Fisker Ocean One: A Promising Debut Overshadowed by Shortcomings

The Fisker Ocean One, the limited-production launch edition of the Fisker Ocean electric SUV, arrived with much fanfare. Boasting a luxurious interior, impressive range estimates, and a focus on sustainability, it promised to be a game-changer in the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market. However, after spending a significant amount of time behind the wheel, a different picture emerges. While the Ocean One possesses undeniable strengths, some shortcomings prevent it from fully living up to its lofty ambitions.

Luxurious Interior with Sustainability Concerns

The Ocean One's cabin is undeniably impressive. High-quality vegan materials like Mali-Blu microsuede create a comfortable and stylish environment. The use of recycled plastics and other sustainable materials aligns with Fisker's commitment to eco-friendliness. However, the overall design feels more functional than luxurious. The layout, while user-friendly, lacks the opulence found in some competitor offerings. Additionally, some interior components don't quite match the quality of the advertised sustainable materials.

Range Anxiety Lingers Despite Impressive Numbers

The Ocean One boasts a substantial EPA-estimated range of 360 miles, thanks to its large 106.5-kWh battery pack. On paper, this appears to alleviate any concerns about range anxiety. However, real-world testing reveals a different story. Achieving the estimated range is highly dependent on driving conditions and climate control usage. In our testing, we fell short of the EPA estimate, particularly on highway journeys with the air conditioning running.

Furthermore, the charging experience presents another hurdle. While the Ocean One supports DC fast charging at rates of up to 200 kW, the lack of a widespread and reliable fast-charging network infrastructure becomes a concern. This is particularly true for long-distance travel, where readily available fast-charging stations are crucial.

Ride Comfort and Handling Leave Room for Improvement

The Ocean One's ride quality falls short of expectations. The suspension struggles to absorb bumps and imperfections on rough roads, resulting in a jittery and less-than-refined feel. This is especially noticeable at higher speeds. Additionally, the steering feels somewhat numb and lacks the responsiveness desired for a vehicle of this caliber. While the Ocean One is unlikely to be pushed to its limits on twisty roads, a more engaging driving experience would be welcome.

Technology Glitches Mar the User Experience

The Ocean One's infotainment system boasts a large and high-resolution touchscreen display. However, its functionality falls short. The system can be slow to respond, and we encountered occasional glitches that required restarting the entire system. While smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is available, the overall user experience feels unrefined and needs further development.

A Promising Debut Overshadowed by Growing Pains

The Fisker Ocean One represents a promising debut from a new EV manufacturer. Its focus on sustainability and impressive range estimates are commendable. However, the execution falls short in some key areas. The ride quality, numb steering, and infotainment system glitches detract from the overall driving experience. Additionally, achieving the advertised range in real-world situations can be challenging.

While the Ocean One serves as a stepping stone for Fisker, it's not yet a game-changer. With further refinement and addressing the shortcomings identified, Fisker has the potential to carve out a niche in the growing EV market. However, for now, the Ocean One remains a good-looking SUV with  unfulfilled promises, leaving established competitors firmly in the lead.