Fisker Ocean Extreme beats out Tesla Model Y for EPA range estimate but lags in efficiency

Fisker has officially announced the EPA range estimate for its much-anticipated Ocean Extreme all-electric SUV, coming in at an impressive 360 miles. Across the pond, the same vehicle achieved a WLTP rating of 440 miles in the UK, while Fisker's previous estimates for the US-bound Ocean Extreme put the range at around 350 miles.

For comparison, Tesla's Model Y crossover SUV — the closest comparison in Tesla's line-up — tops out at 330 miles of EPA range in the dual-motor AWD trim. The Model X is closer, with 348 miles of range, but it's a fair bit larger than the Ocean. The Fisker Ocean Extreme has a battery capacity of 113 kWh, while the Model Y's long-range battery is reported as 81 kWh. Thus, the Ocean Extreme comes with 39.5% more battery capacity, although it only delivers around 9% more range from that larger battery.

This efficiency gap might not seem like a huge deal, but a larger battery means that the Fisker Ocean Extreme will almost certainly take longer to charge — especially on an AC charger — meaning longer stops on long trips and the potential to leave home every morning with a battery at less than 100%, despite overnight charging. This efficiency issue seems to be a theme among the larger, less efficient electric SUVs on the market, with a Rivian R1T owner recently reporting similar complaints in a long-term review.

The Fisker Ocean Extreme SUV is powered by a dual-motor AWD system similar to the power train in the Tesla Model Y, so it's unclear why the Ocean Extreme would be less efficient than the Model Y, apart from an aerodynamics advantage in the Model Y. The Fisker does have a quicker 0-60 mph time of just 3.6 seconds, compared to the Long Range Model Y AWD's 4.8 seconds, indicating more powerful motors.

Either way, despite Fisker's impressive range numbers, the Ocean doesn't seem to be targeted at the same market, with much of the language surrounding the Fisker having to do with the emotions and exhilaration of driving, rather than the tech-focussed approach Tesla takes. Fisker has even announced an off-road-ready Force-E package for the Ocean Extreme that aims to take advantage of the high power output and granular control of the electric drive train for off-roading.

The Fisker Ocean Extreme is set to release in late 2023 with an expected price of US$68,999, putting it somewhere between the Tesla Model Y and Model X and slightly below than the Rivian R1S.

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