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Have you ever considered getting an EV for yourself?
Henry Fisker, the genius Danish designer, designed a huge EV with a 700 km range, a ton of space, a high-class interior, and Magna Steyr’s exceptional BMW-level build quality. And you can get this car for an amazing price.
Allow me to introduce the Fisker Ocean. A used car with less than 10,000 kilometers on the clock is available for less than 30,000 €. Where is the catch, you might wonder. Well, the manufacturer declared bankruptcy. Thus, the first issue of all Ocean owners is how to get the vehicle maintained.
The main question, particularly with a software-driven EV such as the Ocean, is how to update the software. How do you remedy common problems in a newly introduced car? Who do I contact when my key refuses to open the doors, let alone start the car?
You might be surprised about the answer.
Discovering the positive aspects of automotive transformation may surprise you.
Because these days, especially for particular age groups of customers, the archetypical branded dealer workshop to maintain the car is obsolete. The traditional OEM’s mission of digitally connecting with automobile buyers and drivers becomes a reality. And has gone a bit further: The Fisker Owners Association, a collection of Ocean aficionados that communicate via blogs, forums, chats, and the Ocean cloud, negotiated with Fisker to acquire all intellectual property rights to the Ocean software and cloud.
You might be surprised that the Ocean team has realized the wildest vision of OEMs.
I talked with José de Bardy, a software engineer and proud owner of an Ocean, who is leading the charge in the Fisker Ownership Association to maintain the Ocean cloud.
Introduction to Fisker Ocean
The episode begins with Steffen Szameitat introducing José de Bardi, a leader in the Fisker Ocean Ownership Association. They discuss the Fisker Ocean’s journey, from its unveiling at the L.A. Motor Show in 2022 to its production challenges and subsequent bankruptcy. Fisker’s original aim was to introduce electric SUVs tailored for fleet operators, boasting high value for money. José shares how he became involved with Fisker Ocean, highlighting his need for an electric vehicle suitable for towing.
The Ocean experience
José talks about his personal experiences with the Fisker Ocean in the UK, touching upon its range in different seasons and the car’s substantial size and features. He emphasizes the design’s focus on connectivity and notable features like the solar sunroof and Hollywood mode infotainment system. José describes the vehicle’s practicality as a family car, capable of accommodating pets and providing ample space.
The Team that refused to let the car die
Following the company’s bankruptcy, Fisker Ocean owners faced uncertainty regarding maintenance and service. José discusses how the owners’ association mobilized to address these concerns, including acquiring legal representation and securing access to necessary intellectual property. They successfully raised funds to support this initiative and even facilitated ongoing software updates to ensure the vehicles remain operational.
Technical Challenges
The discussion shifts to the technical challenges faced by the Fisker Ocean community, particularly in terms of software updates and diagnosis. José outlines the strategies employed to maintain the cars, such as remote diagnostics and establishing local service points. The conversation highlights the tech-savvy nature of the community, as enthusiasts and volunteers work together to resolve issues.
How to organize a team of enthusiast professionally
José describes the organizational evolution of the Fisker Owners Association, detailing efforts to formalize roles and responsibilities. The anticipation of future developments, both in terms of maintenance capabilities and feature enhancements, is discussed. José expresses optimism about the potential for owners’ associations to play a pivotal role in sustaining EVs as software-driven vehicles.
The Ocean future
In the final chapter, José addresses potential developments for Fisker Ocean, like integrating Android Automotive and CarPlay. He explores the possibility of collaboration with traditional OEMs, emphasizing the importance of maintaining control over the community’s direction. The conversation concludes with Steffen expressing admiration for the initiative and considering owning a Fisker Ocean himself.
