Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Fisker leak shows Atlantic production delayed to mid-2014, 0-60 in 6.5 seconds]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/20/fisker-leak-shows-atlantic-production-delayed-to-mid-2014/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/20/fisker-leak-shows-atlantic-production-delayed-to-mid-2014/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/20/fisker-leak-shows-atlantic-production-delayed-to-mid-2014/#comments Image

Our hopes of taking the Fisker Atlantic for a spin next year just got dampened considerably: a big document leak has revealed that the more reasonably-priced alternative to the Karma won't be rolling off the production lines en masse until mid-2014, a year later than we'd expected. Thanks in part to a factory overhaul, the only Atlantics rolling on their hybrid-powered wheels in mid-2013 will be prototypes. On the upside, we've learned more about the car itself, including a fairly brisk 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds courtesy of a 300HP-equivalent motor. Green drivers who thought that the promised lower price would put it into entry-level luxury will nonetheless get a reality check with that $50,000 to $60,000 target, even if it's still a big savings over the six-digit Karma. There's still a huge amount of leeway for things to change, but with our compatriots at Autoblog having confirmed that the documents were real and "highly confidential," they may be a sign that the Tesla Model S will have free rein in the green luxury sedan world for a good year or more.

Fisker leak shows Atlantic production delayed to mid-2014, 0-60 in 6.5 seconds originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 20 May 2012 09:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlanticcarcarsDelaydelayselectric hybridElectricHybridfiskerfisker atlanticFisker KarmaFiskerAtlanticFiskerKarmahybridhybrid carhybrid carshybrid vehicleHybrid vehiclesHybridCarHybridCarsHybridVehicleHybridVehicleskarmaprototypesedansedansSun, 20 May 2012 09:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker rep defends Karma hybrid sedan in garage fire aftermath]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/15/fisker-rep-defends-karma-hybrid-sedan-garage-fire-aftermath/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/15/fisker-rep-defends-karma-hybrid-sedan-garage-fire-aftermath/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/15/fisker-rep-defends-karma-hybrid-sedan-garage-fire-aftermath/#comments Fisker rep defends its hybrid sedan in garage fire aftermath

Last week, a newly purchased Fisker Karma went up in flames, damaging its owner's home and earning the company behind that hybrid sedan plenty of bad press. The auto maker hasn't submitted an official explanation for the fire, though the former chief engineer for the late General Motors EV1 electric car places the blame on the hybrid's tight engine bay packing. Fisker clearly isn't having any of that -- according to the company's director of powertrain:

Our technologies and engine design have been fully tested and certified at the highest level. It is irresponsible and ill-informed for technology pundits to suggest otherwise in order to secure media attention for unfounded claims.

No defensiveness there, then.

Fisker rep defends Karma hybrid sedan in garage fire aftermath originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Electric carelectric carselectric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricCarElectricCarsElectricVehicleElectricVehiclesEVFireFire HazardFireHazardFiskerFisker KarmaFiskerKarmahybrid carsHybridCarshybridsLithium Ionlithium ion batterieslithium ion batteryLithiumIonLithiumIonBatteriesLithiumIonBatteryTue, 15 May 2012 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker Karma reportedly sets house on fire, doesn't restore cosmic balance (updated)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/fisker-karma-reportedly-sets-house-on-fire/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/fisker-karma-reportedly-sets-house-on-fire/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/08/fisker-karma-reportedly-sets-house-on-fire/#comments Image

Fisker's Karma woes aren't relenting anytime soon, as one new owner just found out the hard way. A driver in Sugar Land, Texas parked his recently obtained hybrid sedan in his garage last week, only to have the car self-immolate minutes later and damage his new home. Despite the slight risk of lithium-ion batteries catching fire, the luxury car's power pack (unplugged at the time) appears to have been left in one piece -- suggesting that something more complicated is at fault. For their part, neither Fisker nor insurance investigators are ready to offer a definite explanation as to what set the car on fire, although an electrical panel in the garage is a possible lead. Hybrids and pure EVs typically aren't at significant risk of igniting, so we might not ask for a refund... but we would recommend keeping an eye (and a nose) on any potential fire hazards around your eco-friendly auto.

Update: Looks like Fisker's about to take some more heat. Here's a statement from the owner's attorney:

The fire department recently completed their investigation and determined the origin of the fire was, in fact, Gutierrez's newly purchased Fisker Karma hybrid electric vehicle that he just took possession of two weeks earlier

Hit up our source link after the break to read the note in full.

Fisker Karma reportedly sets house on fire, doesn't restore cosmic balance (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2012 23:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery fireBatteryFireElectric carelectric carselectric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricCarElectricCarsElectricVehicleElectricVehiclesEVfirefiskerFisker KarmaFiskerKarmakarmaLithium Ionlithium ion batteryLithium-Ionlithium-ion batteryLithium-ionBatteryLithiumIonLithiumIonBatterysafetyTue, 08 May 2012 23:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: autos galore, electric trees and the world's largest rooftop farm]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/08/inhabitat-electric-trees-cars-rooftop-farm/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/08/inhabitat-electric-trees-cars-rooftop-farm/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/08/inhabitat-electric-trees-cars-rooftop-farm/#comments Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.

Electric DeLorean
Flying cars and taxis of the future drove out of our imaginations and onto the show floor of the 2012 New York Auto Show this week as autophiles poured into the Jacob Javits Center from far and wide. Inhabitat editors left no hybrid or electric cars unturned as they scoped out gems like the Fisker Karma's lower-priced but equally-sexy cousin, the Fisker Atlantic, and Infiniti's revolutionary LE electric car, which will use the world's first wireless home charging system. We were also wowed by reveals of the Lincoln MKZ hybrid vehicle and a special guest appearance by the back-to-the-futuristic electric DeLorean (shown above).

Even though we kicked the week off with some pretty plausible April Fool's Day stories, some of the actual events from the past few days proved that truth is often stranger than fiction. Case in point: this Indian man single-handedly planted a 1,360 acre forest (really makes you question what you've accomplished in your life, doesn't it?) and a spooky unmanned Japanese ghost ship was recently spotted off the coast of Canada floating aimlessly in the sea. In other news, Harry the Hermit crab was picky about his abodes until he was presented with a custom-made LEGO shell, and the electric blue trees that sprouted up in Seattle weren't stragglers from a Dr. Seuss book, but rather the work of an artist calling attention to the dangers of deforestation. On the other hand, some reforestation is about to take place in NYC, as Marty Markowitz and celebrity chef Mario Batali announced that the world's largest rooftop farm will be coming to Brooklyn in 2013. And finally, it seems the media made April Fools of themselves last week when they jumped to the false conclusion that taxpayer money was lost after Solar Trust of America filed for bankruptcy.

