That’s why the latest figures released by Fisker regarding its Karma luxury hybrid sedan are raising some eyebrows. European regulatory body TUV has independently tested the Karma and found that it can drive 83 kilometers (51.6 miles) on electric-only mode. To put that into perspective, consider that the Toyota Prius PHEV can only go 23 km (14.3 miles) on electric mode without spooling up the gasoline engine for more juice. The Chevrolet Volt, meanwhile, is EPA-rated to go 35 miles on electricity alone.
Fisker must be happy to hear the news after the Environmental Protection Agency rated the Karma at 52 mpge with an electric-only range of 32 miles and 20 mpg after that. The same agency rated the Volt at 95 mpge in the city and between 35 and 40 mpg with the engine running.
But as is the case with every new powertrain that’s entered the market this past year, we’re less interested in test results than we are in what owners are actually experiencing. Since the Karma is so new, we have a little more waiting to do.
Anaheim, California USA – November 2, 2011:The Fisker Karma has achieved 83 km/51.6 miles running in silence on electric-only mode during independent fuel efficiency tests carried out by Europe’s regulatory body, the Technischer Ueberwachungs Verein (TUV) today (“De” according Annex 9 of ECE R 101).
The TUV have carried out the most thorough tests yet of the Karma’s real-world urban performance. This is an independent process that measures every element of the Fisker Karma luxury plug-in hybrid’s performance.
“We are delighted that the TUV has confirmed that most owners will achieve a 50 mile range running purely on electric during their daily commute,” said Fisker Automotive CEO and co-founder Henrik Fisker.
The Karma has already been awarded the highest possible score of 10 out of 10 for fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions on its label from the US Environmental Protection Agency.
ABOUT FISKER AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
Fisker Automotive is an American car company, founded in 2007, committed to producing electric vehicles with extended range (EVer) that deliver uncompromised responsible luxury. The company is designing and developing the world’s first line of premium electric plug-in hybrids representing the company’s firm belief that environmentally conscious cars need not sacrifice passion, style, or performance. Fisker Automotive is a global company that is redefining luxury for the modern sports car buyer. For more information on the brand and the Fisker Karma Sedan, please go to http://fiskerautomotive.com.
