Fisker Automotive said it has begun selling its 2012 Karma luxury plug-in hybrid car, following certification this week by the Environmental Protection Agency and the low-slung four-door sports car, which is a bit like the spawn of a Chevrolet Volt and an Aston Martin Rapide. Fisker had predicted a rating of 67 mpge and an all-electric range of 50 miles, the EPA disagreed, certifying the car with 52 mpge, a range of 32 miles and 20 mpg in gasoline mode after that. EPA certification is the final hurdle preventing Fisker from selling the Karma in the US and since the numbers are finally in, the company will start importing the cars now-ish with the first 39 arriving on our shores from Finland in about 2 weeks………………….
Fisker Automotive announced that the Company has commenced sales of its 2012 model year Karma sedan after having received certification from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) earlier this week. As the first luxury sports sedan on the market with a range-extended electric powertrain, the Karma creates an alluring class of its own. By further combining world-class style and performance, the Karma is the only environmentally responsible option for most luxury car buyers. “With receipt of EPA certification in hand, we have achieved a major milestone by recording the first sales of our groundbreaking Karma sedan,” said Henrik Fisker, CEO and co-founder of Fisker Automotive. “Production of the Karma is ramping, and we have a strong dealer network in place so we can deliver many more of these truly amazing automobiles to customers during the remainder of 2011 and for many years to come.” The Karma Sedan is a series Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powered by a lithium-ion battery and an efficient 2.0-liter range-extending gasoline engine. The gasoline engine only turns a generator, which charges the battery and sends electricity to two electric traction motors that drive the car. It is optimized to provide the ability to travel in all-electric mode for typical daily use, but can also leverage the existing gasoline infrastructure to power its range extending generator, as needed, thereby eliminating ‘Range Anxiety‘ and providing the freedom, flexibility, and peace of mind that comes with the extended range of a conventional vehicle. The Karma‘s all-electric range was found to be 32 miles by the EPA under its test criteria. To put that figure in perspective, a Karma driver with a 40-mile commute who starts each day with a full battery charge will only need to visit the gas station about every 1,000 miles and would use just 9 gallons of gasoline per month. The Karma battery can be recharged in less than six hours using the same 240v household current that powers many major home appliances. The Karma can also be charged using standard 110v power from any electrical outlet.
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