The world of design presented us with some inspiring new developments this week as we delved deep into tiny terrarium worlds, ogled IKEA's otherworldly new jellyfish lamp and witnessed an eco Easter egg sprout mini skyscrapers just in time for the holiday. More strides were also made in the race for cleaner energy as this young savant at the University of Delaware developed a self-sustaining solar reactor that could revolutionize clean energy as we know it and Bayer revealed a new seismic wallpaper that could actually keep walls from collapsing in an earthquake. Not to be outdone, scientists from Austria and Japan announced that they created micro-thin solar cells narrower than spider silk and Chinese researchers unlocked the secret of butterfly wings to make solar electricity more efficient. And, of course, no tech recap would be complete without an innovation from Google - the search giant just unveiled its new pair of "Project Glass" augmented reality glasses.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: autos galore, electric trees and the world's largest rooftop farm originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 20:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ARaugmented realityAugmentedRealityecoeco-friendlyelectric carElectricCarfiskergooglegreeninhabitatInhabitats Week in GreenInhabitatsWeekInGreenproject glassProjectGlassscienceSun, 08 Apr 2012 20:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker Atlantic EVer unveiled in New York, we go eyes-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/03/fisker-atlantic-unveiled/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/03/fisker-atlantic-unveiled/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/03/fisker-atlantic-unveiled/#comments Fisker Atlantic EVerFisker's Karma series-hybrid electric vehicle hasn't exactly been receiving a lot of great press lately, but the company didn't let the process of swapping out 640 battery packs dampen the launch of that car's smaller sibling, the Atlantic. This long-expected (and recently spied) auto is a shortened, slightly smaller car that is said to be priced at a "much lower price point" than its predecessor. But, like the bigger Karma (and the even larger Surf), there's an on-board motor that burns gas to generate more electricity to extend that range -- but sadly nobody's saying by how far.

In this case it's a four-cylinder BMW-sourced engine providing that extra range, exhaust peeking out just behind the front-left wheel. A four-banger doesn't sound all that impressive in a car like this, but remember it's only tasked with spinning a generator. Moving the sedan (and its healthy complement of batteries) will be an undisclosed electric powertrain. Sadly no details are being given tonight for performance or cost, but we're told it'll set you back about as much as an Audi A5. Could that mean a $40,000 starting price? That'd be less than half the cost of the $102,000 Karma, and potentially quite a revolution. Needless to say we can't wait to find out.

We weren't able to peek in the trunk, but we're told the new engine provides more space for your junk than the Karma's current arrangement. The car is said to match the A5 in terms of cargo space, which is certainly nothing to sneeze about. Now mind, this is just a concept and things are liable to change on the long road from here to production, but Fisker isn't known for tweaking much along the way. Suffice to say, this should be very close to the car that hits dealerships... eventually.

Gallery: Fisker Atlantic eyes-on

Fisker Atlantic EVer unveiled in New York, we go eyes-on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 21:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlanticbmwelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleeveverfiskerfisker atlanticfisker ninaFiskerAtlanticFiskerNinahands-onhybridhybrid carHybridCarnew york international auto showNewYorkInternationalAutoShowninanyiasnyias 2012Nyias2012phevseries hybridSeriesHybridTue, 03 Apr 2012 21:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker Nina / Atlantic gets unofficially pictured in official form]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/02/fisker-nina-atlantic-gets-unofficially-pictured-in-official-fo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/02/fisker-nina-atlantic-gets-unofficially-pictured-in-official-fo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/02/fisker-nina-atlantic-gets-unofficially-pictured-in-official-fo/#comments ImageWe got a quick glimpse of Fisker's once-halted Project Nina the other day courtesy of Autoblog, and we now have our best look at the car to date thanks to some seemingly official press photos that have turned up on Autoforum.cz. Now being dubbed the Atlantic, the car promises to be a smaller and more affordable version of Fisker's Karma sedan and, as those earlier shots indicated, we should soon be seeing plenty more of it at this week's New York Auto Show. Apart from an expected BMW-sourced four-cylinder engine, though, details on the car itself remain decidedly light -- including any indication of a possible price tag or rollout date. In the meantime, you can find more photos where this one came from at the links below.

Fisker Nina / Atlantic gets unofficially pictured in official form originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlanticcarelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevfiskerfisker atlanticfisker ninaFiskerAtlanticFiskerNinanew york auto showNewYorkAutoShowninaproject ninaProjectNinavehicleMon, 02 Apr 2012 18:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker's Project Nina exposed ahead of New York Auto Show debut]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/30/fiskers-project-nina-exposed-ahead-of-new-york-auto-show-debut/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/30/fiskers-project-nina-exposed-ahead-of-new-york-auto-show-debut/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/30/fiskers-project-nina-exposed-ahead-of-new-york-auto-show-debut/#comments Fisker's Project Nina exposed ahead of New York Auto Show debutAn unreleased gadget is pretty easy to conceal, but an upcoming automobile? Not so much. Thanks to some quick reflexes, you're looking at the first spy shots of Fisker's second and smaller plug-in hybrid sedan, heretofore known as Project Nina. Last we heard, the BMW-powered auto had been put on life-support, as the remainder of the company's DOE loan evaporated as it failed to meet timely deadlines in bringing its first EV, the Karma, to market. That could mean the above is a mere concept designed to woo potential investors -- but with less than a week before its supposed New York auto show debut, it won't be long until we know for sure. Until then, ogle at more eye candy of the beaut over at Autoblog in the source link below.

Fisker's Project Nina exposed ahead of New York Auto Show debut originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doedoe loanDoeLoanelectric carElectricCarEVfiskerfisker automotivefisker project ninaFiskerAutomotiveFiskerProjectNinaplug-in hybridPlug-inHybridpluginplugin hybridPluginHybridproject ninaProjectNinaFri, 30 Mar 2012 10:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker plans to replace the battery packs on 640 Karma sedans]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/26/fisker-plans-to-replace-the-battery-packs-on-640-karma-sedans/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/26/fisker-plans-to-replace-the-battery-packs-on-640-karma-sedans/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/26/fisker-plans-to-replace-the-battery-packs-on-640-karma-sedans/#comments ImageFisker Automotive hasn't exactly had the smoothest of launches for its all-electric Karma sedan, and it's now been dealt yet another small setback. As Wired Autopia reports, Fisker now plans to replace the battery packs on nearly all of the Karmas that have rolled off the assembly line -- apparently due to the same issue that caused the car to break down during Consumer Reports' test of the car. That includes some 640 cars in all (up from 239 in an earlier recall), although Fisker notes that it has only seen the issue on a "handful" of vehicles. If you're the owner of one of those, you can expect to receive a notice in the next few days, along with a software update (unrelated to the recall) that promises improvements on everything form the powertrain to infotainment system.

