Summary
- A non-running Fisker Ocean was purchased for $10,000 despite having only 300 miles on the odometer
- The car had issues due to depleted batteries and software problems were rushed to market
- Rich Rebuilds on YouTube documented the process of getting the Fisker Ocean running again
- The challenge included replacing a faulty charge port sensor and updating the software
- The car also needs new parts for hardware-related recalls and a potentially costly visit to a service center.
Article
How Rich Rebuilds Revived a $10,000 Fisker Ocean
Rich Benoit, known as Rich Rebuilds on YouTube, recently purchased a non-running Fisker Ocean for $10,000. This electric vehicle had just 300 miles on the clock but both batteries depleted, making it unusable. The Fisker Ocean was a promising electric vehicle with good range but had unfinished software and was rushed to the market, leading many reviewers to warn against buying it at its original price of over $60,000. The company’s bankruptcy further decreased the car’s value, making it a tempting purchase for those willing to put in the work to revive it.
The Fisker Ocean Benoit purchased was a blue model that had been traded in at a dealer after the owner became frustrated with it after just 300 miles. The high-voltage battery had depleted from sitting in the parking lot for too long, causing the 12-volt battery to also lose its charge. Although a technician from Fisker was sent out to revive the EV, he was fired over the phone during the process, leaving the car still inoperable. Benoit managed to get his hands on the non-running Fisker Ocean at a significantly reduced price, setting out to bring the car back to life.
To get the non-running Fisker Ocean back on the road, Benoit first had to charge the low-voltage battery and then replace a faulty charge port sensor that had corrosion inside. This allowed the high-voltage battery to accept a charge, but there were still software updates needed as well as hardware recalls for the door handles and cabin electric water pump. These recalls would require new parts and potentially expensive repairs at a service center. Despite the challenges, Benoit’s efforts demonstrate the potential to breathe new life into a discounted electric vehicle with some technical know-how and perseverance.
Although the Fisker Ocean faced initial setbacks due to rushed production and unfinished software, the opportunity to purchase a non-running model at a fraction of its original cost shows that there is still value in these electric vehicles. Through Rich Rebuilds’ experience in reviving the dead EV, it’s clear that with determination and the right resources, even a car with significant issues can be brought back to working condition. The story of the $10,000 Fisker Ocean highlights the potential for affordable electric vehicles on the market, particularly for those willing to take on the challenge of repairs and upgrades.
The revival of the $10,000 Fisker Ocean serves as a testament to the resilience of electric vehicles and the dedication of owners like Rich Benoit to keep these cars on the road. Despite the challenges of dealing with bankrupt automakers and outdated software, the opportunity to bring a discounted electric vehicle back to life can be a rewarding experience for those who are passionate about sustainability and innovation in the automotive industry. With proper resources and expertise, even a non-functional EV can be transformed into a reliable and efficient mode of transportation, showcasing the potential for affordable electric vehicles in the market.
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