It looks like everyone’s favorite quirky EV startup, Fisker, is doing everything it can to become food for the fish. Bankruptcy is knocking on its door, and those of you who bought the Fisker Ocean might find yourself in trouble should Fisker sink below the waves. Never mind looking for spare parts — the software is the big problem here.

Software Is The Heart And Soul

Ocean, like any other modern car, is a rolling computer. All of its bells and whistles run on software, all those fancy tricks it can pull off – rotating screen, dog-friendly rear windows, sliding solar roof. Emergency braking, lane departure, and self-parking are all lines of code and are the lifeblood of modern EVs.

Back in the day, cars could run with busted radios, and no working wipers were required to start an engine. But if your Fisker Ocean goes a bit wonky, catches a cold, and throws a tantrum – you may be dead in the water. That’s annoying when the company who made your car is up and running. But what happens if Fisker bites the dust? Who’s going to fix it?

Bankruptcy Blues

Unfortunately for all Fisker fans, the company has been burning through cash faster than it could count it. First were the production pauses, followed by the stock taking a deep dive – you’ve seen it all unfold. Many industry experts reckon bankruptcy is practically written in the stars, even Mr. Fisker himself warned all employees the dreaded B-word is highly likely.

There is a slim thread of hope that Fisker may survive this storm. Apparently, as many as four other automakers are looking at buying what’s left of the EV startup. But knowing Fisker’s track record, it is better to be prepared for the worst while at the same time hoping for the best. For now, the future of the Fisker Ocean looks as bright as the bottom of Marianas Trench.

The Dreaded Brick

Unfortunately for Fisker Ocean owners, software updates and fixes will stop once the company goes down. While some tech-savvy individuals might be able to keep the fleet of Ocean EVs running for a bit, eventually, that help will fizzle out. There weren’t enough Oceans sold to warrant an external company to step in and take over the maintenance. Your prized Fisker Ocean will become a costly garden ornament.

Electric vehicles are the future — they are unquestionably cool — but they rely on software to run. Now, that is probably the biggest risk. If you bought a Fisker Ocean, you are an early adopter, an EV pioneer. With that territory comes a very bumpy road. Hopefully, someone steps up and saves the Fisker. The Ocean was, and still is, a breath of fresh air that the fast-growing EV world needed so much.