Fisker plans to replace the battery packs on 640 Karma sedans originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A123A123 SystemsA123Systemsbatterybattery packbattery packsBatteryPackBatteryPackselectric vehicleElectricVehicleevfiskerfisker karmaFiskerKarmakarmarecallMon, 26 Mar 2012 17:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Consumer Reports' Fisker Karma gets fixed, testing resumes, for now]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/13/fisker-karma-part-two/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/13/fisker-karma-part-two/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/13/fisker-karma-part-two/#comments
Remember Consumer Reports' bought a Fisker Karma that broke down while on the test track? Well after it had made the 200-mile round-trip to the dealership, it turned out the inverter cable and battery were both faulty and replaced them, before fully recharging the vehicle. The car has now been returned to the test track where a full review can begin -- give it a week, and we'll start taking bets on if it actually gets that "recommended" rating.

Consumer Reports' Fisker Karma gets fixed, testing resumes, for now originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakdownConsumer ReportsConsumerReportsFiskerFisker KarmaFiskerKarmaHybrid Electric VehicleHybridElectricVehicleKarmaPlug in HybridPlugInHybridRecallTestingTom MutchlerTomMutchlerTue, 13 Mar 2012 15:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker Karma breaks down in CR test, risks that 'recommended' rating (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/09/fisker-karma-breaks-down-during-review/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/09/fisker-karma-breaks-down-during-review/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/09/fisker-karma-breaks-down-during-review/#comments
Consumer Reports splashed out $107,850 to buy its own Fisker Karma, but before the car had traveled 200 miles, it had broken down. Partway through calibration testing on the CR Track, the car's dashboard began issuing warnings, but when tester Tom Mutchler pulled over to identify the issue, it wouldn't get going again. Mutchler was forced to call the dealership, located 100 miles away, to collect it on a flatbed for repair. It's the first time in memory that the testing organization can recall a vehicle breaking down partway through testing, but when it comes to the Karma, you can only be sure that nothing's too calamitous.

Continue reading Fisker Karma breaks down in CR test, risks that 'recommended' rating (video)

Fisker Karma breaks down in CR test, risks that 'recommended' rating (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakdownConsumer ReportsConsumerReportsFiskerFisker KarmaFiskerKarmaHybrid Electric VehicleHybridElectricVehicleKarmaPlug in HybridPlugInHybridRecallTestingTom MutchlerTomMutchlervideoFri, 09 Mar 2012 18:26:00 EST<![CDATA[With federal loans blocked, Fisker halts work on Project Nina, lays off 66 workers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/07/with-federal-loans-blocked-fisker-halts-work-on-project-nina-l/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/07/with-federal-loans-blocked-fisker-halts-work-on-project-nina-l/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/07/with-federal-loans-blocked-fisker-halts-work-on-project-nina-l/#comments Fisker Automotive's bumpy 2011 appears to have given way to an even rockier 2012. A little more than a month after recalling 239 of its Karma plug-ins, Fisker has now stopped working on its second electric vehicle, following the US government's decision to suspend its federal loans. The manufacturer confirmed the news in an email yesterday, adding that a total of 66 workers in Delaware and California have been laid off, as a result. In 2009, the Department of Energy provided Fisker with $528.7 million in federal loans, but according to spokesman Roger Ormisher, access to those funds have been blocked since May. The money was supposed to be used to launch the Karma and Fisker's second, US-manufactured EV, known as the Nina. The Karma began rolling out to market in July, but did so well behind schedule, spurring the DOE to suspend its loan.

"Our loan guarantees have strict conditions in place to protect taxpayers," Department spokesman Damien LaVera explained in an email to Bloomberg. "The department only allows the loan to be disbursed as the company meets certain milestones and demonstrates results." Thus far, Fisker has drawn on only $193 million of federal funds and is looking to renegotiate the terms of the loan, in the hopes of accessing the remaining $336 million. The DOE, however, is still under intense scrutiny because of September's Solyndra debacle, so it's difficult to say what a renegotiated deal would look like. The manufacturer, for its part, says it's taking no risks, telling GigaOM that it "continues to pursue alternative funding sources." In the meantime, it'll continue to focus on the Karma for 2012, and hopes to revive Project Nina at a later date.

With federal loans blocked, Fisker halts work on Project Nina, lays off 66 workers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobusinesscaliforniacarcarsdealdelawaredelaydepartment of energyDepartmentOfEnergyDOEelectric vehicleElectricVehicleEVfiskerfisker automotivefisker karmafisker ninaFiskerAutomotiveFiskerKarmaFiskerNinagovernmenthybridindustrykarmalayoffloanmoneyplug inPlugInproductionproject ninaProjectNinatransportTue, 07 Feb 2012 07:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker Karma recall is official, 239 cars will need their battery packs swapped]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/01/fisker-karma-recall-is-official-239-cars-will-need-their-batter/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/01/fisker-karma-recall-is-official-239-cars-will-need-their-batter/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/01/fisker-karma-recall-is-official-239-cars-will-need-their-batter/#comments The folks at Fisker are probably more excited to see the calendar roll over than anyone, as a tumultuous 2011 comes to an end with another setback for the Karma. A battery issue previously thought to affect around 50 cars will actually result in the recall of 239. GigaOM points out an NHTSA notice confirming a problem with the positioning of hose clamps on the high-voltage Li-Ion batteries. It could result in said hoses leaking coolant into the battery creating the risk of an electrical short-circuit (still not seeing how this is a bad thing) and fire (oh), which the company will resolve by replacing the batteries. The recall probably covers everyone out there rolling like Walden Schmidt, since the CEO announced December 21st that 225 cars had been shipped and its factory was producing 25 cars per day. Still, assuming the ~$96k price tag isn't an issue, would you really let a little thing like potentially bursting into flames keep you away from such a sleek, smooth handling luxury sedan that puts 657hp of hybrid power at your disposal? Neither would we.

Continue reading Fisker Karma recall is official, 239 cars will need their battery packs swapped

Fisker Karma recall is official, 239 cars will need their battery packs swapped originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Jan 2012 07:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a123automobilebatterycarcoupefiskerhybridkarmaleakLi-IonLithium IonLithiumIonnhtsaplug-in hybridPlug-inHybridSun, 01 Jan 2012 07:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker Karma battery poses 'potential safety issue' for about 50 autos, fix already in tow]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/27/fisker-karma-battery-poses-potential-safety-issue-for-about-50/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/27/fisker-karma-battery-poses-potential-safety-issue-for-about-50/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/27/fisker-karma-battery-poses-potential-safety-issue-for-about-50/#comments
Fisker has seen its fair share of delays on its Karma EV in the past, and now ''fewer than 50" of the vehicles -- which if you'll recall, cost over $100K -- are at risk for battery malfunction. According to Bloomberg Businessweek, A123 (the company which supplies the car's power pack) has issued a memo to customers and stakeholders, noting that "in rare circumstances" the car's batts could short-circuit due to coolant leakage from "misaligned hose clamps." A123 further explained that's already begun repairing the Karma's in question, and doesn't expect to experience to strain its relationship with Fisker due to the problem. Notably, Bloomberg also reports that 25 of the automobiles get assembled daily, with about 225 currently en-route to showroom floors -- a far cry from the company's earlier estimates for the 2011 production year. You'll find A123's full PDF memo at the source link below.

