The Fisker Ocean is being repurposed as a ride-sharing vehicle in New York City. Discover the workshop that manages the biggest collection of these vehicles around.
These are among the most cutting-edge vehicles on the streets today, yet they originate from an unassuming old brick structure located off a quiet side street in the Bronx. Fisker Oceans proceed with getting serviced to become part of New York City’s for-hire vehicle fleet.
In 2024, when the electric vehicle company Fisker faced bankruptcy, an aircraft leasing company named American Lease noticed a chance to cater to the ridesharing industry as it swiftly transitions towards electric vehicles. The firm acquired the leftover fleet of its cars, approximately 3,000 Ocean SUVs.
Fisker Ocean BHP Service Centre
American Lease invested approximately $42.5 million to acquire vehicles at a market price of roughly $13,000 per unit, based on bankruptcy records. The company subsequently leases these cars to Uber and Lyft drivers starting from just $399 monthly. At this very moment, those leased vehicles could be seen ferrying passengers across New York City.
However, the existence of a taxi in New York City comes with challenges, including potholes, harsh road conditions, and careless drivers posing potential calamity at each juncture. So, where do these Fiskers end up for repairs when issues arise? It certainly won't be Fisker; the company has ceased operations. Rather, assistance can be found nearby at the BHP Service Center just beside American Lease’s Hunts Point warehouse.
Fisker Ocean BHP Service Centre
In 2023, the city established targets similar to those of Uber and Lyft: By 2030, all rides must either be electric vehicles (EVs) or accessible to wheelchairs. This transition has started already, resulting in an increased number of such ride-sharing options. Toyota bZ4Xs , such as Tesla Model 3s and others. BHP is staying current with this trend by managing these Fisker vehicles.
"I'm fortunate to have the opportunity to work with American Lease," says shop owner Ronen, known as Roni to everyone. With 25 years of experience in the field, he has witnessed significant changes in New York City’s taxi fleet. Hearing "Nissan NV200 'Taxi of Tomorrow'" mentioned makes him wince; instead, he nostalgically recalls the Ford Crown Victoria, which ceased production back in 2012 and was banned from legal taxi operations seven years after that. Although the Fisker cars provided by American Lease are still fresh additions for BHP, they're quickly becoming standard fixtures.
Fisker Ocean BHP Service Centre
Right now, just a handful of racks at BHP contain parts for Fiskers. Most are designated for Highlanders, Priuses, and various other Toyota models. Return after a year, Roni informs me, and this location will exclusively stock Fiskers. According to Roni, they have begun hiring experts to manage the growing demand for electric vehicles.
He has begun preparing for their expected problems and minor collisions. American Lease stated in June 2024 that they would be acquiring Fisker’s stock, but the rollout of these vehicles into the streets of New York City is happening gradually. This is still an initial phase, so I'm taken aback to find damaged and battered Oceans lined up along the side lot beside BHP’s main entrance.
Fisker Ocean BHP Service Centre
There’s no reason for concern, according to Roni. The Oceans were not damaged by Uber drivers; he purchased them in that condition specifically to use as donor vehicles. These cars are designated for salvage, with their panels and components removed so that American Lease’s other Ocean models can continue operating on the roads.
BHP has also acquired spare parts directly from Fisker and has started producing components independently. This encompasses manufacturing molds for body panels and parts such as bumpers, despite Ronen still having fresh spares available in his workshop and an additional storage facility. Currently, he possesses inventory, yet he is prepared for the moment when American Lease’s vehicle fleet begins experiencing routine problems and minor collisions.
Fisker Ocean BHP Service Centre
There haven't been any incidents so far," states Roni, who owns BHP Service Center, located in an industrial area of the Bronx. "Thank God.
Despite this, certain components remain a challenge when handling these abandoned cars. He feels compelled to guarantee zero downtime for American Lease’s vehicle fleet and aims to maintain sufficient inventory before more of their Oceans start circulating. "Individual car owners have requested parts from me, but I've had to refuse," Roni states. The priority remains American Lease.
It's charming to observe how ordinary these Fisker vehicles appear as they come and go from within BHP’s brick structure. This scene seems quite distant from the shiny setting of the Los Angeles Convention Center, where the Ocean was first unveiled back in 2021.
However, if this scenario was meant to depict an inspiring outlook on electric vehicles as the next big thing, then here lies their current state. The reality unfolds in a modest garage located in the Bronx, where some of the most sophisticated electric cars on Earth receive maintenance and care, extending their lives far beyond what anyone might have anticipated.
Raphael Orlove is a freelance writer and editor, whose writing has likely crossed your path before. Defector, Road & Track , and Jalopnik He vividly recalls visiting the California Fuel Cell Partnership during his middle school years, and he even took the time to educate a Tesla engineer about the appropriate size for the Model S at a gathering.
More Fisker News
- The Major Gainers and Sufferers in the Electric Vehicle Competition for 2024
- Fisker, the bankrupt automaker, sold more electric vehicles than Volkswagen in October.
- Fisker Ocean Owner Review: From $69,012 Down to $13,500 in One Year
- Fisker Ocean One-Year Owner Review: Impressive Performance at 11,000 Miles
- Fisker Ocean Recall Expenses to be borne by the automaker, judge decides
- Fisker Ocean electric vehicles will stay connected via the cloud after all.