Fisker, the struggling electric vehicle startup, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy amid mounting financial woes and production challenges. The company, known for its Fisker Ocean electric SUV, had previously warned of a potential collapse due to insufficient funds to survive another year, reports CNN.

En un comunicado, un portavoz de Fisker reconoció las dificultades a las que se enfrenta la empresa, afirmando: "Al igual que otras empresas del sector de los vehículos eléctricos, nos hemos enfrentado a diversos vientos en contra del mercado y macroeconómicos que han afectado a nuestra capacidad para operar de forma eficiente."

Problemas de producción y calidad en el SUV Fisker Ocean

Fisker’s sole product, the Ocean electric SUV, has been plagued by production delays and quality problems. In 2023, only about half of the approximately 10,000 SUVs manufactured were delivered to customers. The vehicle also received scathing reviews, with popular YouTuber Marques Brownlee advising viewers not to buy the current version of the Fisker Ocean in a video that garnered 5.7 million views.

CEO Henrik Fisker admitted to the Ocean’s quality issues in an interview with Automotive News, blaming software incompatibility from different suppliers. He claimed that updates were being implemented to address these problems.

Competencia feroz y vientos en contra en el sector

Since its establishment in 2016, Fisker has faced increasing competition from established automakers entering the electric SUV market. Companies like Hyundai, Kia, Ford, and General Motors now offer similar vehicles without the risks associated with a startup. Additionally, China’s BYD has emerged as a formidable challenger to Tesla in the global EV market.

The electric vehicle industry as a whole is experiencing slower growth. The International Energy Agency forecasts a 21% rise in worldwide plug-in vehicle sales for 2024, down from the 35% increase seen in 2023. Factors such as higher prices compared to conventional cars and insufficient public charging infrastructure are hindering faster adoption in the United States and Europe.

Fisker busca la venta de activos y conversaciones con los agentes financieros

Fisker ha optado por la vía de la quiebra del Capítulo 11, que permite a las empresas reorganizarse y resolver sus problemas financieros. La empresa se encuentra actualmente en "conversaciones avanzadas con partes financieras interesadas" sobre la venta de sus activos. Las conversaciones previas con un importante fabricante de automóviles para un posible rescate no llegaron a buen puerto.

EVXL’s Take

La declaración de quiebra de Fisker es un claro recordatorio de los retos a los que se enfrentan las nuevas empresas de vehículos eléctricos en un mercado en rápida evolución y cada vez más competitivo. Aunque la revolución del vehículo eléctrico sigue cobrando impulso, no todos los actores sobrevivirán al viaje. Los fabricantes de automóviles consolidados con grandes bolsillos y economías de escala tienen una ventaja significativa sobre los recién llegados como Fisker.

As the industry matures, consolidation and partnerships may become more common. Startups will need to differentiate themselves through innovative technologies, superior customer experiences, and efficient production processes to stand a chance against the giants of the automotive world. Fisker’s downfall underscores the importance of execution and the need for a robust business model in the face of market headwinds and fierce competition.

Foto cortesía de Fisker.