Fisker Karma battery poses 'potential safety issue' for about 50 autos, fix already in tow originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 03:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a123automobilebatterycoolantcoolant leakCoolantLeakcustomerelectricelectric vehicleElectricVehicleEVfiskerfisker karmaFiskerKarmahose clampsHoseClampsinvestorkarmaleakleakagemalfunctionminipostshareholdershort circuitShortCircuitsports carSportsCarstakeholderTue, 27 Dec 2011 03:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker Karma gets EPA-certified 52MPGe, sales ready to begin]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/20/fisker-karma-gets-epa-certified-52mpge-sales-ready-to-begin/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/20/fisker-karma-gets-epa-certified-52mpge-sales-ready-to-begin/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/20/fisker-karma-gets-epa-certified-52mpge-sales-ready-to-begin/#comments It hasn't had the smoothest birth, nor the cheapest, but Fisker can apparently start selling Karmas for real this time. The tantalizing plug-in hybrid that first wowed us nearly four years ago has just cleared US government testing, the final hurdle holding back deliveries. So, how did it fare after being brutalized by the EPA? Not as well as the company had hoped, as the 52MPGe and 32 miles of electric range fell short of the respective 67.2 and 50 figures the company had previously been touting. Not a huge drop, like another plug-in EV we know, yet probably less than you'd been hoping for something that costs over $90,000. And, when you do run out of juice, you'll be looking at just 20MPG while puttering around on gasoline. Actual customer deliveries are scheduled in the following weeks, but until then take a joy ride in one of 39 Karmas being rolled out to dealers.

Continue reading Fisker Karma gets EPA-certified 52MPGe, sales ready to begin

Fisker Karma gets EPA-certified 52MPGe, sales ready to begin originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>certificationdelaydeliveryelectric carElectricCarEPAEPA certificationEPA testingEpaCertificationEpaTestingevfiskerfisker karmafisker karma productionFiskerKarmaFiskerKarmaProductionon saleOnSaleplugin hybridPluginHybridunicornunicornsThu, 20 Oct 2011 17:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker Karma pushes deliveries back again as it awaits federal emissions certification]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/15/fisker-karma-pushes-deliveries-back-again-as-it-awaits-federal-e/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/15/fisker-karma-pushes-deliveries-back-again-as-it-awaits-federal-e/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/15/fisker-karma-pushes-deliveries-back-again-as-it-awaits-federal-e/#comments
It looks like those eager to finally take a Fisker Karma EV home will have to wait a bit longer, again. This time, though, the delay is largely out of the company's hands, as it's simply waiting for final federal certification on emissions regulations before it delivers the first test vehicles to dealers. According to the company, the first of those are now expected to be delivered by the end of September, although at least some dealers apparently won't be fulfilling orders until the first week of November.

Fisker Karma pushes deliveries back again as it awaits federal emissions certification originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 13:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delayelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevfiskerfisker karmaFiskerKarmaThu, 15 Sep 2011 13:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker Surf plug-in hybrid: five doors of good Karma]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/13/fisker-surf-plug-in-hybrid-five-doors-of-good-karma/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/13/fisker-surf-plug-in-hybrid-five-doors-of-good-karma/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/13/fisker-surf-plug-in-hybrid-five-doors-of-good-karma/#comments Fisker Surf Like Fisker's Karma but need a little more room for the kids -- or maybe the dogs? Check out the Surf. Fisker just unveiled this new five-door at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show and, while it's based on the Karma (that has just finally entered full production), as you can see it's grown a bit. It's a five-door version of the iconic shooting brake body style (a three-door sporty hatchback) that houses the same series hybrid powertrain that powers the Karma. That means 80km (50 miles) of pure electric driving and, thanks to the gasoline motor in there that acts as an onboard generator, you can go up to another 400km (about 250 miles).

Because of the similarity between the two cars this prototype was actually able to roll off of the Fisker assembly line, and it's said to go into production sometime in mid-2012. Fisker also announced a new partnership with BMW, which will provide the 2.0 liter engine that will come along for the ride. Interestingly the car will be built in Delaware, meaning this European beauty has some decidedly strong American roots.

Gallery: Fisker Surf


Gallery: Fisker Surf press pictures

Continue reading Fisker Surf plug-in hybrid: five doors of good Karma

Fisker Surf plug-in hybrid: five doors of good Karma originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 08:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiskerfisker surfFiskerSurffrankfurtfrankfurt 2011frankfurt motor showfrankfurt motor show 2011Frankfurt2011FrankfurtMotorShowFrankfurtMotorShow2011surfTue, 13 Sep 2011 08:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker inks BMW deal, Nina EVs gain Ultimate Driving Machine DNA]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/02/fisker-inks-bmw-deal-nina-evs-gain-ultimate-driving-machine-dna/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/02/fisker-inks-bmw-deal-nina-evs-gain-ultimate-driving-machine-dna/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/02/fisker-inks-bmw-deal-nina-evs-gain-ultimate-driving-machine-dna/#comments Fisker Nina -- sounds more like a Bolshoi ballerina to us, but these codenamed, future EVs are now on course for a German heart and soul infusion. BMW has recently inked a deal that will see its four-cylinder turbocharged engine and additional components included in 2012 production models of the American auto maker's mid-sized sedans. The line of electric cars are currently slated for an early 2013 debut, but we'd sprinkle a cup of salt on that date considering the Karma's long road to launch. Skip on past the break for the company's official eco-meets-luxury handshake announcement.

Continue reading Fisker inks BMW deal, Nina EVs gain Ultimate Driving Machine DNA

Fisker inks BMW deal, Nina EVs gain Ultimate Driving Machine DNA originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 11:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWdealecoElectric carelectric carselectric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricCarElectricCarsElectricVehicleElectricVehiclesengineEngineSwapEVFiskerFisker AutomotiveFisker NinaFiskerAutomotiveFiskerNinaluxuryminipostNinaFri, 02 Sep 2011 11:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker Karma boss nabs first set of keys, s'pose we'd do the same]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/26/fisker-karma-boss-nabs-first-set-of-keys-spose-wed-do-the-sam/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/26/fisker-karma-boss-nabs-first-set-of-keys-spose-wed-do-the-sam/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/26/fisker-karma-boss-nabs-first-set-of-keys-spose-wed-do-the-sam/#comments In an old-fashioned display of corporate introversion, the keys to the first production Fisker Karma will be handed not to a real customer, or a profile-raising celeb, or even to a good cause. Nope, they'll be whisked straight into the silky pockets of Ray Lane, chairman of the board of directors at Fisker Automotive. Unless it's an entirely empty publicity stunt and he has to hand the keys right back, lucky Lane will be driving home this afternoon in a luxury EV with a 300-mile range and 125MPH top speed. The rest of us, however, will have to wait til October -- and cough up $95,900.

