It was a busy week for Fisker Automotive, Inc., a subsidiary of Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. (Nasdaq: QTWW).
The company unveiled its Fisker Karma, a high-performance hybrid sports sedan meant to rival Tesla’s all-electric Roadster, and it announced a second round of funding lead by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Beyers.
"Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers are committed to investing in innovative companies that make financial and environmental sense," said Ray Lane, Managing Partner, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers. "We believe that Fisker Automotive’s groundbreaking, forward-thinking design stands to pave the way for a greener and more efficient transportation future."
Fisker Automotive says it will offer a range of environmentally friendly cars, with the first production car making its worldwide debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan.
The company says the Fisker Karma will do zero to 60 miles per hour in under 6 seconds and reach speeds in excess of 125 miles per hour.
Karma buyers will have the option to order the car with a solar panel on the roof to help juice the car’s battery. Fisker said its four-door sports sedan—which the company compares to cars from Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes—will begin rolling out in Q409 with a yearly production run of 15,000. Karma prices start at $80,000.
Quantum will supply its proprietary "Q-Drive" high-performance plug-in-hybrid electric vehicle architecture for the current Fisker Hybrid sedan as well as all future Fisker models. The Q-Drive plug-in hybrid electric drive system is designed to achieve 50 miles of zero emission, battery-only range while providing combined gasoline-electric hybrid operation to enable vehicle range and performance.
According to Quantum, benefits of the Q-Drive system include optimized fuel efficiency and superior performance, unchanged gas station infrastructure, and home-based battery recharging with any 110-volt outlet or, as an option, 220/240-volt fast-charging using Quantum’s solar energy powered re-charging station.
About Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers (KPCB):
KPCB has broadly invested in both life sciences and information technology since its inception in 1972. In the last four years, KPCB has expanded its focus to include Greentech. KPCB’s Greentech portfolio has grown to over 30 companies and includes Amyris Biotechnologies, Ausra, Bloom Energy, Great Point Energy, Mascoma, Miasole, and Verdiem. For more information on KPCB, please visit http://www.kpcb.com.
About Quantum:
Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., a fully integrated alternative energy company, is a leader in the development and production of advanced propulsion systems, energy storage technologies, and alternative fuel vehicles. Quantum’s portfolio of technologies includes advanced lithium-ion battery systems, electronic controls, hybrid electric drive systems, hydrogen storage and metering systems, and alternative fuel technologies that enable fuel efficient, low emission hybrid, plug-in hybrid electric, fuel cell, and alternative fuel vehicles. Quantum’s powertrain engineering, system integration, vehicle manufacturing, and assembly capabilities provide fast-to- market solutions to support the production of hybrid and plug-in hybrid, hydrogen-powered hybrid, fuel cell, alternative fuel, and specialty vehicles, as well as modular, transportable hydrogen refueling stations. Quantum’s customer base includes automotive OEMs, dealer networks, fleets, aerospace industry, military and other government entities, and other strategic alliance partners.
Quantum has also formed a new company with Fisker Coachbuild, LLC, which is called Fisker Automotive, Inc. Fisker Automotive will offer a range of environmentally friendly premium cars, incorporating Quantum’s proprietary high-performance plug-in-hybrid electric vehicle architecture, known as "Q-Drive," into a unique chassis that will enable optimizing the performance and vehicle dynamics.
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