Fisker Inc. has just confirmed regulatory certification in Europe that will allow sales and deliveries of the first Ocean SUVs to reservation holders. Fisker has taken a unique dual homologation process for both Europe and the US simultaneously, and while deliveries overseas appear just over a week away, reservation holders in the US might have a wait quite a bit longer.
After a multi-year journey that felt like a public drawing board of design tweaks and strategy changes, Fisker Inc. inevitably honed-in on the final iteration of its flagship EV – the Ocean SUV. As promised, the Ocean officially kicked off production on schedule in Europe in November, under the watch of veteran contract manufacturer Magna Steyr in Austria.
As of December 31, 2022 Fisker reported it had built 56 Ocean SUVs, including 15 fleet vehicles delivered to Magna for testing, data collection, and additional validation.
Still, the American automaker relayed optimism to produce (up to) 42,400 EVs in 2023, provided its supply chain holds steady and it receives homologation “in a timely manner.” Fisker sought certification in both the US and Europe simultaneously, anticipating testing would be completed in March, followed by the respective regulatory approval processes in each region.
Well, reservation holders in Europe can rejoice, especially those awaiting an Ocean One Launch Edition, because your shiny new SUVs have been certified overseas and deliveries are expected in ten days.
Fisker Ocean deliveries begin in Europe May 5
According to news directly from Fisker this evening, the Ocean SUV has been certified by regulators in Europe and deliveries are expected to begin shortly. Company chairman and CEO Henrik Fisker spoke to the milestone and shared a quick update:
The entire Fisker team is excited to get the Fisker Ocean One launch edition to our reservation holders. Our first delivery is expected for May 5. After that, we intend to deliver all Ocean Ones by the end of September while also initiating some deliveries of the Fisker Ocean Extreme, starting in Europe with the US to follow.
When exactly the US deliveries will follow remains unclear. For now, Fisker’s focus is on deliveries of the top-tier trims of the Ocean in Europe, although the company has already built some of the Ultra and Sport trims of the incoming SUV. Fisker says deliveries of those trims will begin in September, assumedly after a majority of the One and and Extreme trims have found their homes.
Fisker recently announced a WLTP certified range of 707 km (439 miles) for the Fisker Ocean Extreme (20″ wheels), which the company said has led to an influx of new reservations in Europe. It will be interesting to see where that range lands on the US market’s much stricter EPA scale, but even 400 miles of EPA range should be quite appealing for SUV-loving consumers in the states.
While many readers would probably prefer news of US Ocean deliveries before Europe, the SUV reaching reservation holders anywhere is encouraging news. We are quite curious where Fisker and Magna currently stand on production output for 2023, as well as how many reservations the Ocean has now tallied.
We are certain to learn more during Fisker’s Q1 2023 financial report, scheduled for May 9.
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With its tire-blistering acceleration and record-setting performance, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra has been getting attention throughout the auto industry, impressing everyone who’s seen it. That “everyone” now seems to include the OG supercar brand, itself.
CarNewsChina posted pictures from a Weibo user that reportedly show a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra exiting the storied Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy. According to a Chinese blogger going by 西米露在博洛尼亚 (which seems to translate to “Sago Dessert in Bologna”), the prancing horse brand is actively benchmarking the Chinese hypercar for its own upcoming EV.
The SU7 Ultra was definitely coming from inside Ferrari’s facility. After verification, we learned this specific vehicle was officially purchased by Ferrari for testing, and the development of their next-generation electric platform.
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra made its debut last year, promising 1,548 hp, sub 2.0-second 0-60 mph times, and a top speed well over 200 mph – all at a price lower than a Tesla Model S Plaid or Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. The car sold out almost immediately after it was unveiled, racking up some 50,000 orders almost overnight.
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The new electric benchmark
Xiaomi SU7 Ultra at Fiorano; via Weibo user Piniluoshan.
In the automotive world, “benchmarking” is a process in which car companies systematically tear down each others’ competitive products to compare everything from sound insulation, vehicle ride and handling, component materials, and even manufacturing methods against their own or against other industry leaders. The goal is to evaluate performance, cost, quality, and other key metrics, effectively figuring out “where they stand” in the market.
Featured image via Xiaomi; sources throughout the post.
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We’re finally getting our first teases of the upgraded 2027 Chevy Bolt, built on GM’s battery/motor platform formerly known as Ultium. So far, so good for the vehicle, which will be revealed later this Fall.
Chevy took to social media today to tease the 2027 Chevy Bolt, saying, “You asked, we listened. The #ChevyBolt is back and better than ever. More this fall. 👀”
Chevy ended the original Bolt program with the 2023 model, which was loved by a loyal group of customers (including myself). Some of the major gripes, including charging speed and rear brake lights, already look to be addressed. Also, a new more aggressive fascia is debuting.
Hopefully, the new Bolt will have improved charging speeds over and above the 54kW that previous Bolts adhered to. One possible downgrade is that the old Bolt’s amazing wireless CarPlay/Android Auto system will likely be replaced by GM’s move to Android’s built-in experience. For a few years, the Chevy Bolt was the most affordable long-range EV, and it won our 2022 Electrek car of the year for its versatility and price.
I would, of course, like to see the new Bolt as a hot hatchback, but GM CEO Mary Barra has hinted that it will likely take more of the EUV’s SUV form factor. Things like AWD options, SuperCruise, pricing, power and range are yet to be revealed, but stay tuned to Electrek for the latest on Bolt developments.
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On today’s test-acular episode of Quick Charge, it’s a new day and a new Chinese ADAS test for Tesla to conquer – but this one’s got a LOT more pedestrian carnage to parse through! We’ve also got some great e-bike deals from Retrospec and a bladder-busting Hyundai.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Retrospec – the makers of sleek, powerful e-bikes and outdoor gear built for everyday adventure! To that end, we’ve got a pair of Retrospec e-bike reviews followed up by the updated Hyundai IONIQ 6 with nearly 350 miles of range from its updated long-range battery. With that, Hyundai now has the longest range Korean EV on the market, while Texas is adding megawatts of battery energy storage to beef up its troubled grid, and it’s doing so faster and cheaper than ever before.
Plus: Quick Charge listeners can get an extra 10% off the price of their next awesome e-bike by using code ELECTREK10 at retrospec.com!
New episodes of Quick Charge are recorded, usually, Monday through Thursday (most weeks, anyway). We’ll be posting bonus audio content from time to time as well, so be sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss a minute of Electrek’s high-voltage daily news.
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Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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