Carnifornication

“The world doesn’t need more new cars. There are already too many of them. What the world needs are special cars. And these cars need to be especially sustainable.” These words were spoken by Henrik Fisker at the recent presentation of his new electric SUV, the Fisker Ocean. And naturally the first reaction to something like that is to think: Well, obviously . . . what else would the CEO and chief designer say about his own car?

Of course, sustainability is the overriding theme of this electric car. And Henrik Fisker doesn’t tire of pointing this out as he drives his sunsoaked Fisker Ocean along the Pacific Coast Highway towards VeniceBeach. He can effortlessly provide facts, figures and data on how sustainability and CO2 savings play a role in this car. “We used more than 50 kilograms of recycled and bio-based materials in the interior alone, around 200 kilograms in all,” says the Danish-born automotive designer and entrepreneur as he parks the electric car in a parking lot by the beach. He then explains that the Ocean was subjected to its own life cycle assessment, that the sustainable tires were specially developed by Bridgestone, that the car is being manufactured by Magna in Austria because the factory near Graz is powered entirely by renewable energy. “The whole team takes the topic of sustainability seriously in every decision we make,” says Fisker. Though he does admit there’s room for improvement. The ambitious goal is for Fisker to manufacture an EV that is completely carbon-neutral by 2027. So it’s fair to say that the Fisker Ocean is green conscience on wheels. That fits in well with the fact that Fisker’s headquarters are located in California, the most environmentally conscious state in America.

California certainly is important. Very important, in fact. According to Fisker, the company identifies with the California way of life. “We’re optimists, we’re sustainable, we’re surfers,” is how the sixty-one-year-old describes his corporate philosophy. Which, there’s no other way to put it, is also the vehicle philosophy. So it’s not surprising that the Fisker Ocean has a California Mode, where all eight glass panels open at the touch of a button – including the rear liftgate and SolarSky roof, which in the Extreme trim option features solar cells that generate electricity while driving. “Just a few seconds, and you’ve got a convertible,” says Fisker proudly. “You can even load a surfboard through the open rear window.” More Californication is probably not possible. Let’s just call it “carnifornication”.

While Henrik Fisker is leaning against the Ocean looking out over the ocean, you can’t help but wonder how the famous Danish-born designer, who in the 1990s created the BMW Z07 Concept (the basis for the later Z8) and later the DB9 and the V8 Vantage for Aston Martin, suddenly became one of the biggest advocates for sustainability in the car industry. “I like to create new things and I want to contribute to a cleaner world.” With regard to the Fisker Ocean, that means not only putting together a package that is as sustainable as possible, but above all desirable.

In terms of desirability, the design definitely plays a part. The Ocean has an edgy, self-confident look about it and is finely proportioned despite its apparent size. “The car is like a sculpture that builds up around the fender. It’s the same with sports cars,” explains Fisker. “Design is always something special. Why is that? Because there’s no formula for good design. If there was, everyone would get it right.” Whether Henrik Fisker has done everything right with the Ocean remains to be seen. But at least, as he says himself, he has achieved part of his life’s goal: “To build the most emotional and sustainable car in the world.”