What’s Happening: Fisker Inc. announced that its electric SUV, the Fisker Ocean, has successfully completed all necessary FMVSS tests required for self-certification by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and meets New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) standards for a 5-star rating. The company is also preparing for customer deliveries in Europe and the US.
Why It Matters: The Fisker Ocean’s positive test results and pending regulatory approvals further establish Fisker Inc. as a significant player in the electric vehicle market. The company’s focus on sustainability and impressive performance metrics positions the Ocean to compete with other electric SUVs.
Key Points:
- The Fisker Ocean recently received WLTP certification in Europe for a range of 440 miles (707 km) for its Extreme trim level, the longest range of any battery-electric SUV currently available in Europe.
- Fisker is pursuing an official Certificate of Conformity (CoC) with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to validate the Fisker Ocean Extreme range and anticipates confirmation of the estimated 350-mile range.
- The company is also pursuing California Air Resources Board (CARB) certification in California and 17 other US jurisdictions.
- Fisker changed its strategy in the first quarter to avoid holding inventory, focusing on maintaining production readiness.
- Fisker plans to ramp up production on April 20, 2023, for European deliveries and in the first week of May for US deliveries, ahead of EPA approvals.
Bottom Line: Fisker’s Ocean electric SUV has cleared significant hurdles by passing key safety tests and approaching necessary regulatory approvals. The company’s agile approach to production and deliveries ensures a steady ramp-up and avoids the cost of vehicle storage. The successful launch of the Fisker Ocean, with its impressive range and commitment to sustainability, is poised to make a substantial impact on the electric vehicle market in both Europe and the US.
