The acquisition of Fisker’s remaining Ocean SUVs by American Lease signifies a critical juncture in the electric car startup’s brief but eventful history. Fisker, once a company brimming with aspirations to rival established players like Rivian in the EV market, was ultimately undone by mismanagement and a lack of strategic direction.
This misstep led to the company’s collapse. While American Lease has secured a significant number of Fisker Oceans at a discounted price, the future of Fisker’s other car projects, such as the Alaska pickup truck and the PEAR crossover SUV, remains shrouded in uncertainty.
These once-promising plans have been shelved, raising concerns about the viability of electric vehicle startups struggling to go the fiercely competitive automotive world. The acquisition also underscores the numerous challenges electric vehicle startups face, including securing funding, establishing a strong brand identity, and going around the intricacies of the manufacturing process.
It remains to be seen whether established car manufacturers or other EV startups will take the initiative to revive Fisker’s abandoned projects. The acquisition of Fisker by American Lease, a New York-based leasing company, casts uncertainty on the future of the Fisker Ocean electric SUV.
Current Fisker Ocean owners are understandably concerned about parts availability, software updates, and customer support. While American Lease has offered reassurances, their core business isn’t retail customer service, raising questions about the future support owners can expect.
However, there are potential benefits for Fisker Ocean owners. American Lease’s acquisition included Fisker’s software and diagnostic tools, which could streamline parts and software updates for existing Oceans.
Additionally, American Lease is well-positioned to meet New York City’s regulations requiring all for-hire vehicle fleets to be electric by 2030. By acquiring the Fisker Ocean inventory at a discount, American Lease has secured a fleet of electric vehicles to comply with the new regulations, potentially giving them a significant head start over competitors.
