Fisker improves powertrain software via OTA update
The update will be available to owners everywhere in North America and Europe, where Fisker vehicles are available. Fisker itself only refers to Ocean OS 2.0 as an update. However, based on the usual version designation, the 2.0 version of an operating system (OS for short) is a bigger deal. Fisker only released version 1.11 in December 2023.
The performance improvements are not precisely quantified in the announcement – no new range data is communicated either, even if the improved energy management should lead to lower power consumption. For a new WLTP range, however, the vehicle would have to go through the entire homologation process again – an effort manufacturers usually do not make for a software update. The detailed improvements include a reduction in the loss of charge status during parking, improved heating and cooling performance in “Earth Mode,” the response behaviour of the key has been optimised, and the accuracy of the trip odometer and the measurement of energy consumption has been improved, according to Fisker.
The new functions of the Ocean OS 2.0 include a modified power distribution between the front and rear axles in the all-wheel drive models (One, Extreme and Ultra). Instead of 50:50, there is now a slightly rear-heavy distribution of 45:55. “This update improves traction and handling performance, making the Ocean even more sporty and dynamic in both Fun and Hyper drive modes,” the company writes. The solar cells in the roof called SolarSky, available in the One and Extreme versions, now have their own display in the “Charging/Energy” menu to show how much solar energy is being supplied to the vehicle. Stability control in trailer mode has also been improved to prevent the trailer from swaying.
Other functions, such as the Automatic Vehicle Hold (AVH) function, have been revised based on customer feedback, as Fisker writes. Further OTA updates will be released this year, with a gradual rollout also announced. Incidentally, with Ocean OS 2.0, OTA updates can also be installed while the car is connected to a charging station – the charging process is paused for the duration of the update.
“Our over-the-air software update strategy has shown the Fisker Ocean is a true connected car. Ocean OS 2.0 is a progressive update that demonstrates we can adapt and improve performance, energy management, and other key features in the Ocean, “says Chairman and CEO Henrik Fisker. “We’ll continue to activate new features on a regular cadence, use driver feedback to fix software bugs and improve features, and keep delivering on the promise to make your Ocean smarter, more capable, and perform better over the lifetime of the vehicle. “
Although the company has just reached the production target of 10,000 Ocean for 2023, this target had been adjusted several times. Initially, over 42,000 units were planned for 2023. However, only 4,700 of the 10,000 vehicles built were delivered to customers, so Fisker wants to abandon its direct sales strategy this year and cooperate more with dealers.
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