Fisker Karma boss nabs first set of keys, s'pose we'd do the same originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 06:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carelectric carselectric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricCarElectricCarselectricvehicleElectricVehiclesEVFiskerFisker AutomotiveFisker KarmaFiskerAutomotiveFiskerKarmaKarmaluxuryluxury EVLuxuryEvperformance EVPerformanceEvRay LaneRayLaneTue, 26 Jul 2011 06:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Six Fisker Karmas roll off the production line, coming soon to a city near you]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/19/six-fisker-karmas-roll-off-the-production-line-coming-soon-to-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/19/six-fisker-karmas-roll-off-the-production-line-coming-soon-to-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/19/six-fisker-karmas-roll-off-the-production-line-coming-soon-to-a/#comments It's been months since the first Fisker Karma came forth from the factory, and in the time since, the sleek saloon's production timeline experienced a delay or two along the way. Yet, here we are, and the next six production Fiskers have finally been constructed. Unfortunately, those with open wallets will have to wait to get one of the elusive EVs, as the sextet of Karmas is bound for a nationwide barnstorming tour -- so that the masses may caress the car's curvy lines and perhaps take one for a spin. Details are scarce regarding the test drives, but OC Metro reports that 44 fortunate cities and 3,000 people will get to cruise in the performance EV over the next three months. Now that's some good Karma.

Six Fisker Karmas roll off the production line, coming soon to a city near you originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 03:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevfiskerfisker karmaFiskerKarmakarmaTue, 19 Jul 2011 03:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker Karma delayed again, but only by a tiny little bit]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/fisker-karma-delayed-again-but-only-by-a-tiny-little-bit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/fisker-karma-delayed-again-but-only-by-a-tiny-little-bit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/fisker-karma-delayed-again-but-only-by-a-tiny-little-bit/#comments Yes, that's a Fisker Karma at the Monaco Grand Prix starting line, but no, it won't be taking off just yet, at least not this month. Last we heard from Roger Ormisher, Fisker Automotive's Communications chief, the electric supercar was set to debut in the US during the June / July timeframe, but that's now been nudged that extra bit later, with "the first" dealer demonstration vehicles and customer orders landing firmly in July. So, you'll have to keep stashing that $95,900 under your mattress for a little while longer, but look on the bright side: Fisker's delays are getting shorter all the time!

Fisker Karma delayed again, but only by a tiny little bit originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011cardelaydelayedelectricelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevfiskerfisker karmaFiskerKarmakarmavehicleMon, 06 Jun 2011 09:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: solar panel roads, floating golf, and the 2,564.8 MPG race car]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/24/inhabitats-week-in-green-solar-panel-roads-floating-golf-and/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/24/inhabitats-week-in-green-solar-panel-roads-floating-golf-and/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/24/inhabitats-week-in-green-solar-panel-roads-floating-golf-and/#commentsEach week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.

Building technology got a tremendous boost this week as Inhabitat reported on a new type of graphene super paper that is 10 times stronger than steel and six times as light. We also took a look at several remarkable new infrastructure projects popping up around the world - from a self-sufficient floating golf course in the Maldives to London's gleaming new cable car system, to the Netherlands' plan to supercharge its roadways with solar panels.

Speaking of hot asphalt, this week the ultra-efficient Alerion race car blazed a trail at the Shell Eco-Marathon, clocking in an incredible 2,564.8 miles per gallon. Meanwhile, Fisker announced that its sexy electric Karma sedan will hit the road this summer, and we were surprised to hear that Marcelo da Luz was forced to pull his solar-powered X of 1 car across Ontario due to road regulations. The New York Auto Show also kicked off with a blast this week as Lexus unveiled its next-gen LF-Gh concept hybrid and Porsche rolled out a 911 GTR 3 in a Facebook colorway that got a lot of "likes".

Finally, we looked at several futuristic example of wearable technology this week including a pair of RoboCop-like glasses that are capable of scanning 400 faces per second at public events. We also brought you a brilliant LED backpack that lets cyclists send signals to drivers, a pollution-detecting t-shirt, and a clock that tells time by knitting a new scarf every year.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: solar panel roads, floating golf, and the 2,564.8 MPG race car originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 24 Apr 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alerioncable carCableCarFiskerFisker KarmaFiskerKarmagolfinhabitatinhabitats week in greenInhabitatsWeekInGreenKarmaLexusLF-GhLondonMaldivesMarcelo da LuzMarceloDaLuzNetherlandsNew York Auto ShowNewYorkAutoShowPorschePorsche 911Porsche911scarfShell Eco MarathonShell Eco-MarathonShellEco-marathonShellEcoMarathonsolar powerSolarPowerweek in greenWeekInGreenX of 1XOf1Sun, 24 Apr 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker Karma production slowly ramping up, first deliveries expected in June or July]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/fisker-karma-production-slowly-ramping-up-first-deliveries-expe/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/fisker-karma-production-slowly-ramping-up-first-deliveries-expe/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/20/fisker-karma-production-slowly-ramping-up-first-deliveries-expe/#comments The company is insisting it can't "really be interpreted as a delay" given that it's gone from prototype to production in just 37 months, but Fisker is now saying that the first all-electric Karma luxury vehicles will delivered to their owners sometime in June or July -- which you'll notice is neither late 2010 nor the first quarter of 2011, as had been promised. Fisker's Roger Ormisher also points out that the company did begin "limited series production" at the end of March as planned, and he says the company is "ramping up slowly to ensure absolute quality." Is it worth the nearly $100k price tag? It certainly seems to be if you've got the cash to spare.

Fisker Karma production slowly ramping up, first deliveries expected in June or July originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electricelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehiclefiskerfisker karmaFiskerKarmakarmaproductionWed, 20 Apr 2011 16:03:00 EST<![CDATA[EV milestone: Fisker rolls first Karma off the assembly line, aims to deliver 7,000 this year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/ev-milestone-fisker-rolls-first-karma-off-the-assembly-line-ai/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/ev-milestone-fisker-rolls-first-karma-off-the-assembly-line-ai/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/ev-milestone-fisker-rolls-first-karma-off-the-assembly-line-ai/#comments Patience can bear such wonderful fruit, can't it? The electrified (and electrifying) Karma, which first graced the world with its presence back in 2008, has managed to negotiate the slalom course of funding and logistical issues that faces any new upstart company and can now boast its very first production unit. The Karma 1 above will be making its way out within a month (presumably after every nook, cranny and capacitor has been polished to perfection) and company spokesman Roger Ormisher says the plan is to ramp up very slowly and carefully, reaching "over 7,000 deliveries" by year's end. Considering the rate at which Leafs and Volts have been selling so far, that doesn't actually sound half bad.

