Fisker: Automotive Art with a Turbulent Soul

Fisker is the brainchild of Henrik Fisker, the designer behind the Aston Martin DB9. It is a brand defined by breathtaking beauty and turbulent business realities. From the pioneering Karma hybrid to the Ocean electric SUV, Fisker proves that eco-friendly cars don't have to look boring—even if the road to success is incredibly bumpy.

Fisker Hero Vehicle

Model Lineup

Explore the current production vehicles.

Ocean

The 'world's most sustainable vehicle.' The Ocean is a stunning and innovative electric SUV, featuring a solar roof, a revolving 'Hollywood Mode' center screen, and a host of eco-friendly materials. A bold and ambitious vision for the future of the family EV.

Production 2023-Present

Karma

Arguably one of the most beautiful sedans ever made. The original Karma was a groundbreaking, range-extended electric luxury car with a stunning, muscular design. It was a true 'four-door coupe' that turned heads and pioneered a new era of eco-luxury.

Production 2011-2012

P.E.A.R.

A 'Personal Electric Automotive Revolution.' The upcoming PEAR is a futuristic and affordable urban EV designed to be simple, clever, and highly connected. With its unique 'Houdini trunk,' it aims to revolutionize the compact mobility segment.

Production Announced

Alaska

The 'world's lightest electric pickup.' The Alaska is a clever and versatile electric truck concept with an innovative, expandable bed, a 'Houdini trunk,' and a host of smart, practical features. It aims to be the EV pickup for a new generation.

Production Announced

Ronin

The ultimate expression of the Fisker brand. The Ronin is a stunning, four-door, five-seat convertible GT hypercar with a projected 1,000 horsepower and 600 miles of range. A breathtaking vision of the future of open-top, high-performance motoring.

Production Announced

Author

HugeGarage Editor

Published

Updated

5 Min Read

When a Designer Builds a Car Company

Most car companies are run by accountants or engineers. Fisker is run by an artist. Henrik Fisker is the man who designed the BMW Z8 (James Bond’s car) and the Aston Martin DB9. When he decided to build his own cars, the priority was clear: They had to be beautiful. And they are.

Fisker's history is a tale of two eras: the original Fisker Automotive (which gave us the Karma) and the reborn Fisker Inc. (which gave us the Ocean). Both share the same DNA: aggressive curves, massive wheels, and a focus on sustainability that borders on obsession.

The First Act: The Fisker Karma

Launched in 2011, the Fisker Karma was a spaceship. It was a plug-in hybrid luxury sedan that looked like it was moving at 100 MPH while parked.

  • The Solar Roof: It was one of the first production cars to feature a full-length solar roof that helped power the car's accessories.
  • The Interior: Fisker used "rescued" wood from California wildfires and sunken logs from lake bottoms. It was eco-luxury before it was cool.
  • The Flaw: Despite its looks, it was plagued by reliability issues and a battery supplier bankruptcy, leading to the company's initial collapse in 2013.

The Second Act: The Fisker Ocean

Henrik didn't give up. He returned with Fisker Inc. and a new mission: affordable electric luxury. The result was the Fisker Ocean. Built in Austria by Magna Steyr (the same people who build the Mercedes G-Wagon), the Ocean is a legitimate contender in the EV market.

California Mode: The Ultimate Party Trick

The coolest feature of the Ocean is undoubtedly California Mode. With the push of a single button, eight glass panels open simultaneously:

  • All four side windows drop.
  • The massive panoramic sunroof opens.
  • The rear windshield (the "doggie window") rolls down.
It instantly turns the SUV into a near-convertible. It is the kind of feature that makes you smile every time you use it.

The Rotating Screen

Inside, the 17.1-inch center screen does a magic trick. When driving, it stays in "Control Mode" (portrait). But when you are charging or parked, you can rotate it to "Hollywood Mode" (landscape) to watch movies in 16:9 cinematic format. It captures the American desire for entertainment on the go.

Sustainability as a Status Symbol

Fisker markets itself as the creator of the "World's Most Sustainable Vehicle." The carpets are made from recycled fishing nets and plastic bottles. The tires are engineered to minimize particulate emissions. Owning a Fisker says, "I care about the planet, but I also want to look good saving it."

