More than 11,200 Fisker Ocean electric SUVs, produced before the automaker’s bankruptcy in 2024, were built with hardware capable of supporting hands-free driving—a feature Fisker never activated. Now, Comma AI, a U.S.-based developer of aftermarket driver-assistance systems, is testing an open-source solution to deliver the missing functionality.
Hardware Installed, Software Never Delivered
Fisker assembled all 11,200 Ocean EVs at Magna’s facility in Austria with the necessary sensors and computing hardware for hands-free driving. The company promoted the feature during the vehicle’s launch but filed for bankruptcy before finalizing or releasing the required software. Of the total production, approximately 3,200 units were sold to American Lease for use as rideshare vehicles in New York, while the remainder reached private owners.
Comma AI’s Aftermarket Solution
Comma AI, known for its $999 Comma Four device that enables advanced driver-assistance features in over 300 vehicle models, has begun testing an open-source solution for the Fisker Ocean. In a recent demonstration, reverse-engineering specialist Majd Srour shared footage of an Ocean navigating city streets without driver input on the steering wheel. However, the system remains in early development: while it can control steering, it does not yet support automatic acceleration or braking, and the software is not publicly available.
The Comma Four device bypasses the Ocean’s factory-installed ADAS sensors, instead relying on a custom windshield-mounted unit equipped with a triple-camera array, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 MAX chip, a 3D accelerometer, a 3D gyroscope, high-precision GPS, and a microphone. The device connects to the vehicle’s CAN network, allowing it to manage steering, acceleration, and braking based on real-time visual data—a setup similar to Tesla’s approach to autonomous driving.
Current Capabilities and Risks
Comma AI claims its system can provide automated lane centering, adaptive cruise control, lane change assist, and driver monitoring for vehicles lacking factory support. However, the Fisker Ocean solution is still incomplete. The software exists only in a private development branch, and the device currently supports steering control alone. Owners interested in the feature would need to purchase the Comma Four, adding to the financial strain many have already experienced due to out-of-pocket repairs.
The use of third-party hardware introduces potential risks, including warranty voids, long-term support uncertainties, and safety concerns. Unlike factory-installed ADAS, which undergoes extensive testing, aftermarket systems operate outside the original manufacturer’s oversight. Comma AI has not announced a timeline for the public release of the Fisker Ocean-compatible software or addressed possible technical limitations.
Impact on Fisker Ocean Owners
The Fisker Ocean’s history has been marred by reliability issues and unfulfilled promises, including the hands-free driving feature. YouTube creator Rich Rebuilds highlighted the financial challenges faced by owners, with one describing their vehicle as “a gift that could lead to financial ruin.” Independent repair shops, such as a Bronx-based facility, have stepped in to service the vehicles abandoned by Fisker’s collapse.
For the 3,200 Ocean EVs operating in New York’s rideshare fleet, the Comma AI solution could enhance safety and usability. However, the $999 cost may deter some operators, particularly those already burdened by maintenance expenses. The broader community of Fisker Ocean owners—many of whom purchased the vehicle based on its advertised capabilities—now faces a dilemma: invest in an unproven aftermarket system or forgo a feature that was central to the vehicle’s appeal.
As of July 2026, Comma AI’s testing represents the first tangible progress toward enabling hands-free driving on the Fisker Ocean. Whether the solution will achieve full functionality or gain widespread adoption among owners remains unclear.
