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Henrik Fisker unveils his ambitious EMotion luxury EV
Henrik Fisker has tweeted some new images of the EMotion electric car from Fisker Inc. with a theoretical 400 mile range and 161 mph top speed. Overall, it looks like a softer version of the original Fisker Karma EV from the side, with a grill-less snout like the Tesla Model S. The technical highlight is a new type of graphene battery, under development at UCLA, that (theoretically) charges faster than a lithium-ion model. The vehicle is slated to be built at an "existing facility," reportedly in California, and unveiled in 2017.
A real-world Hyperloop preview, and more in the week that was
The Hyperloop cometh: Danish architecture firm BIG just gave the world a sneak peek at a 93-mile track designed to connect Abu Dhabi and Dubai, while the University of Waterloo is set to test the world's first levitating pneumatic system next week. Tesla is having a great month as it turned a profit for the first time in two years and unveiled its next-generation Powerwall 2.0 system. Meanwhile, Henrik Fisker gave the world a first look at his upcoming 'Tesla-killer" supercar, which is set to launch next year. And Otto delivered the world's first shipment by a self-driving truck: 51,744 cans of Budweiser beer.
Fisker teases an electric sports car with a 400 mile range
Henrik Fisker is back in the news with another electric car company. Fisker Inc. (not to be confused with Karma Revero) is the latest venture from the famed designer. Aside from claims that the electric sports car will travel over 400 miles between charges, there won't be anything to see until halfway through next year, according to a report from Bloomberg. "It will definitely be something that when you see it, it will look completely different," Fisker (the person) tells the publication. "It will be sporty and spacious." He hopes to take on the Tesla Model S with the first vehicle, which he describes as a spiritual successor to the 2012 Karma.
Karma unveils Revero hybrid with new solar charging roof
Normally, the most exciting part about a new car is seeing the design for the first time. However, Karma Automotive's unveiling of the hybrid Revero today surprised no one, because it's identical to the Fisker Karma. That's not a bad thing -- nobody ever criticized the original's looks, penned by prolific Aston Martin DB9 and BMW Z8 stylist Henrik Fisker. Instead, Wanxiang, the Chinese auto parts company that bought Fisker out of bankruptcy last year, focused on fixing the car's lack of reliability and tendency to catch fire.
Inhabitat's Week in Green: The Karma Revero, and more!
The Fisker Karma is one of the hottest plug-in hybrid cars ever built. However, production stopped in 2012 when the company went bankrupt. Now the car is set to be reborn as the Karma Revero this year. Meanwhile, Ford is planning to launch a 200-mile electric car to take on the Tesla Model 3 and the Chevy Bolt. In other news, SpaceX announced plans to send its Red Dragon spacecraft to mars in 2018, while NASA invested $67 million to develop super efficient solar-electric engines. The US Air Force smashed the world record for maglev speed by propelling a floating sled to 633 miles per hour. And the Twicycle is a crazy bike that's powered by your arms and legs.
BMW's EV tech is being used to resurrect the Karma
Saying that luxury electric-vehicle manufacturer Fisker was beleaguered before its demise a few years back would be a gross understatement. But despite the cars self-immolating and Tesla CEO Elon Musk criticizing everything but the Karma's design, a Chinese auto parts manufacturer is resurrecting the brand under a different name: "Revero." That's according to a report from Wall Street Journal. Wanxiang Group is moving production to EV-hotbed California from Finland and will unveil its new ride either in July or August, but pricing hasn't been announced yet. The previous Karma sold for $100,000.
Fisker files for Bankruptcy, hopes selling company will restart Karma sales
The writing has been on the walls for awhile, but now the scrawlings read true: Fisker Automotive has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. For almost a year, the company's been sliding down a slope of financial ruin. Production was halted, workers were furloughed, then laid off and the Department of Energy even seized $21 million from the company after becoming concerned it wouldn't be able to pay of its $192 million federal loan. The bankruptcy filing will help facilitate the company's sale to Hybrid Technology, an investor group that has agreed to buy the remainder of the DOE's original loan, now valued at $25 million. Hybrid says the deal is the first step to putting the Karma back into production (and back on the market), but notes that it still has a lot of work to do. "As we continue to examine Fisker's opportunities, we will be making decisions about the structure and footprint of the new business," a Hybrid spokeswoman told the Reuters. It'll likely take some time for the hybrid sports sedan to make it back to the showroom. Hopefully, it'll give the firm time to work out some of the original Karma's faults.
Department of Energy seizes $21 million reserve account from Fisker
Fisker just can't catch a break. As if enduring the layoffs of three out of every four employees and the resignation of its founder wasn't unsettling enough, it's now come to light that the Department of Energy recently confiscated the company's $21 million reserve account in an attempt to recoup some of the government's loan. Fisker's first payment on the $192 million federal loan was due Monday, but the Energy Department revealed that it actually took the money 12 days beforehand, simply due to the company's high risk of default -- a move it characterized as an "appropriate action on behalf of taxpayers." If you're thinking the writing's now on the wall, you're correct... the WSJ reports that Fisker has hired a bankruptcy attorney, and the company admits that it's actively in search of a new owner. Will luck swing in Fisker's favor next time around? Place your bets.
