Fisker beginning to look like the real deal

Its not really about the Karma

Initial production of the Karma plug-in hybrid is sold out. So, if you desire a Karma or Sunset hybrid, you'll have to wait until 2011, when Fisker will begin producing 15,000 of these plug-in hybrid vehicles per year.

But that isn't really what Fisker is about.

By mid-2012, Fisker intends to use all of its Karma to begin production on Project Nina. Sure, that wouldn't be very big news if Fisker was only planning on producing just 15-20,000 Nina hybrids per year.

But, again, that isn't what Fisker is about. Instead, Fisker plans on producing 100,000 Nina plug-in hybrid vehicles.

100,000 vehicles with 50 miles of EV range and another 250 miles of hybrid range?! Are you kidding me? If Fisker can achieve that by mid-2012, it might just become the greatest automotive story ever.

Gassy: Making sense of Fisker plug-in hype

The Model T of the plug-in hybrid?

There has been a ton of news about Fisker Automotive in the last several days. I guess being connected to the VP of the US is a pretty smart move, especially when the government is doling out $50 billion in fuel efficient loans and other grants, etc. these days to automakers and suppliers.

Still, how important is Fisker, and it's plug-in hybrids, to America's automotive future?

As with Tesla, I respect Fisker's focus on fuel-efficient, technologically-advanced products, but we're still talking about luxury vehicles. I mean, how much has Porsche, Ferarri, etc. really driven the future of the gasoline-engined auto industry?

Of course, the plug-in future is different. New. One innovation could change everything. Nonetheless, the future of the plug is scale, or millions of sales every year.

After selling more than 2 million hybrid cars, Toyota's hybrid technology still hasn't scaled enough to be cost-effective for most consumers, but Fisker or Tesla can achieve scale via tens of thousands of luxury plug-in vehicle sales per year?

Or, perhaps these luxury plug-in automakers are simply using luxury plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles to bridge to $50,000 'economic' versions that can compete with a Chevy Volt, a plug-in Toyota Prius, or a Nissan Leaf, etc in 2015?

Maybe. Still, I cannot help but ask, is a new automaker really the missing part of the oil-free revolution, or is the real issue the cheap cost of petroleum - at least in terms of pump prices?

Fisker receives $1/2 billion loan for plug-in hybrids

Are you worthy?

According to Silicon Valley, Detroit is already dead, they just don't know it yet. Eventually, some of the world's biggest venture capitalists believe companies like Fisker Automotive will replace iconic names like GM and Chrysler.

Consequently, today the government loaned Fisker $1/2 billion to help put their plug-in hybrids to the test. While the Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid, at a cost of $90,000, will be the first auto built by Fisker, the real goal is the Nina, a $40,000 plug-in hybrid that should be available by 2012.

Fisker hopes the Nina can achieve a sales volume of 100,000 units per year and create as many as 5,000 new jobs.

Do Fisker and Tesla deserve government money?

Should the government really help build this kind of vehicle?

Over the next several years the government is going to dole out many tens of billions of dollars in grants, loans and tax credits to help green the automotive landscape. Thus, startups such as Tesla and Fisker are hoping to obtain as much of this money as possible to increase their green automotive efforts. Yet, after a $7,500 tax credit, neither will offer a vehicle priced much below $50,000.

Does this really help green the auto industry?

Minimally, it will take more than a decade, if everything goes extremely well, for these companies to sell anything priced close enough for mass consumption. Yet, both stand to reap huge IPO rewards with the help of government money.

Still, I cannot help but question the real world prospects of either company. Every major automaker has multiple plug-in options these days in the pipeline. Can either Tesla or Fisker contribute anything to this landscape? Can they really compete at anything but luxury vehicles?

Perhaps. Thus, maybe these companies are deserving of massive government assistance, but I dare say neither Fisker nor Tesla is outside of the box in their automotive thinking these days. All this makes me wonder, are just batteries and a plug the solution to America's auto woes and energy policy? Are we really thinking far enough outside of the box?

Karma: No plug-in hybrids without a gas tax?

Does the Volt make sense when gas is $2.00 per gallon?

Watched some of Newsweek's Future of the Auto Industry discussion yesterday on CSPAN. Interesting panel, but mostly a bunch of people pushing individual agendas, rather than an open discussion of possibilities.

For instance Michigan Governor Granholm framed everything around saving the Michigan Auto Industry. Henrik Fisker painted a rosy portrait of the Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid and claimed 50 percent of all vehicles sold by 2020 will be plug-in hybrids.

