the end of 2023. Stay tuned.
The CES 2022 gave pride of place to the automobile. Many manufacturers presented exciting concepts, stunning technologies and great advances in intelligent and autonomous cars. Hang on your seat belt: …
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