Fisker Karma Prototype on Test Track
13 May 2008
Fisker Automotive, Inc. and Quantum Technologies are performing initial vehicle testing on the track and fine-tuning the battery software management system for the Fisker Karma plug-in series hybrid production car. (Earlier post.) These initial test track developments are taking place in Southern California.
Three Fisker Karma prototypes have been built, and are currently undergoing testing for the electric powertrain developed by Quantum Technologies. Concurrently, the Fisker Automotive engineering team is working on crash test simulation. Further validation and certification on the vehicles will be performed over the coming months.
The vehicle dynamics and fuel economy have performed better than expected and we remain on target for our fourth quarter 2009 initial delivery.
—Henrik Fisker, CEO, Fisker Automotive
In sport mode the Fisker Karma will offer a continuous top speed of 125 miles per hour (200 kph). Electric only, or stealth mode, is capped at 95 miles per hour (150 kph). Preliminary testing of the lithium-ion energy storage system that powers the Fisker Karma has indicated a life expectancy of more than 10 years.
The Fisker Karma is designed to provide an all-electric range of up to 50 miles per day, given a recharge at night. Fisker Automotive is preparing to deliver its first vehicles by fourth quarter 2009.
Currently, Fisker Automotive has received more than 500 orders for the Fisker Karma since its 2008 debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January. Fisker Automotive will reach a full production of 1,250 vehicles per month by the end of 2010. The starting estimated MSRP for the Fisker Karma will be approximately US$80,000.
Separately, CNET reports that Fisker expects to close a $65-million series C round in June. The company also expects to offer a less expensive version of the car at around $40,000 in the future.
Great news.
At $80K (USD 2008), or about 53K Euro 2008, a muscle sporty PHEV-50 will appeal to numerous buyers.
At $40K (USD 2009), or about 25K Euro 2009, a PHEV-50 sporty sedan will sell like hot cakes.
Will Fisker be able to meet the demand?
Posted by: Harvey D | 13 May 2008 at 03:37 PM
How come a small compangy can be so advanced in that concept when GM is more than one year behind to design the same type of vehicle?
Posted by: treehugger | 13 May 2008 at 04:10 PM
Treehugger:
Institutional inertia. It's far harder for a large, established company to take risks.
Posted by: Cervus | 13 May 2008 at 04:13 PM
Bullshit GM does'nt do it because they know the final outcome of lower profit margins and they are trying their best to still have some kind of ICE in cars for the back end profits of maintenance. All auto makers know this fact and thats the only reason why we don't have EV's now in mass production.
Posted by: | 13 May 2008 at 10:03 PM
Gm too a risk with the EV1 and found out the hard truth about EV's and that is they are great for consumers but shity for auto makers and stock holders because of the lower profit margins
Posted by: | 13 May 2008 at 10:05 PM
GM, Ford, and Chrysler don't have their fingers in enough EV parts pies like they do with IC engines and transmissions. That is why their profit margins are lower for the EV type vehicles. They have to get into the battery, electric motor, and high amperage controller markets to make EVs worth their while.
Even if they do make the transition, electric motors (even with their complicated controllers) are much simpler machines than IC engines, so lower cost and lower profit.
Posted by: NCyder | 14 May 2008 at 06:41 AM
Or it may be that startups underestimate the difficulties of bringing a car to market. Look at all the fun Tesla has had. I wish Karma every success, but I wouldn't buy their stock, nor the first model year of their product.
Posted by: richard schumacher | 14 May 2008 at 07:31 AM
It will be interesting to see the results of the litigation between Tesla and Fisker and how that affects Fisker.
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