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This one caught me by surprise. I mean, I know EVs are depreciating quickly this year. Much quicker than gasoline cars. But Edmunds calculates that the Fisker Ocean crossover longterm test vehicle it bought for $69,000 two months ago is worth just $21,000 now. And the reason may be the uncertain fate of the automaker.

Henrik Fisker is a car designer from Denmark. He started the ā€œFisker Coachbuildā€ design firm near LA in 2005. Then he founded ā€œFisker Automotiveā€ in 2007 to build luxury PHEVs. But business wasnā€™t great and in 2014 he sold the company (but not the name) to Chinese investors and it became ā€œKarma.ā€

In 2016, Henrik Fisker tried again with ā€œFisker Inc.ā€ He began to deliver the ā€œOceanā€ all-electric crossover in mid 2023. But the company has ceased production and is trying to raise the funds it needs to get going again. Iā€™d say 50/50 chances bankruptcy is next.

Rear of a crossover EV built by Fisker Automotive
Fisker Ocean | Fisker

In late January 2024, Edmunds took delivery of a loaded Fisker Ocean. The car cost them $69,000 and was intended as a longterm test vehicle to see if the startup knew what it was doing. But two months later, buying a Fisker is a riskier venture. Who wants a car with no dealer network because its maker has folded? Also, Fisker is slashing the price of new cars. So Carmax appraised the two-month and 4,220-mile Ocean at $21,000. Ouch.

After two months of driving the crossover, Edmunds has reviewed the vehicles as ā€œincomplete.ā€ It is still missing a ton of different software features that Fisker promised. And with bankruptcy looming, it is doubtful owners will ever get these features. So even with new Fisker prices slashed to $24,000, Edmunds recommends its readers pass on the deal.

Next, read more about why the prices of used electric vehicles are freefalling, or see Edmundsā€™ reviewers and their Fisker Ocean for yourself in the video below: