18 March 2010

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Fisker Karma – electric cars

When a company promises to ‘change the face of the automotive landscape’ you could be excused for raising an eyebrow and thinking that you’ve heard it all before. However, with the Fisker Karma, the world’s first plug-in hybrid, the Fisker Automotive Company may just be able to back up its promotion.

Quick links:

History of the Fisker Karma
Environmental credentials of the Fisker Karma
Fisker Karma statistics
Future of the Fisker Karma

History of the Fisker Karma

The Fisker Automotive Company was formed as a joint venture between Fisker Coachbuild and Quantum Technologies. All of its models will feature plug-in hybrid technology that has been dubbed “Quantum Drive”. The first of its vehicles to be introduced to a mass audience was the Fisker Karma, which made its debut at the North American International Auto Show in January, 2008.

The Karma features Q-drive technology powered by plug-in hybrid petrol/electric motors. Drivers can drive the car for up to 50 miles emission free when it is fully charged and after the charged batteries deplete, the Karma converts to its hybrid engine switching between petroleum and electric power. There is even an optional solar panel that can be mounted on to the roof and will give buyers the option of charging the car without relying on the grid.

Fisker Karma image

Fisker estimates that this will produce massive fuel efficiency savings – and, as long as the driver does not travel more than 50 miles a day, they will only have to refill the fuel tank once a year.

Environmental credentials of the Fisker Karma

The Fisker Karma can be seen as both an electric car and a hybrid car – as a plug-in hybrid capable of travelling 50 miles before reverting to the petroleum engine, many users will be able to drive the car without directly producing any emissions. However, as with any electric powered car there is the issue of where the power is sourced from – the more renewable sources that are used, the better for the environment. However, Fisker has attempted to address this issue by offering solar panels as an alternative to powering the vehicle.

What the Fisker Karma offers that solely electric cars currently do not, is the ability to achieve exceptional speeds and high performance – it is estimated that the Fisker Karma can race from 0-60mph in just 5.8 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 125mph.

In addition, it should hold wider appeal than most traditional green cars. Drivers do not have to be fearful about the battery charge running low and there being nowhere to recharge the vehicle because the petroleum acts as a constant back-up. As such it may appeal to drivers who travel longer distances and may tap into the consumer base of traditional hybrid cars.

It is not yet clear which category the Fisker Karma will fit into with regard to vehicle excise duty, or whether it will be exempt from the London Congestion Charge. However, for such a high-performance vehicle, buyers can rest assured that its charges will be comparatively low.

Fisker Karma statistics

Here are some crucial statistics about the Fisker Karma:

Charge time: Unknown.
CO2 emissions: Not yet released.
Range: 50 miles in electric mode.
Top speed: 125mph.

Future of the Fisker Karma

Fisker has already received about 800 orders for the Karma in Europe. Sales are expected to officially begin in 2009 with a retail price of around £40,000 – stay tuned to TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk for the latest information.