EV milestone: Fisker rolls first Karma off the assembly line, aims to deliver 7,000 this year originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 03:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automotivecarelectricelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevexpensivefactoryfinlandfirstfiskerfisker karmaFiskerKarmakarmaluxurymanufacturingmilestonephevplug-inplug-in hybridPlug-inHybridpremiumproductionvalmetvalmet automotiveValmetAutomotiveWed, 23 Mar 2011 03:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker Karma enters production on March 21st, our future shortly thereafter]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/28/fisker-karma-enters-production-on-march-21st-our-future-shortly/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/28/fisker-karma-enters-production-on-march-21st-our-future-shortly/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/28/fisker-karma-enters-production-on-march-21st-our-future-shortly/#comments It's been a long road for the Karma to reach production, but now it finally has an end in sight: March 21st. That's the date Fisker promises to start rolling its gorgeous PHEV off assembly lines, with deliveries to the first humans to reserve one coming up in April. The price for the 2012 Karma remains a mighty $95,900, though if you ask our brethren over at Autoblog, that's a bunch of pennies well spent. Fisker expects to start producing 1,500 Karmas per month starting in October and to then sell 15,000 a year from 2012 onwards.

Fisker Karma enters production on March 21st, our future shortly thereafter originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 04:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011cardateelectricelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevexpensivefiskerfisker karmaFiskerKarmafuturehybridkarmaluxuryphevplug-inpremiumproductiontransportvehicleMon, 28 Feb 2011 04:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog drives the 2012 Fisker Karma, deems it 'best handling large premium car']]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/22/autoblog-drives-the-2012-fisker-karma-deems-it-best-handling-l/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/22/autoblog-drives-the-2012-fisker-karma-deems-it-best-handling-l/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/22/autoblog-drives-the-2012-fisker-karma-deems-it-best-handling-l/#commentsAutoblog drives the 2012 Fisker Karma, deems it 'best handling large premium car' Karma, in a religious sense, is the sort of divine retribution or cause for your deeds or misdeeds. In an automotive sense it's a $95,900 plug-in luxury performance car that Fisker has been teasing since 2007. That machine is finally nearing production and Autoblog was lucky enough to take an early model for a spin around California Speedway, a brief test-drive that left the pilots concluding "the Fisker Karma is a rolling dream machine for anyone who wants something very different that works and drives exceptionally well." For the rest of the impressions on this $100k plug-in hybrid that offers a combined 657hp and 981lb-ft of torque from three motors and will go 50 miles on batteries alone you'll need to click on through the source link below. For the details on what's in store from your own karma you need only look inside yourself.

Autoblog drives the 2012 Fisker Karma, deems it 'best handling large premium car' originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fisker karma2012 karma2012FiskerKarma2012Karmafiskerhybridkarmaphevplug-in hybridPlug-inHybridTue, 22 Feb 2011 10:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker Karma now set for production in March, deliveries this spring -- maybe]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/19/fisker-karma-now-set-for-production-in-march-deliveries-this-sp/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/19/fisker-karma-now-set-for-production-in-march-deliveries-this-sp/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/19/fisker-karma-now-set-for-production-in-march-deliveries-this-sp/#commentsFisker Karma now set for production in March, deliveries this spring -- maybe Still hanging on to your Fisker Karma pre-order slip despite the decidedly sizeable boost in MSRP, up to $95,900? Well, we now have an idea of when you might actually have a chance of getting a car. The most recent estimates we heard indicated deliveries starting in late 2010, but that obviously didn't happen. Now Fisker is indicating that full production is set to begin in March, about two months from now, with people getting their rides "soon after." Initial examples of the car are to be produced in Europe, Finland to be exact, and they'll need the services of a fairly substantial boat to get across the Atlantic before they become available here. But, still, a potential release date just a few months away is a reasonably encouraging thing -- and you can't deny the car is still quite a looker.

Fisker Karma now set for production in March, deliveries this spring -- maybe originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delayfinlandfiskerhybridkarmaphevplug-in hybridPlug-inHybridproductionWed, 19 Jan 2011 08:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker raises Karma plug-in hybrid base price to $95,900, brings that 750i back into consideration]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/26/fisker-raises-karma-plug-in-hybrid-base-price-to-95-900-brings/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/26/fisker-raises-karma-plug-in-hybrid-base-price-to-95-900-brings/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/26/fisker-raises-karma-plug-in-hybrid-base-price-to-95-900-brings/#comments Oh, sure -- gas is bound to hit $4 a gallon before 2020, but you can buy an awful let of petrol with the money you'll save from dodging Fisker's increasingly expensive Karma. 'Course, those looking to blow 100 grand on an eco-friendly automobile are probably doing so just to throw Ma Earth a bone, but still -- money matters. Originally teased way back in the fall of 2007, Fisker's first plug-in hybrid still hasn't ended up anywhere near mass production, but it has managed to see two rather significant upticks in price all the while. Right around two years ago, we saw the $80,000 MSRP boosted by $7,000, and today, prospective customers are being notified via email that the Karma's base price is now sitting at $95,900 before a $950 destination fee. Granted, the company insists that this includes an integrated solar roof panel (valued at $5,000), and it still starts at $1,400 less than a Panamera S. And yeah, that base price does shrink to $88,400 after you include federal tax incentives. That said, we're doubting high-rollers that were dead-set on handing over $73,000 or so after tax breaks are currently stoked about an increase this large, particularly when there's still no definitive ship date. To Fisker's credit, we've seen General Motors go through similar trials and tribulations surrounding the Volt, and even at $95k, you'll be hard pressed to find more sexy than this on four (street legal) wheels.

Fisker raises Karma plug-in hybrid base price to $95,900, brings that 750i back into consideration originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 26 Dec 2010 05:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automobilecareco-friendlyelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevexcessexpensivefiskerfisker karmaFiskerKarmahybridkarmaluxuryplug-inplug-in hybridPlug-inHybridpriceprice hikeprice increasePriceHikePriceIncreasepricingSun, 26 Dec 2010 05:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Inhabitat's Week in Green: Honeycomb skyscrapers, solar funnels, and the Karma PHEV supercar]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/19/inhabitats-week-in-green-honeycomb-skyscrapers-solar-funnels/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/19/inhabitats-week-in-green-honeycomb-skyscrapers-solar-funnels/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/19/inhabitats-week-in-green-honeycomb-skyscrapers-solar-funnels/#commentsEach week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.

High tech architecture took the spotlight this week as Aedas unveiled a set of photovoltaic crystalline honeycomb skyscrapers for Abu Dhabi and San Francisco unfurled plans for a sail-shaped solar stadium for the America's Cup yacht race. We also took an exclusive look inside a high-tech solar home that actually produces more energy than it consumes, and spotted a new technology that can transform any home's electrical wiring into an information-transmitting antenna.