Fisker announces steep layoffs, cuts company down to 25 percent of its workforce
Fisker Automotive has been seeing its troubles go from bad to worse, and its now announced its most drastic steps yet to keep the company afloat. In a statement released this afternoon, the company confirmed that it is making a "significant reduction" in its workforce, which it says will ultimately leave it with approximately 25 percent of its employees -- Bloomberg pegs the number of layoffs at about 160 based on its sources, down from the 200 it employed as of last week. Fisker's statement also notes that the company is continuing its efforts to secure a strategic alliance or partnership, but says it had reached the point where layoffs became unavoidable. As Bloomberg mentions in its report, Fisker has to date only sold 2,500 of its electric vehicles, which have been beset by delays and recalls in recent years.
Fisker puts US workers on furlough to conserve cash
Fisker's cash reserves have been in trouble ever since its Department of Energy loans were frozen, and now its putting its US workforce on furlough to keep money in the bank while it searches for a partner with deep pockets. "This is a common practice, particularly in the automotive industry, to manage costs and operations based on current activity levels and commercial requirements," said Fisker, which has over 200 employees in America, in a statement concerning the unpaid leave. Considering that battery woes and other mishaps have contributed to keeping assembly lines quiet, current activity levels are indeed low. Reuters says the automaker hasn't built a car since July, and it's coming up against a federal loan payment in late April. According to the outlet, Fisker was aiming to partner with Chinese auto companies that could bolster its finances, but talks are said to have crawled to a stop. Regardless, the firm is still on the lookout for an investor to fuel the production of its Atlantic hybrid.
Fisker founder resigns over 'major disagreements' with management
Fisker Automotive founder Henrik Fisker has resigned from his post as the firm's executive chairman. An email said to be sent by Henrik cites several unspecified "major disagreements" with the company's executive management on business strategy as the primary reason for abandoning ship. Reports suggest the decision was sparked by the firm's purported consideration of selling a majority stake to China's Geely Automobile, which would put much-needed cash in its coffers. For its part, the company says that it's strategy hasn't changed, and that it doesn't expect its namesake's departure to have an impact.
VL Destino is a 639hp, supercharged, V8-powered Fisker Karma (eyes-on)
People have gushed about the handling of the Fisker Karma, it's low, long and wide chassis said to provide amazing handling. But, the powertrain has certainly caused some... problems. So, VL Automotive (a small auto manufacturer backed by Bob Lutz, among others) did what felt right: kept that luscious body and chassis and ripped out the guts. In exchange for the series hybrid get-up that drives the Karma, the Destino received a supercharged V8 -- more specifically, the LS9 that powers the Corvette ZR1. Under the see-through hood of the 'Vette that motor puts down 639hp, a figure that's said to be maintained here, but with the four-door practicality the Chevrolet lacks. Pricing is said to be around $180,000 for the bespoke four-door supercar (a huge premium over the $102,000 Karma), but its designers hope that this could be the fastest four-door sedan on the planet when it goes on sale later this year. Just don't expect to set any records on the fuel efficiency scoreboard.
Fisker Karma production has been halted for a month, A123 Systems' bankruptcy to blame
Fisker Automotive is certainly no stranger to hold ups, and it turns out they've had another: production of the firm's Karma hybrid has been halted since its sole battery supplier, A123 Systems, filed for bankruptcy in October. Since A123 slowed its battery output after the filing, the automaker has been too short on batteries to continue churning out vehicles. Fisker anticipates resuming production after the ill-fated outfit is auctioned off, but it doesn't expect to know the outcome of the sale until mid-December. If your Karma's lithium-ion pack goes kaput in the meantime, there's still hope. As of now, the company says it has enough batteries in stock for customers who need replacements.
A123 Systems becomes America's latest EV battery maker to file for bankruptcy
Having been riddled with setbacks, including a major recall of faulty batteries supplied to Fisker Automotive, Michigan's favorite EV battery maker A123 Systems has filed for bankruptcy. It has also announced the sale of its main business units to rival Johnson Controls in a deal pegged at $125 million -- a sad fraction of the billion dollars it raised since it launched in 2001 (not least from government grants). It seems that neither fresh lithium ion innovations nor a potential deal with Chinese investors were able to keep the company out of the red, which leaves A123 on the road to nowhere -- right behind that other DoE-sponsored hopeful, Ener1.
