2023 Fisker Ocean One on 2040-cars

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BMW's EV tech is being used to resurrect the Karma

Saying that luxury electric-vehicle manufacturer Fisker was beleaguered before its demise a few years back would be a gross understatement. But despite the cars self-immolating and Tesla CEO Elon Musk criticizing everything but the Karma's design, a Chinese auto parts manufacturer is resurrecting the brand under a different name: "Revero." That's according to a report from Wall Street Journal. Wanxiang Group is moving production to EV-hotbed California from Finland and will unveil its new ride either in July or August, but pricing hasn't been announced yet. The previous Karma sold for $100,000. Perhaps most interesting, though, is how it's going to address the reliability issues that plagued the company's predecessor. WSJ says that the automaker is licensing BMW's electric vehicle control and charging systems – a deal finalized last year. "There are huge, serious, major upgrades throughout the electronics systems, wiring, charging, battery," Karma's chief marketing officer Jim Taylor says. In terms of looks, though, it doesn't sound like you should expect anything to change in that department because the overhauls aren't going to be visible, according to Taylor. Wanxiang picked up Fisker's remains for $149 million a few years back. This deal is important, especially for BMW: If the German automaker's licensed tech can help Fisker outrun its smoky, checkered past, that's a high-profile win for everyone involved. Related Video: This article by Timothy J. Seppala originally ran on Engadget, the definitive guide to this connected life. News Source: Wall Street Journal Green BMW Fisker Electric Future Vehicles Special and Limited Editions Performance Sedan transportation gear karma revero

Edmunds bought a Fisker Ocean, warns others not to make the same mistake

We're going to guess you were not considering buying a 2023 Fisker Ocean SUV, even at the recent deeply discounted prices. However. On the microscopically remote chance you were considering acquiring an Ocean, Edmunds suggests you reconsider. In fact, the car-buying site doesn't merely suggest, it headlines a piece on the battery-electric SUV it bought in January, "Do not buy a new Fisker Ocean; Fisker's uncertain future makes buying an Ocean too much of a gamble." What makes the Edmunds piece more interesting than information you already know or mere piling on is that the site details much of its time with the Ocean, from the sorely under-baked delivery version that they paid $69,012 for to the slightly more livable but still misfit version missing promised features and recently hammered by at least 43% in depreciation. Similar to the issues Edmunds had with its Chevrolet Blazer EV, the Ocean's dash loved to throw up warning lights and errors before the OS 2.0 software update. The key fob had separation issues, occasionally needing to touch the door handle to unlock the SUV; Edmunds didn't mention the door latch issue the NHTSA is investigating. The Ocean's audio system enjoyed giving the silent treatment, and the e-motors wouldn't hold the vehicle when stopped on a hill.   The 2.0 software apparently fixed the fob, the dash lights, and infotainment responsiveness, while adding features like data on solar panel energy and trailer sway control. But the anticipated adaptive cruise control didn't materialize, and the new brake hold feature relies on a fiddly driver's-seat sensor that can put the Ocean in Park if the driver shifts their weight in the seat.     So, you can get an Ocean in dealer inventor today for fixed pricing as low as $24,999, no matter the options. Edmunds advises: Don't. Meanwhile, the latest report is that Fisker has withdrawn its financial guidance for the year while it tries to scare up a rescue plan. Even brand-specific forum Fiskerati jumped ship — it's now a general EV-focused site called CH4RGE. The All Things Fisker forum remains, though, and its current trade-in prices thread is brief, wild reading, from dealers unwilling to take the car, to initial offers in the $20,000s to $40,000s dropping to zero, to a few posters determined to stick it out with their delivered cars.  It's not like the Ocean's alone in foibles, though. The Issues.

Fisker's forthcoming luxury crossover to get a name this week

Automotive designer and entrepreneur Henrik Fisker has been busy teasing his upcoming luxury electric SUV on social media, promising more information including a name this week and releasing a slew of new images, a short video clip and a few juicy new details. The big news is the promised reveal of a production-intent prototype version in January, not December as was once promised, and that it will be made available exclusively via a “no hassle” subscription that Fisker says will be flexible with no long-term contract and a full warranty. When asked by a Twitter user whether the subscription plan would be similar to the Volvo XC40 under the Care by Volvo subscription program, Fisker said the cost would be “way, way, way lower,” with a higher annual mileage allotment and no minimum term. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. For comparisonÂ’s sake, Volvo makes the XC40 crossover available starting at $700 per month under its Care by Volvo subscription service, with a 15,000-mile annual cap. Fisker promised more details about the subscription plan on Nov. 27, when he will also launch a mobile app and open up reservations. Along with the official unveiling in January will come word of a partnership for an EV charging network, Fisker said in response to another Twitter user. He also revealed plans to launch production in late 2021 with high-volume ramp up in 2022. We also are treated to a brief video clip of the SUV in front three-quarters view, highlighting the slim LED headlights and another strip below them on the bumper, plastic cladding around the wheel wells and seven-spoke wheels. It also appears that the door handles are illuminated. When we last checked in on Fisker Automotive it was to show you an overhead view of the crossoverÂ’s solar panel rooftop, an idea borrowed from the 2011 Fisker Karma. Fisker at the time also teased a new battery-electric pickup truck, one of two new additional models to come after the SUV. We also know to expect a range of around 300 miles from the at least 80 kWh lithium-ion battery and a turn signal that wraps around from back into the D pillar for added notification when you change lanes. Total price has been pegged at just under $40,000.