Abandoned EVs Highlight Urgent Gaps in the UK’s Vehicle Recycling System
The sight of Fisker Ocean cars abandoned on public roads in Nottingham has sent shockwaves through the UK’s motoring and environmental communities. These high-end electric SUVs - once hailed as stylish rivals to Tesla - have become stranded assets, left decaying at the kerbside after their manufacturer collapsed.
In June 2024, American EV brand Fisker filed for bankruptcy, leaving hundreds of Ocean models without support, servicing, or a clear future. For vehicle recyclers and councils alike, the issue now is clear: what happens when electric vehicles are abandoned en masse?
Important Note on EV Collection: Not All Vehicles Can Be Recovered
While Remove My Car is committed to helping customers responsibly dispose of electric vehicles, it's important to understand that we cannot guarantee collection of all EVs, especially those that are completely immobilised.
Many modern electric cars, including the Fisker Ocean, feature electronic parking brakes that automatically engage when the vehicle loses power. If an EV’s battery is fully dead, this brake often remains locked in place, making the vehicle impossible to move with standard recovery equipment.
If your electric vehicle cannot be moved due to a stuck handbrake or lack of power, please contact Remove My Car to discuss possible solutions or alternative ways we can help.
Why Are Fisker Ocean Cars Being Abandoned?
A Nottingham-based dealership holding a batch of nine Fisker Ocean cars abandoned them roadside, claiming it could no longer legally sell or store the vehicles. Local news confirmed the dealership had informed liquidators and issued a seven-day notice for collection - yet weeks later, the cars remained unmoved.
While these nine vehicles have gained attention, they’re just a fraction of the 419 Fisker Ocean SUVs registered in the UK before the company’s demise. With no spare parts supply and no official support network, even privately owned vehicles could soon face the same fate: unusable, unrepairable, and ultimately abandoned.
The Growing Challenge of Scrapping EVs in the UK
At Remove My Car, we specialise in the legal and environmentally responsible disposal of vehicles, including electric and hybrid models. But scrapping EVs like the Ocean is far more complex than dismantling a conventional petrol or diesel car.
Here’s why:
Battery hazards: EV batteries require specialist handling due to fire and environmental risks.
Software limitations: Some vehicles rely on over-the-air updates that are now no longer available.
Part shortages: With Fisker out of business, spare parts may never be manufactured again.
Limited infrastructure: The UK’s EV scrapping and recycling systems are still in early stages of development.
If we don’t scale up these capabilities quickly, stories like the Fisker Ocean cars abandoned on our roads could become far more common as the EV market grows - and contracts.
What Should You Do If You Own a Defunct EV?
Whether you’re a Fisker owner or you’ve got another electric vehicle that’s lost manufacturer support, you still have options:
Avoid abandoning your EV - This could lead to penalties or seizure by the council.
Do not dismantle it yourself - Batteries and internal systems can be dangerous without proper training.
Speak to a licensed recycling provider - At Remove My Car, we provide expert advice and operate a nationwide service for scrapping vehicles. However, please be aware that collection and recycling of EVs are not guaranteed in every case.
We ensure that all vehicle disposals comply with UK environmental regulations, even in complex cases like unsupported or orphaned electric vehicles.
Are More Fisker Ocean Cars Abandoned on the Way?
With hundreds of Oceans already delivered to UK buyers, there’s growing concern that more owners will be forced to give up their vehicles. If repairs become impossible due to parts shortages or lack of software updates, Fisker Ocean cars abandoned could become a familiar scene across the country.
This isn’t just a one-off incident - it’s a sign of what's to come if we don’t address the end-of-life pathway for EVs.
The Bottom Line
From failed brakes to vanished support teams, Fisker Ocean owners have faced more than their fair share of problems. But for UK infrastructure, the real problem is just beginning. If the UK doesn’t prepare for the safe scrapping of electric vehicles, we risk a growing pile of abandoned tech that’s expensive, hazardous, and difficult to manage.
The case of the Fisker Ocean cars abandoned in Nottingham is a timely reminder: sustainable motoring doesn't end at purchase - it depends on what happens when the car’s life is over.
If you’re wondering whether your car still holds any value before scrapping, take a look at our guide on what affects the value of your vehicle.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you're looking to responsibly scrap your electric vehicle, contact the Remove My Car team today. Our team is here to guide you through the process and help determine whether collection is possible in your area. With EV disposal becoming more complex, it’s essential to act early and make informed decisions — before your car ends up on the side of the road.
Image credit: "2023 Fisker Ocean 1" by Alexander Migl is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: Wikimedia Commons