Mike Jackson, CEO of AutoNation disagreed with Fisker. He predicted 10 - 15 percent of all vehicles sold might be plug-in hybrids by 2020. However, most US consumers, according to Jackson, will not pay more to do the right thing, and Jackson has decades of auto experiences and numerous consumer studies to validate his position.

A gas tax, however, could make change happen much faster and Jackson pointed to July of 08 as an example. Because of high gas prices, the far majority of consumers made fuel efficiency their top priority.

32 Dealers ready to sell Karma hybrid

Coming to a dealer near you?

Can't wait to get your hand on a plug-in hybrid? Later this year you might be able to get your hands on one of the new $87,900 Fisker Karma plug-in hybrids. There are now 32 retailers ready to carry the brand.

Is Fisker a Tesla killer?

The Karma convertible

In about a year, Fisker Automotive will begin production on the Karma plug-in hybrid sedan. Already the company is finalizing the details on its dealership network and at least 1,300 vehicles are already on the books according to reports.

Yet, what is really interesting about Fisker is the plan to produce 15,000 plug-in hybrids per year. By the time the Karma goes on sale, on the other hand, Tesla might still not have produced 1,000 Roadsters.

Is Tesla quickly becoming irrelevant?

In terms of cost, both the Roadster and the Karma are in the same league. Yet, the Karma seems to offer so much more. For instance, a wider dealership network, better range, and more seating.

Yes, Tesla will eventually offer a 4-seat sedan that could cost-cut the Karma, yet Tesla's manufacturing history is a serious question mark. If Fisker can come out of the gate with all their manufacturing pistons firing, is there any room left in the market for Tesla?

What is the Fisker Sunset?

The Fisker Sunset

In addition to the Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid, Fisker will also debut the Sunset at NAIAS in January. Not many other details, other this this photo, have been released. Many believe the Sunset will be a convertible. We just hope it's also a plug-in, or at least some sort of hybrid.

Fisker Karma plug-in: Tax incentive worthy?

The $80,000 plug-in

The Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid is a hot looking vehicle with an even hotter price tag. At $80,000, the Karma is priced well above what the average consumer can afford, although a $40,000 version is forthcoming. Nonetheless, it will offer the average driver at least 100 mpg according to the company. In fact, for many commutes, the Karma won't use any gasoline, as it offers up to 50 miles of electric range.

Thus, Fisker believes it deserves some special attention if Congress is going to bail out US automakers according to CBS. If Fisker can produce a car equal to, or better than, GM's Volt, doesn't Fisker deserve some government investment?

I do have a bit of a problem with the idea of government help for luxury vehicles, such as the Karma, despite green credentials. To me, it seems a gas tax is the most cost-effective path to plug-ins, not government bailouts, loans and corporate tax incentives.

Anyway, check out this Karma road test.

Fisker Karma shifts towards reality

New engineering center in Michigan opened

The $87,000 Fisker Karma plug-in is on schedule to launch in late 2010, and a new engineering center has been opened in Michigan for the effort.

"We're excited to start something up," stated Henrik Fisker, CEO of Fisker Automotive according to AutoWeek. "We're getting a lot of good people in--so that's obviously a big advantage for us."

The 34,000 square foot building will be used for vehicle integration purposes and will employ 200 people to help develop the plug-in hybrid that will be capable of achieving 50 miles of pure electricity, while going from 0-60 in less than 6 seconds - cake eaters are drooling everywhere.

Middle Eastern State to fund Fisker hybrid

Funded by US oil dependence

The State of Qatar, a nation made rich via foreign oil and gas, will invest $65 million in the Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid according to Cars.com.

Perhaps, soon, the same countries that we buy our foreign oil from can sell us the plug-in hybrid cars that end our foreign oil dependence, or least the licenses for such technology.

Wouldn't that be hilariously ironic?

4 different Fisker Karma plug-ins

The Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid

By 2012 Fisker Automotive hopes to have 4 different Fisker Karma plug-in hybrids available for sale. By late 2009, Fisker will launch the Karma sedan, and by 2012 Fisker will "add a convertible, coupe and possibly a four-door sport-utility vehicle", according to AutoWeek. And, an under $60,000 plug-in might also be in the works.

In 2010 Fisker hopes to make 7,500 Karmas at a price of $87,000, increasing production to 15,000 units by 2011. When it adds the 3 other Karma variants, Fisker hopes it can take over 3.3 percent of the US luxury vehicle market.

Fisker ramping up Karma hybrid production

The Fisker Karma hybrid at NAIAS

By the end of 2009 production on the Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid will begin. Finland's Valet Automotive, producer of a number of Porsches is expected to produce about 15,000 of the plug-in hybrids. With an expected 50 miles of EV range, the Karma has a total range of 350 miles. No final word on pricing, but if the vehicle remains true to its Detroit debut form, the Karma could make the Chevy Volt seem like an economy PHEV.

