The Fisker Karma has been a long time coming but now it has taken a step closer to becoming a mainstream reality after Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies received a $30million purchase order for key components and subsystems relating to its Q-Drive powertrain systems for the vehicle.
Thanks to the order, Quantum will supply components and systems to support early vehicle builds before ramping up production volumes in 2011.
The Fisker Karma powertrain.
Fisker Automotive was actually co-founded by Quantum and Fisker Coachbuild. Production of the plug-in hybrid Karma was boosted by a Department of Energy loan for $528.7million in April 2010 which is to be put towards both the Karma, which is a four-door saloon sports car, and a line of family-orientated models under the Project Nina programme.
As for the Q-Drive itself, it uses a mid-mounted 20kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery pack and is capable of delivering peak power of 200kW through charge-depleting range of operation. Fisker entered into a multi-year battery supply agreement with A123Systems for the Karma programme earlier this year.
Quantum’s proprietary controls software is loaded into a high capacity vehicle control unit and handles real time control of multiple powertrain systems such as: regenerative braking with ABS communication; stability/traction control; engine/generator power delivery; vehicle auxiliary systems; and power management between battery and on-board power generation and on-board diagnostics. It is complemented by a solar photovoltaic roof module that generates renewable electricity and further reduces CO2 emissions while improving fuel economy.
All of this helps the Fisker Karma to some impressive figures. It has a top speed of 125mph; can accelerate from 0-60mph in 5.8seconds; and has peak torque of 1,300Nm.
