New York City Uses $45M Dead Carmaker EV Fleet in Ride-Hailing

New York City has become the primary hub for the Fisker Ocean, a luxury electric SUV from the now-bankrupt EV startup Fisker Inc., whose unsold fleet of about 2,800 vehicles was acquired by American Lease to be used in ride-hailing services. Despite its sleek design and unique features like a solar roof, the Ocean has suffered from numerous safety and software issues, including sudden power loss, braking problems, and gear shifts, which contributed to Fisker's bankruptcy in 2024. American Lease, the city's largest fleet operator, purchased these vehicles at a steep discount, paying roughly $16,000 per car, far below their original retail price of $70,000. This move supports New York's Green Rides Initiative, which aims to mandate zero-emission or wheelchair-accessible rides by 2030, though the decision to buy the glitch-prone cars was made hastily and has resulted in operational challenges. Meanwhile, other EV infrastructure efforts like microgrid projects in Maryland demonstrate alternative approaches to sustainable transportation, highlighting the evolving landscape of EV deployment amid shifting federal support. The continued use of Fisker Oceans in NYC's ride-hailing fleets underscores both the risks and opportunities in adopting electric vehicles from struggling manufacturers.