Fisker playing PR games with Karma?

Media manipulation?

AutoWeek's Dutch Mandel is calling out Fisker Automotive for fake spy shots of the Karma plug-in hybrid vehicle.

"As a media professional I am appalled, but perhaps I should not be. I suppose these La-La Land flakmeisters (and the obsequious, fawning, sycophant media with which they deal in the so-called star business) are used to spoon-fed, fabricated stories created to make their myriad celebrities look good. C'mon, guys: sending out Fisker "spy photos" is akin to having paparazzi on retainer and on call to "capture" your client flashing some genitalia."

Tesla sues Fisker

Supposed to have been White Star?

Tesla has filed a lawsuit against Fisker Automotive. According to InsideLine, "The action contends that Denmark-born designer Henrik Fisker's company fraudulently agreed to take on Tesla's $875,000 design contract for the White Star sedan to gain access to confidential design information and trade secrets, according to media reports. Afterward, Fisker announced the Karma, a competing vehicle."

I thought White Star was supposed to be a an affordable electric sedan, unlike the Roadster? The Fisker Karma design certainly doesn't appear to be a design built for affordability.

Tesla has been an inspiring story, but the company has way over-promised and way under-delivered. I continue to wish them luck, but......

First Look: Quantum Fisker plug-in hybrid

Yes, those are solar panels on the roof

If the Fisker Quantum plug-in hybrid can hit the streets in the fourth quarter of 2009, as planned, it could be the first mass produced plug-in hybrid vehicle. However, when you look at the gorgeous exterior, topped with solar panels, and then the lush interior, it seems obvious that this is going to be a very expensive vehicle. Yet again, however, the Fisker Quantum hybrid keeps the momentum towards plug-in hybrid vehicles moving.

NAIAS: First impressions

The Saturn View plug-in hybrid

I'm sitting in the Detroit airport finishing off a crappy gyro, so I thought I'd do some writing on NAIAS to help forget about how disappointed I am in my last meal before embarking on my five hour flight.

O.K., reserving the right to change my mind, I'm going to say the entire Saturn brand was best of show, at least in terms of hybrid vehicles and other clean technologies. First, I think the Saturn Vue hybrid has tremendous potential - if it's priced correctly. Second, Saturn also a lithium-powered Vue plug-in hybrid that is being road tested. Third, the Saturn Flextreme provides a path for Saturn to evolve into the E-Flex drive - powertrain of the Volt.

While NAIAS and most auto shows are getting greener, there are still far too many hybrid concepts hitting the show and not enough production ready vehicles. Having said that I was very impressed with the Quantum Fisker plug-in hybrid. Let's hope the technology powering this vehicle is as impressive as it's outward appearance. Likewise, Chrysler also showed some conceptual promise, such as the with the ZEO and the Voyager (more on all these vehicles later).

OK. I gotta get out of this restaurant and find a bar.

Quantum Fisker hybrid set to launch in Detroit

Quantum Fisker hybrid set to launch at NAIAS

Quantum Fisker has decided to use the North American International Auto Show to launch the partnerships new plug-in hybrid.

The foor door luxury sports hybrid is set to go on sale in the 4th quarter of 2009. The Fisker hybrid will utilize Quantum's Q-Drive to "to achieve 50 miles of zero emission, battery-only range while providing combined gasoline-electric hybrid operation to enable uncompromised vehicle range and performance. The Q-Drive system will be integrated into a unique chassis developed by Quantum that will enable optimizing the performance and vehicle dynamics. 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."

Updated: Quantum Fisker's plug-in hybrid with solar option

The 2010 Quantum Fisker Plug-in Hybrid

Quantum Fuel Systems and Fisker Coachbuild have updated their plans for their plug-in hybrid vehicle partnership. Debuting at the Detroit Auto Show in early 2008, the Quantum Fisker plug-in hybrid will go on sale in late 2009 with a production goal of 15,000 cars per year.

One of the coolest things about the Quantum hybrid, however, is its utilization of solar technology.

"The Fisker Automotive vehicles will also offer recharging system options in addition to the standard 110/120 volt system. A fast-charging 220/240 system and a solar carport, equipped with solar modules supplied by Quantum and its German partner, asola Advanced and Automotive Solar Systems GmbH ("Asola"), will be offered as dealer options. A Quantum/Asola solar roof panel will be offered as a factory installed option to provide power for ventilation when parking, pre-air conditioning of the vehicle, supplemental cooling of the lithium-ion battery pack, and opportunity trickle charging of the vehicle batteries."