We also showcased some of the world's most efficient vehicles as the winners of the $10 million Automotive X-Prize were announced, and we were excited to hear that the first factory-built Fisker Karma supercar will be rolling up to the Paris Auto Show next month. Finally, we peek inside Jay Leno's envy-inducing green garage in this week's episode of Green Overdrive.

In other news, MIT made waves on the renewable energy front as they revealed a new "solar funnel" technology that could increase the efficiency of photovoltaic cells 100 times. We also took a first look at Eddy GT's new streamlined city-friendly wind turbine, and we saw Tesla batteries jump-start residential solar systems by storing excess energy.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: Honeycomb skyscrapers, solar funnels, and the Karma PHEV supercar originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Sep 2010 21:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Abu DhabiAbuDhabiauto x prizeauto x-prizeAutoX-prizeAutoXPrizedesigneddyeddy gtEddyGtEVfiskerFisker AutomotiveFisker Karmafisker karma hybridFiskerAutomotiveFiskerKarmaFiskerKarmaHybridinhabitatinhabitats week in greenInhabitatsWeekInGreenJay LenoJayLenokarmaMITPHEVskyscraperssolar funnelsolar powerSolarFunnelSolarPowertesla motorsTeslaMotorsweek in greenWeekInGreenwind powerWindPowerx prizex-prizeXPrizeSun, 19 Sep 2010 21:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Department of Energy lends Fisker $528.7 million for Karma and Project Nina]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/23/department-of-energy-lends-fisker-528-7-million-for-karma-and-p/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/23/department-of-energy-lends-fisker-528-7-million-for-karma-and-p/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/23/department-of-energy-lends-fisker-528-7-million-for-karma-and-p/#comments Well, it seems like that sex-on-wheels advert has done its job. Fisker's development of the oh so desirable Karma PHEV and its lower-cost sibling, now known as Project Nina (inspired by Christopher Columbus' escape from the Old World, no less), has been given a significant boost by the US government. Henrik Fisker himself has been quoted as saying that once the conditional loan is in, "it wouldn't take long to get the lower-cost plug-in hybrid on the road." If the company carries over the aggressive styling from the luxury model, it might have a real winner on its hands, though -- we know -- it's got to be cheap enough first. While waiting for that $528.7 million to work its magic, you can gawk at the solar paneled roof on the Karma, to be found after the break.

Continue reading Department of Energy lends Fisker $528.7 million for Karma and Project Nina

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Department of Energy lends Fisker $528.7 million for Karma and Project Nina originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 07:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>department of energyDepartmentOfEnergydoedoe loansDoeLoansfederal governmentFederalGovernmentFiskerFisker KarmaFiskerKarmagovernmentgovernment loanGovernmentLoanhybridKarmaloanninaphevproject ninaProjectNinaWed, 23 Sep 2009 07:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker already working on lower-cost vehicle to rival Volt, Model S]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/09/fisker-already-working-on-lower-cost-vehicle-to-rival-volt-mode/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/09/fisker-already-working-on-lower-cost-vehicle-to-rival-volt-mode/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/09/fisker-already-working-on-lower-cost-vehicle-to-rival-volt-mode/#comments
While Fisker Automotive isn't making too much of a stir at the New York Auto Show this week, it is scheming to deliver a vehicle that will purportedly compete with Chevrolet's Volt and Tesla's Model S. 'Course, it should probably look to get its Karma onto US streets before it starts looking too far ahead, but you won't find us kvetching about the promise of a lower cost plug-in hybrid. Company spokesman Russell Datz insinuated that the outfit was jonesing to release a model that would be priced somewhere below its Karma ($87,900) and above the Volt (around $40,000) and Model S (somewhere in the $50,000s), though it wasn't close enough to production to hit the show floor of any expos in 2009. Oh, what a tease.

[Via AutoblogGreen]

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Fisker already working on lower-cost vehicle to rival Volt, Model S originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevFiskerhybridkarmakarma sKarmaSplug-inplug-in hybridPlug-inHybridThu, 09 Apr 2009 16:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker Karma TV ads hit the LA airwaves]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/14/fisker-karma-tv-ads-hit-the-la-airwaves/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/14/fisker-karma-tv-ads-hit-the-la-airwaves/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/14/fisker-karma-tv-ads-hit-the-la-airwaves/#comments
Uh oh, Tesla -- it looks Fisker's joining the battle for the hearts of Californian electric sports-car buyers in style. The carmaker has started running ads for the Karma on LA TV stations, and while the first one out the gate is certainly effective in showing off the coupe's sexy lines, it's not exactly mindblowing -- we're pretty certain this would be equally effective in advertising a local technical college with just a few tweaks. Check it after the break.

Continue reading Fisker Karma TV ads hit the LA airwaves

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Fisker Karma TV ads hit the LA airwaves originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 Mar 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclesElectricVehiclesevfiskerkarmaSat, 14 Mar 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Production Fisker Karma gets revealed, shakes that sexy thang]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/04/production-fisker-karma-gets-revealed-shakes-that-sexy-thang/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/04/production-fisker-karma-gets-revealed-shakes-that-sexy-thang/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/04/production-fisker-karma-gets-revealed-shakes-that-sexy-thang/#comments
Unlike another automaker out there, Fisker Automotive's eco-friendly vehicle looks a whole lot like the concept, and while the Tesla Roadster is certainly a sexy beast, we're having an exceptionally difficult time taming our fondness for this ride. The $80,000 $87,000 plug-in hybrid has been officially revealed ahead of its "debut" at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, but sadly, it seems that the '09 ship date has already slipped to "late 2010." We can't say looking at the gorgeous pictures make that fact any less depressing, but they're all there in the read link if you care to indulge.

[Via CNET]

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Production Fisker Karma gets revealed, shakes that sexy thang originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all electricAllElectriccareco-friendlyFiskerFisker AutomotiveFisker karmaFiskerAutomotiveFiskerKarmagreenkarmapicspicturesvehicleThu, 04 Dec 2008 22:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Judge sides with Fisker in Tesla arbitration case]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/03/judge-sides-with-fisker-in-tesla-arbitration-case/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/03/judge-sides-with-fisker-in-tesla-arbitration-case/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/03/judge-sides-with-fisker-in-tesla-arbitration-case/#comments
It started out with allegations of stolen secrets and quickly gave way to plenty of jokes involving "bad karma" before ultimately winding up an in arbitration, and it now looks like the legal tussle between Tesla Motors and Henrik Fisker of Fisker Automotive has finally come to a close. That lawsuit, as you may recall, had accused Fisker (who worked on Tesla's WhiteStar sedan) of stealing Tesla's hybrid technology and using it in Fisker's own car, the Fisker Karma. The judge in the case apparently couldn't disagree more with Tesla's claims, however, and has now cited "overwhelming" evidence in ruling in Fisker's favor. For it's part, Tesla simply said that, "we disagree with the ruling, and we're focused on producing and shipping cars to our customers," while Fisker is expectedly taking the opportunity to gloat a bit, saying that the ruling "completely vindicates" Fisker.

