The beginning of the 21st century will be remembered as a time of change for the automotive industry. Never before have so many things happened, and global industry was changed in such a short time. We started this century firmly planted in internal combustion engines and family sedans, only to switch to hybrids, SUVs, and fully electric models two decades on. As always, the progress was the result of a few brave and innovative people who decided to improve on the existing technology and business model. Tesla is the first such example. However, a similar venture, with an arguably better idea and a much cooler product, always had a different success. That car is Fisker Karma, a brainchild of one of the best car designers, Henrik Fisker, and a gorgeous machine that deserved better.
After well-publicized stints at BMW, Aston Martin, and Ford, Henrik Fisker was a rock star in automotive design. Known for his fluid lines and beautiful shapes, he realized in the early 2000s that the industry was about to change. In 2007, he established Fisker Automotive, a brand-new company dedicated to building environmentally friendly and technologically advanced cars. Along with founding the investors for a new venture, Fisker started perfecting his original idea of a thoroughly modern sports sedan with unmatched road holding and technology. Wisely, Henrik decided to pursue something other than an all-new platform, engine, and system because it would cost a lot to develop and take years to complete. Instead, through his contacts in the industry, he secured the GM’s E-Flex Platform, which underpinned Chevrolet Volt, as a basis for his new car.
After several years of development, securing loans from the US Department of Energy and other investors, Fisker Automotive was ready to introduce its first cars. Called Fisker Karma, the all-new and technologically advanced vehicle was very enthusiastically received by the automotive press and buying public. The eye-catching design, with its low silhouette, muscular stance, and unique shapes, was the first giveaway that this is something really special. The Karma looked like a show car but was, in fact, a fully production-ready model.
Under the seductive bodywork lay the host of innovative tech. The main engine was a turbocharged 2.0-liter from GM with 260 hp paired with two electric motors on the rear axle. A 20.1 kWh battery pack feeds the electric motors with 120 kW each (403 hp). Interestingly, the heavy batteries are placed in the center of the car allowing the Karma to have a low center of gravity and extraordinarily good road holding despite its 2.4-tone weight. The principle of working was also pretty unique. The car had a range of about 50 miles using electric power alone. However, when the batteries are drained, the driver will activate the petrol engine, which powers the generator feeding the electric motors. So, the Karma was a gasoline-electric hybrid but with a heavy emphasis on the electric part. However, that was not all, and Karma had a solar-panel roof as a standard feature that helped charge the batteries, even though the capacity was relatively small. One of the main design directions was to make Karma eco-friendly. In the interior, wood panels are from recycled timber, seats are from natural fibers and cloth, and designers tried to use as many recycled materials as possible. Karma was pretty convincing in terms of performance, with 0 to 60 mph times in less than 6 seconds and a 150 mph top speed.
The production-ready prototype was shown in late 2010, with full-scale production set to commence in 2011. Fisker secured a manufacturing deal with Valmet Automotive, which meant that all cars would be made in Finland and then exported to different markets. Even before 2010, Fisker started taking orders, and by the time the production was about to start, the company had over 1,300 orders on hold. As with any advanced product, the start of production was plagued with difficulties, and full-scale levels were achieved in mid-2011.
However, that is where the problems started. First, the company had financial difficulties. Fisker got funding from the government and investors, one of which was famous Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio. The US government failed to come through with the whole sum, leaving Fisker with a cash flow problem. Even though over 1,300 people paid deposits on a $100,000 Karma, the problems started to mount. After the first deliveries, the company experienced battery problems and issued recalls, even problems with battery fires. The shipment from Finland got more and more expensive, and even a number of cars were destroyed in a hurricane waiting in the harbor. But the biggest problem, and the one which sunk the company, was the bankruptcy of A123 Systems, a sole battery supplier, in November of 2012. When that happened, Fisker had no choice but to shut down the production since the company could not find another supplier fast. In just two short years of production, Fisker made just over 2,400 Karmas, primarily sold in the US market.
However, although Henrik Fisker was forced to abandon the company bearing his name, the story of Karma is not over. In 2016, Karma Automotive was established, purchasing the right to the design and selling a slightly modified model with some success. Chinese investors realized just how great the design and the concept behind this car really are and decided to invest and keep it as an option for modern, environmentally concerned buyers. This shows how sound Henrik’s vision really was and how this unique car deserves another chance. Fisker Karma is not just a pioneer attempt at the vision of the car industry but also the first classic car of the hybrid age.
