20/05/08

Fisker Karma's testing goes on

Launch on the market confirmed by 2009. 80 km range in the electric mode

The latest tests are going on in the scorching sun of California. Three Fisker Karma’s prototypes are being tested in order to fine-tune the battery software management system.

However, before these hybrid-electric sports cars are mass marketed, they have to undergo crash test simulations, whose results will lead to the final validation of the vehicles over the coming months.

"We are very excited about the initial test results of the Fisker Karma prototype," said Henrik Fisker, CEO, Fisker Automotive. "The vehicle dynamics and fuel economy have performed better than expected and we remain on target for our fourth quarter 2009 initial delivery."
In the “sport” mode the Fisker Karma will offer a continuous top speed of 200 km/h, while in the electric one, it is capped at 150 km/h. Preliminary testing of the lithium-ion battery has indicated a life expectancy of more than 10 years.
In the electric mode alone the Fisker Karma can run 80 km a day provided the battery is charged every evening. Any time more power is needed or when the battery is flat, then the combustion engine, the heart of the propulsion system, starts working. But if the daily range is less than 80 km, then commuters might even forget to refuel the car with petrol.

Fisker Automotive has announced it has received more than 500 orders for the Fisker Karma since its 2008 debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January while it will reach a full production of 1,250 vehicles per month by the end of 2010. The starting estimated price for the Fisker Karma will be approximately $80,000.