[Via AutoblogGreen]

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Judge sides with Fisker in Tesla arbitration case originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiskerfisker automotivefisker karmaFiskerAutomotiveFiskerKarmateslatesla motorsTeslaMotorsMon, 03 Nov 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Valmet Automotive announces plans to build Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/16/valmet-automotive-announces-plans-to-build-fisker-karma-plug-in/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/16/valmet-automotive-announces-plans-to-build-fisker-karma-plug-in/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/16/valmet-automotive-announces-plans-to-build-fisker-karma-plug-in/#comments
It may still be squabbling with Tesla over some allegedly stolen secrets, but it looks like Fisker is still moving full steam ahead with its Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid, with Valmet Automotive now announcing its intention to manufacturer the car en masse in Finland. As Fisker itself had announced way back when, they're expecting to churn out 15,000 of the cars annually, with the first of 'em sent to land in North America sometime in the fourth quarter of 2009, and Europeans getting theirs shortly thereafter in 2010. Apparently, Valmet was chosen to manufacture the car after an "extensive global search," with its location in Finland in particular working in its favor given that more than half of Fisker's cars are expected to be sold outside of North America.

[Thanks, Timo]

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Valmet Automotive announces plans to build Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 22:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiskerfisker automotiveFiskerAutomotivevalmetWed, 16 Jul 2008 22:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Fisker Karma hybrid sports car spotted on test track complete with stripes and video]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/11/fisker-karma-hyrbid-sports-car-spotted-on-test-track-complete-wi/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/11/fisker-karma-hyrbid-sports-car-spotted-on-test-track-complete-wi/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/11/fisker-karma-hyrbid-sports-car-spotted-on-test-track-complete-wi/#comments
Despite all the lawsuit hoopla over who-stole-what, Fisker Automotive is trudging along with its $80,000 Karma plug-in performance hybrid. New, stripey pictures of the actual vehicle in test runs popped up this week telling us that the Karma could actually hit dealers by 2009 as promised. The pictures are nice -- so nice, in fact, that it turns out they were "leaked" by Fisker's own PR agency along with a video. For review, the Fisker Karma will do 0-60 in 5.8 seconds and top out at 150MPH via an electric / internal-combustion hybrid engine. Latest word is that the combustion engine portion is of Volkswagen build. Fisker is only saying that the engine is of German build, and we say, "gut!" -- let those external speakers roar! The "leaked" video is after the break.

Continue reading Fisker Karma hybrid sports car spotted on test track complete with stripes and video

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Fisker Karma hybrid sports car spotted on test track complete with stripes and video originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 May 2008 07:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tesla Motors can't seem to keep itself out of the press, can it? The newest flare-up concerns rival Fisker and claims that the automaker has stolen trade secrets and copied design concepts. In a lawsuit filed Monday by Tesla, the carmaker accuses Henrik Fisker -- whom the company had hired to design its WhiteStar sedan -- of accepting the work to "gain access to confidential design information and trade secrets." The company alleges that Fisker then used that knowledge to launch a competing vehicle, and believes Fisker has implemented its range-extended vehicle (or REV) technology in the recently introduced Karma. "I think it's ironic that Fisker chose to name his car the Karma, when what he's done is very bad karma," said the company's lawyer. Fisker wouldn't comment on the case, then drove silently away when pressed.

[Via CNET]

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Tesla Motors sues Fisker over stolen secrets originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You know how we love the electric cars around here, but internal combustion sure does sound sexy -- a big V-8 literally brings the noise in a way the nearly-silent whir of an electric motor can't hope to match. Well, it looks like the mad geniuses behind the $80,000 Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid have hit upon an appropriately high-tech solution: speakers placed inside and out that allow drivers to give their rides any sound they want, including one described as "like something between a Formula One car and a jet plane." Interesting, to be sure -- but seeing as the Karma can hit 125mph and go from 0-60 in six seconds, we'd be happier if that rig just screamed at people to get out of the left lane.

[Via Autoblog]

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Fisker Karma hybrid sports car to generate motor noise through external speakers originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Mar 2008 04:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hybrids are the rage at this year's Detroit Auto Show. Center stage then is the $100,000 $80,000 Fisker Automotive plug-in hybrid set for delivery in 2009. California-based Fisker is the namesake of Danish-born Henrik Fisker, CEO and former BMW and Aston Martin designer. The Fisker Karma (pictured), can go up to 50 miles before the gas engine kicks in to charge the lithium-ion batteries. It features a 150mph top speed capable of reaching 60mph from a standstill in 5.8 seconds. Sharing the stage with Fisker is AFS Trinity Power Corporation and their 150mpg plug-in hybrid XH-150 SUV -- that "XH" stands for Extreme Hybrid. Unlike traditional hybrids, the XH-150's powertrain uses ultra-capacitors, not gas, for "fast" acceleration. The XH-150 goes from 0 to 60 in 6.9 seconds with a top highway speed of just 87mph. Instead of bringing the XH-150 to market, however, AFS Trinity is more focused on licensing their ultra-capacitor technology. Good idea too, after checking the ho-hum XH-150 just beyond the break.

[Via c|net News]

Read -- Fisker Karma
Read -- AFT Trinity unveils 150 MG XH SUV

Continue reading The "eco-chic" Fisker Karma and 150mpg XH-150 hybrids revealed

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The "eco-chic" Fisker Karma and 150mpg XH-150 hybrids revealed originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 06:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>afsafs trinityAfsTrinityfiskerfisker karmaFiskerKarmahybridkarmaplug-inultra capacitorUltraCapacitorxh-150Mon, 14 Jan 2008 06:03:00 EST<![CDATA[First image of Fisker's plug-in luxury hybrid released?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/26/first-image-of-fiskers-plug-in-luxury-hybrid-released/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/26/first-image-of-fiskers-plug-in-luxury-hybrid-released/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/26/first-image-of-fiskers-plug-in-luxury-hybrid-released/#comments
You can't be too careful these days, but if the above image isn't just the work of some overzealous fanboy (or girl), that's what Fisker's forthcoming luxury plug-in hybrid will look like. The vehicle itself will be developed in conjunction with Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies, which reportedly hopes to aid Fisker in developing an entire line of "environmentally friendly premium cars." If all goes well, the whip could make its North American entrance at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, but as you can probably imagine, owning such a svelte looking ride won't run you cheap. The company plans to crank out some 15,000 of these creations initially and fetch around $100,000 for each, but until we actually get the word that people are taking delivery, we won't get too attached.

[Via Autoblog]

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First image of Fisker's plug-in luxury hybrid released? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Oct 2007 09:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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