As reported by Electrek, following the bankruptcy of American electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Fisker, around 11,000 Ocean SUV owners globally were left without official technical support and after-sales services. In response, approximately 4,000 of these owners took matters into their own hands, spontaneously forming the non-profit Fisker Owners Association (FOA). Through reverse engineering efforts, they successfully cracked the vehicle's software system and Controller Area Network (CAN) bus communication protocols. This breakthrough enabled them to develop third-party software alternatives to the original factory's cloud services, facilitating independent software updates and feature enhancements.

In parallel, members of the FOA took proactive steps to ensure the continued maintenance and operation of their vehicles. They established an independent parts supply chain by leveraging crowdfunding initiatives and global sourcing strategies. To provide on-the-ground support, they launched the 'Flying Doctors' mobile repair program in Europe, offering convenient and accessible vehicle maintenance services. In the United States, they advocated for the inclusion of safety recalls in the bankruptcy proceedings and successfully secured continued insurance coverage from providers, ensuring peace of mind for owners.

The FOA now proudly claims to be the world's first fully owner-controlled open-source electric vehicle fleet, setting a precedent for vehicle ownership and customization in the EV era.