Fisker confirms Q&A outlining Karma woes and fixes, may establish council to talk issues in person
Fisker has had more than its fair share of teething troubles with the Karma, but it has to be given credit for going out of its way to listen to early adopters. The hybrid car builder has confirmed to Autoblog that a question and answer session making the rounds is the official result of town hall discussions that have both acknowledged problems and promised fixes where they're possible. The answers we've been given are a mix of sober realities and practical remedies. Drivers hoping for outright hardware upgrades to improve performance with existing Karmas will have to keep wishing; thankfully, a host of firmware fixes are on the way to improve at least the sedan's Command Center system and mirrors. PR lead Roger Ormisher even hints that there could be an in-person council that would tackle concerns more directly than the remote pep talks. We're mostly hoping for the day when Fisker stamps out the bugs and doesn't need the Q&A to put Karma owners' minds at ease.
Fisker halting Surf production, but will build you one if you've got a 'big enough checkbook'
Like the ambitious diner at the all-you-can-eat-buffet, Fisker's got a lot on its plate. Between recalling all of its self-immolating Karma models, taking flack from its rivals and hiring a new CEO, something had to give. As such, it's halted production on the Surf and Sunset while it concentrates on getting the Nina / Atlantic onto the streets. However, one-percenters needing a five-door EV are in luck -- Fisker's Roger Ormisher has said that "if someone came along with a big enough checkbook" they'd discuss building a model tailored to their needs. While he remained coy about a specific price in his statement to Autoblog (after the break), a Fisker Buzz member has pegged the figure to be $200,000 -- but hey, that's pocket change to you, right?
CE-Oh no he didn't!: Tesla's Elon Musk calls the Fisker Karma a 'mediocre product at a high price'
"I don't think very highly of Henrik Fisker," Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors, told Automobile magazine in a recent interview. Musk was recalling events leading up to a 2008 lawsuit in which Tesla accused Fisker of pilfering its hybrid technology to build the Fisker Karma. Musk isn't a fan of the automobile, and suggests its creators put form over function. "It's a mediocre product at a high price," he says. "[Fisker] thinks the most important thing in the world -- or the only important thing in the world -- is design, so he outsourced the engineering and manufacturing." Still, Musk concedes that Fisker's eye for aesthetics paid off in some respects. "It looks good," he said. "Particularly from the side it looks good." The magazine gave Henrik Fisker a chance to respond, who said that he was "delighted that Elon thinks the Karma is a good-looking car," and stressed that Tesla and Fisker are targeting different customers with two "totally different technologies." He was quick to address the firms' previous legal squabbles too, "to set the record straight, Fisker won in court... a judge threw out the case and awarded costs to Fisker." True enough, but in light of recent events, we can think of at least one Karma owner who might agree with Musk.
Fisker completes investigation of latest Karma hybrid EV fire, issues vehicle-wide cooling fan recall
Recall Fisker's latest fiery episode last week that left the front left quarter panel of a Karma hybrid EV burnt to a crisp in a Woodside, California parking lot? As promised, the company has completed its investigation with Pacific Rim Investigative Services Group into the scene, reporting that it's "located the ignition source to the left front of the Karma, forward of the wheel, where the low temperature cooling fan is located." As such, Fisker has decided to issue a full-on recall of the unit, although it's currently unclear if this and it affects all Karmas on the road. That said, Fisker is also stressing "that the incident was not caused by the Lithium-ion battery pack, new technology components, engine component packaging or unique exhaust routing of the Fisker Karma" -- naturally, the usual suspects for these types of accidents that keep plaguing the fledgling automaker. At least its new CEO Tony Posawatz is extremely qualified to handle the task at hand -- after all, a few weeks ago he was Volt-maker, GM's, Vehicle Line Director. Hit up the press release after the break for details about the investigation and its findings. Update: When asked about whether the recall affects all Karma models currently on the road, a representative simply (and promptly) replied to us stating, "yes" -- well then.
Fisker lands former GM exec and Chevy Volt guru Tony Posawatz as CEO
Fisker hasn't had what you'd call the best year so far, but it may have found the ticket to turning its hybrid vehicle business around. Meet Tony Posawatz, Fisker's new CEO -- and, until just weeks ago, GM's Vehicle Line Director. Despite being the second new chief executive at Fisker since Tom LaSorda arrived in February, Posawatz needs little explanation for his sudden rise to power. He's an original member of the Chevy Volt leadership structure and could very well know a thing or two about developing a hybrid car from start to finish. His influence might only be keenly felt when the Atlantic wheels its way towards driveways in 2014, but there's no doubt he's onboard to right the good ship Karma and improve Fisker's reputation in the short term. We wouldn't want to be in GM's shoes as it watches one of its EV-friendly veterans so publicly jump ship, however.
Fisker issues second statement about self-combusting Karma
Fisker's inability to catch a break is matched only by its vehicles' worrying reliability record. The company has issued another statement after a parked, thankfully empty Karma EV opted for some self-immolation in a Californian parking lot last Friday. It currently doesn't believe the cause was its (previously recalled) Lithium-ion battery, exhaust routing or electrical components, having learned that the ignition zone was outside the engine compartment, in front of the driver's side front tire. We've got the full text after the break, meanwhile we're considering doing a lot more walking.
