Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Sub-$40K Fisker Ocean electric SUV rolls into CES after long-awaited debut

This story is part of our continuing coverage of CES 2020, including tech and gadgets from the show floor.

After numerous teases and one delay, the Fisker Ocean electric SUV finally made its public debut at CES 2020. Fisker promises a range of up to 300 miles, as well as a novel app-based leasing program. However, the vehicle Fisker brings to CES will be a close-to-production prototype, as production isn’t scheduled to start until 2021.

In a press release announcing the Ocean’s CES 2020 debut, Fisker also revealed some new details about the electric SUV. Instead of building its own charging stations, Fisker will rely on the Electrify America network. Electrify America was created to spend $2 billion in Volkswagen diesel-emissions cheating penalties, but its stations are open to electric cars from all manufacturers. Ford will use Electrify America as the charging network for its upcoming Mustang Mach-E, and startups Lucid Motors and Byton have chosen Electrify America as well.

The Ocean will also have something called “California Mode,” which lowers all windows, as well as the rear hatch glass, at the push of a button. Fisker said this will provide a convertible-like experience without an actual folding roof, but it also sounds like a feature from the ill-fated Renault Avantime. California Mode will be standard on all Ocean trim levels except the base model.

Fisker previously said the Ocean will get standard all-wheel drive, with an 80-kilowatt-hour battery pack allowing a range of 250 to 300 miles, depending on driving conditions. A solar roof can add up to 1,000 miles of driving per year, according to Fisker. To keep things as environmentally friendly as possible, the Ocean will use recycled carpeting made from fishing nets, 100-percent vegan upholstery, and a material called “eco-suede” that’s made from waste clothing, plastics, and rubber.

Fisker is currently taking $250 reservations through its website and a dedicated app. When production starts, the Ocean will lease for $379 a month, with a $2,999 down payment. But unlike traditional car leases, Fisker will give customers some flexibility in how long they get to keep the car. Customers will be able to return cars after one month, eight months, 22 months, or “several years,” according to Fisker (with a set 30,000 miles per year). Customers will also be able to purchase the Ocean outright at a starting price of $37,499. That puts the Fisker in the same ballpark as the upcoming Tesla Model Y — which has a $39,000 base price.

Fisker is displaying a production-ready prototype at CES 2020. It runs, it drives, and it’s very close to the model customers will begin taking deliveries of at the end of 2021. Company founder Henrik Fisker told Digital Trends the Ocean’s first year of production is completely sold out. If you reserve one now, you’ll need to wait until 2022 to take delivery.

Follow our live blog for more CES news and announcements.

Updated on January 8, 2020: Added live photos, details about production plans.

Editors' Recommendations

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Best electric car charger deals: $100 off home charging stations
The handle of the Grizzl-E EV charger plugged into a vehicle.

A few years ago, electric vehicles were pretty rare or cost a fortune, but with more and more of the larger car brands getting into the game, there are a lot of excellent and even budget-friendly choices nowadays. That said, the electrical network for charging your cars might not be that widespread, so instead you'll have to rely on charging your car at home. Luckily, there are a lot of excellent car chargers at a discount, so if you've just bought an EV or want to upgrade your current charging solution, be sure to check out our favorite deals below.
Shockflo EV charger — $205, was $220

This EV charger by Shockflo is a Level 2 EV charger, which offers six times faster charging than a standard charger. It delivers 24 miles with just one hour of charging, and it can act as a mobile charger you can throw in the trunk or be mounted to a wall. It has an LCD display with useful information like charging rate, voltage, and charging time, as well as LED indicator lights that lets you know charging progress and errors.

Read more
Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more
Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more