Posted 05.04.2012 at 2:12 pm
9 Comments
Fisker Karma Plug-in Hybrid
Courtesy Fisker Automotive
At the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, the start-up Fisker Automotive unveiled its Karma concept , a high-end plug-in hybrid the company would use to challenge Tesla Motors. Cofounder Henrik Fisker said the Karma would go on sale in late 2009. Then the recession, a switch in battery suppliers and other delays kept Fisker from shipping the first trickle of cars until late last year. This spring, we got one of the first test drives.
THE TEST
We drove two Karmas on two coasts, along winding roads in California and in stop-and-go Manhattan traffic. We covered more than 70 miles, in both all-electric Stealth mode and Sport mode, which blends engine and battery power for maximum acceleration.
THE RESULTS
Even in New York and Los Angeles, where exotic cars are a common sight, the Karma drew stares. In Sport mode, the Karma performs well, running from 0 to 60 in a brisk 6.3 seconds. But Fisker prioritized design over comfort and efficiency. The Karma has only slightly more interior room than a Ford Focus; the low roofline is largely to blame. At 5,300 pounds, the car is also heavy. As a result, the Karma is substantially less efficient than the Chevrolet Volt, which uses a similar plug-in powertrain. In all-electric mode, the Fisker’s 22-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery provides 32 miles of range. The Volt wrings an EPA-rated 35 miles from its much smaller 16-kilowatt-hour battery. Like the Volt, the Karma has a gas engine that kicks in once the battery is depleted—but then fuel economy drops to 20 mpg.
Fisker Karma Plug-in Hybrid Dashboard: Courtesy Fisker Automotive
2012 FISKER KARMA
Price $103,000 (base)
Powertrain Plug-in hybrid
Fuel Economy 52-mpg equivalent (EV and hybrid modes combined)
Solar Roof Photovoltaic solar cells cover almost the entire roof, generating power used mainly to cool the car’s interior.
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Thanks, Popsci! I like the info on range and economy. The EPA mpg-equivalent is a totally worthless number. It is much more helpful to have miles-per-kwh (electric mode) and mpg (gasoline mode) as separate values.
I am curious about the supplemental power provided by the solar cells. I don't see how they could do much more than run some fans to blow air around the interior. When you turn on the A/C compressor what does that do to your fuel efficiency?
Love this car! Got to get one!
Very interesting article! The Fisker Karma is a beautiful looking car and reminds me of the Tesla Roadster (although the Roadster has only an electric motor). Unfortunately both automobiles come with a high price-tag, but I anticipate electric automobiles (including hybrids) to decrease in price and increase in prevalance over the next several decades.
In my upcoming book "Rush: Science and Technology in our Acceleration Age," I write about several trends in science and technology in the next several decades. Ultimately I think the greatest emphasis is going to be on developing viable hydrogen fuel cells. But this capability probably will not become ubiquitous for another several decades at least, so expect more electric and electric-hybrid automobiles in the next decade or two.
Fascinating stuff. Thanks John!
Thanks for the article -
I'm surprised how bad the performance is. It's 0-60 is only %25 faster than my Honda CR-Z, and I get 41 MPG in that, and spent 1/5 as much money.
If you have enough money for this car, I imagine you probably already own a car with a gas engine, so the Tesla seems like a no-brainer to me, since the performance is much better.
It's amazing to me how much I hear about the Fisker Karma when it is Slower, more expensive, less effecient, and has less room than the Tesla Model S.
Check out what Consumer Reports had to say about it: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/03/consumer-reports-fisker-karma-breaks/1
The middle class and lower will not buy this car.
The rich will buy this car and make the statement they are helping the world to be more efficient so they do not feel guilty they bought an exotic, cool looking expensive bling bling car.
Then end.
..........................................
See life in all its beautiful colors, and
from different perspectives too!
That car is so cool!!!! It's my dream ride!!!! I first need to get $103,000 lol