Fisker Automotive, Inc. and Quantum Technologies (Nasdaq: QTWW) are performing initial vehicle testing of the Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid production car in Southern California and fine tuning the vehicle’s battery software management system.
"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."
Three Fisker Karma prototypes have been built for crash test simulation and testing of of the electric powertrain.
In sport mode the Fisker Karma will offer a continuous top speed of 125 miles per hour (200km/h). Electric only, or stealth mode, is capped at 95 miles per hour (150 km/h). Preliminary testing of the lithium-ion battery that powers the Fisker Karma has indicated a life expectancy of more than 10 years.
The vehicle can be emission-free for up to 50 miles a day provided the car is charged every evening, according to a company release.
Fisker Automotive said 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. The company expects to reach a full production of 1,250 vehicles per month by the end of 2010 for an estimated price of $80,000.
Fisker Automotive, Inc.
Fisker Automotive is a privately owned car company with Henrik Fisker as the CEO. Fisker Coachbuild, LLC will be the exclusive design house for Fisker Automotive through the entire range of product development. The company has backing from Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and Palo Alto Investors.
About Quantum Technologies
Quantum is a leader and OEM supplier of state-of-the-art clean propulsion technologies, fuel and energy storage technologies and services including propulsion systems for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles, compressed natural gas vehicles, liquid petroleum vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids based on advanced electronic control systems and Lithium Ion batteries developed by Quantum’s strategic alliance partner. Quantum also provides engineering services including vehicle development and homologation.