Fisker Files For Bankruptcy: This Could Be the End Of The Ocean…

Well, folks, it looks like Henrik Fisker and his fancy electric SUV are staring into the swirling vortex of yet another automotive debacle. Just when we thought the whole Fisker Karma thing was behind him, here we are again. It's like watching a bad movie sequel – you know it's going to be a cringey trainwreck, but you just can't look away.

So, here's the latest gut-punch for all those plucky individuals who put down deposits on a Fisker Ocean: the Austrian arm of Fisker has filed for insolvency. Think of it as bankruptcy with a dash of European legal jargon to make it sound slightly more sophisticated.

Apparently, the folks at Magna Steyr – the guys actually building the Ocean – have pulled the plug on production back in March and aren't too eager to get things rolling again. Who can blame them, really? If my bank account depended on Fisker's solvency, I'd be packing my bags for Bora Bora too.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of the Ocean. Sure, it looks a little quirky, a bit like an electric Volvo XC40 on a smoothie diet. But let's be real, it also happens to be a reasonably priced (well, as far as EVs go), decently equipped electric SUV with solid range.

The Ocean base models boast 275 horsepower (205 kW), a respectable 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 6.9 seconds, and about 250 miles (402 km) of range. The top-of-the-line Ocean Extreme? That bumps things up to a healthy 540 horses (402 kW), a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in a neck-snapping 3.9 seconds, and 350 miles (563 km) range from its large battery. Not bad, not bad at all…

And then there's the price. Starting in the mid-$30,000s? That actually made the Ocean kinda tempting…but then the company did struggle to get the production numbers up, and when the numbers were up - the customers weren’t really lining up. A few unpleasant car reviews followed and the situation spiralled out of control. The company tried cutting the prices, but the lifeline clearly did not work. You can snap one of the remaining Oceans for $25,000 now - if you are into collecting expensive garden ornaments.

 Fisker is putting on a brave face and swearing up and down that they'll continue to deliver and service existing Oceans. Oh, and update software…over the air. Right. I believe you, Henrik…just as much as I believed that whole solar roof gimmick a while back.

Here's the thing, I genuinely hope Fisker pulls off a miracle. I like seeing new players shake up the automotive scene, especially when it comes to EVs. But let's face it, Fisker's history isn't exactly littered with success stories. Still, everyone deserves a second chance and it’s painful to watch another EV startup going under.

Is it truly the end of Henrik Fisker's electric dreams? Maybe, maybe not. Who knows, he might find an eleventh-hour investor or magically convince Magna to open the factory doors one more time. Weirder things have happened. For now, though, if you were holding out for a Fisker Ocean, you might want to adjust your expectations.