The Fisker Karma PHEV made its public driving debut recently in Monterey, CA, just 19 months after being introduced as a concept.
The 403 hp prototype Karma Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) attained a speed of 100 mph, but used no gasoline as it made its way around Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca during the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races. Behind the wheel was Fisker Automotive co-founder and COO Bernhard Koehler.
California-based Fisker Automotive is developing the full-size Karma sedan to be the first production PHEV. The Karma proves fuel-efficient vehicles can generate the passion and excitement that made us fall in love with cars in the first place. Although the Fisker Karma can reach 60 mph in six seconds and a top speed of 125 mph it can also achieve well over 100 mpg. Carbon emissions are also lower than today’s hybrids.
“This demonstration represents a significant milestone for Fisker Automotive and PHEV technology,” said CEO Henrik Fisker. “The future of clean cars is bright.”
The Karma has a range of 50 emission-free miles on a full charge of its Lithium-ion battery, and a total range of 300 miles thanks to an on-board generator turned by traditional but efficient 260 hp, four-cylinder gasoline engine. Combined with two powerful electric motors, these components make up the Q-DRIVE powertrain exclusive to all Fisker automobiles. Q-DRIVE delivers the ultimate combination of performance, range and efficiency, according to the company.