The Hugegarage Verdict

Fisker represents the struggle between art and commerce. The cars are undeniably stunning and packed with clever features like California Mode. However, the company's financial history is as volatile as a cryptocurrency. Buying a Fisker is a vote for design and a gamble on the future—but for the right driver, the beauty is worth the risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fisker Inc. still in business?

Fisker Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in June 2024. While the company is in the process of liquidation and selling off its remaining fleet, the long-term support for existing vehicles remains uncertain.

Owners are currently relying on a network of independent repair shops and owner associations (like the Fisker Owners Association) for software updates and parts sourcing as the official dealer network dissolves.

What is "California Mode" in the Fisker Ocean?

California Mode is a signature feature of the Fisker Ocean SUV. With the touch of a single button, it simultaneously lowers all eight glass panels.

This includes the front and rear side windows, the massive panoramic "Sky Roof," and uniquely, the rear liftgate glass (often called the "Doggie Window"). This transforms the SUV into an open-air convertible-like experience.

What is the difference between Fisker Automotive and Fisker Inc.?

They are two separate legal entities founded by designer Henrik Fisker.

  • Fisker Automotive (2007-2013): Produced the Fisker Karma hybrid. It went bankrupt, and its assets were sold to a Chinese group to form Karma Automotive (who now make the Revero).
  • Fisker Inc. (2016-2024): A new EV startup that produced the Fisker Ocean before filing for bankruptcy in 2024.
Does the Fisker solar roof actually charge the battery?

Yes, the SolarSky roof on the Fisker Ocean (Extreme and One trims) is functional, not just cosmetic.

Under ideal sunny conditions, Fisker claimed it could add up to 1,500 to 2,000 miles of range per year. It charges the high-voltage battery directly while the car is parked or driving, supporting the vehicle's sustainability ethos.

Where is the Fisker Ocean manufactured?

The Fisker Ocean was not built by Fisker itself, but by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria.

Magna Steyr is a legendary contract manufacturer that also builds the Mercedes G-Wagon and Toyota Supra. This is why the Fisker Ocean is often praised for excellent build quality, paint finish, and panel gaps, even if the software (developed separately) had initial bugs.

What engine is in the original Fisker Karma?

The original 2012 Fisker Karma was a Series Hybrid (or EVer). It was powered by dual electric motors driving the rear wheels.

The internal combustion engine was a 2.0L Turbocharged Ecotec sourced from General Motors (similar to the Pontiac Solstice engine). Crucially, the gas engine never drove the wheels directly; it only acted as a generator to recharge the battery.

What is the Fisker Pear?

The Fisker Pear (Personal Electric Automotive Revolution) was the planned entry-level model, targeting a sub-$30,000 price point.

It featured a radical "Houdini Trunk" (where the tailgate slid down into the bumper) and a modular interior. However, due to the company's 2024 financial collapse, the development of the Pear has been indefinitely halted.

Can I charge a Fisker Ocean at Tesla Superchargers?

Fisker Inc. announced plans to adopt the NACS (Tesla) standard, but the bankruptcy disrupted the official rollout of adapters.

Currently, Fisker Ocean owners can charge at Tesla Superchargers that are equipped with the "Magic Dock" (built-in CCS adapter). For standard V3 Superchargers, owners are waiting for third-party or residual official support to gain access.

Why is the Fisker logo orange and blue?

The logo represents a California sunset over the Pacific Ocean. The orange represents the setting sun, and the blue represents the sea.

The two vertical silver bars represent the designer's pen (Henrik Fisker) and the engineer's tool (Bernhard Koehler), symbolizing the balance between design and engineering.

What cars did Henrik Fisker design before starting his own brand?

Henrik Fisker is one of the most celebrated automotive designers in history. Before founding his own brands, he designed:

  • BMW Z8: The retro-roadster made famous by James Bond.
  • Aston Martin DB9 & V8 Vantage: Cars that defined the modern era of Aston Martin aesthetics.