Fisker Automotive announced that it has picked a large distributor to sell its plug-in hybrid vehicles in Europe and is also looking for a similar deal in China. CEO Henrik Fisker said that the company will announce the name of the distributor group as early as Wednesday. It is reported that the distributor has more than 100 dealerships in Europe.

“We are going to announce one of the largest European retailers with over 100 dealerships,” Fisker said. ”We have had some amazing feedback from China. We have several importers who want to sell our vehicles in China.”

Fisker said that he plans to export half of the $87,900 Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid sedans. The Karma will be built in Finland by Valmet Automotive. Initial production for the Karma is estimated at 15,000 units, 7,500 of which will be sold outside the United States.

Fisker recently purchased General Motors’ Wilmington, Delaware plant where it will produce a new family-oriented plug-in hybrid sedan that will enter production in 2012.

2010 Fisker Karma:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Reuters

If all goes according to plan, we should see the Fisker Karma released sometime approximately this time next year. The Karma is a plug-in hybrid, a supposed to battery only ‘Electric Vehicles’, and company founder Henrik Fisker believes that will one day be the status quo, with regards to hybrid vehicles.

Supporters of the EV claim that the more simplistic design will eventually lead to a more cost effective products to produce and purchase, but Fisker feels that the EV is too limiting, and self-defeating when one considers what automobile ownership is really about.

“What is the car really all about? It’s about freedom. It’s about going as far as you want, whenever you want,” Fisker told Wards Auto. “That’s what you can do with a plug-in hybrid. You can go your 50 miles on electric, which is what most people will do. But you want to have that option if one day you want to drive on vacation or go and visit somebody who’s 600 miles away, you can do it.”

Though Fisker accurately describes the current state of affairs, the EV is still in infancy, and will certainly expand its range of capabilities as the future grows near.

Click here to read more news about the Fisker Karma.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Wards Auto (via allcarselectric)

Fisker Automotive announced today that it has received a $528 million conditional loan from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop two plug-in hybrid vehicles.

About $169 million of the $528 million will allow the company to produce its Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid sedan. While assembly of the $87,900 ($80,400 after US government tax credits) Fisker Karma will be done overseas, more than 65% of the parts will come from U.S. suppliers.

The rest of the money will be used to produce a more affordable plug-in hybrid in the United States. The DOE said that Fisker estimates annual production of 75,000 to 100,000 units of the vehicles to roll off U.S. assembly lines. It was reported earlier this month that Fisker is planning a $39,000 plug-in hybrid vehicle.

Fisker said that the funding will help create or save at least 5,000 U.S. jobs.

2010 Fisker Karma:

- By: Omar Rana

According to Ray Lane, Kleiner Perkins investor, and former President of Oracle, Fisker is preparing to announce plans to build a $39,000 plug-in hybrid vehicle later this week or next week. Lane let the new slip at the AlwaysOn Going Green conference in Sausalito, Calif. earlier this week.

Does that mean Fisker has received funding from the Department of Energy Loan? Nothing official yet but CEO Henrik Fisker said in March that Fisker plans to refurbish a factory in the U.S. to develop a low-cost plug-in hybrid car than its $87,900 Fisker Karma.

At the time, Fisker would not specify how much money the company needed or how much it requested, however, he said that if Fisker gets the DOE loan, “it will start the project this year.”

Fisker will begin delivering the 67.2 mpg Karma plug-in hybrid sedan later this year.

2010 Fisker Karma:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: earth2tech

Fisker announced today that its Karma plug-in hybrid electric sedan will emit just 83g CO2/km and will return an estimated fuel-economy of 3.5L/100km (67.2 mpg according to U.S. standards) based on SAE methodology measuring emissions for plug-in hybrid.

Not bad at all for a vehicle that pumps out 403-hp and more torque than many supercars. 0 to 62 mph for the Karma plug-in hybrid sedan comes in just 6 seconds with a top speed f 125 mph. Fisker says that with sales of 15,000 units through 2016, the Karma will save will save some 248 million gallons of gasoline.

The Fisker Karma will make its German debut next week at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Deliveries of the Fisker Karma will begin later this year with prices starting at $87,900 ($80,400 after US government tax credits).

2010 Fisker Karma:

Press Release:

FISKER KARMA EMISSIONS, ECONOMY ESTIMATED AT 83G CO2/KM, 3.5L/100KM

Stylish plug-in hybrid sedan cleaner, more efficient than today’s best

IRVINE, CA – September 8, 2009: The Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid electric vehicle will emit just 83g CO2/km and have an economy rating of 3.5L/100km, according to SAE methodology measuring emissions for plug-in hybrids.

Making its German debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week, the four-door Karma will be one of the cleanest, most fuel-efficient cars in the world, but will still offer world-class style and performance.

Calculations developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) estimate carbon dioxide output will be less than that of today’s cleanest production cars and 75 percent less than that of competing vehicles, on average. SAE is an internationally recognized organization of experts that help drive government automotive policy.

Some 941 million liters (248 million gallons) of gasoline could be saved and 2.3 million metric tons (2.5 million US tons) of CO2 offset from sales of 15,000 Karmas per year through 2016. Still, with 403hp and more torque than many supercars, 0-100km/h (62mph) takes about six seconds and maximum speed is 201km/h (125mph).

“The Fisker Karma is the future of driving,” said Henrik Fisker, CEO. “It proves we can drive environmentally responsible cars without sacrificing the emotional things that made us fall in love with cars in the first place.”

Fueling the Karma could cost just €0.02/km ($0.03/mile), consuming as little as 21 kilowatt hours per 100km in its electric-only Stealth mode, according to SAE methodology. However, a real-world annual average would be closer to €0.05/km ($0.07/mile) based on a mix of Stealth and Sport (gasoline) mode use. Actual economy and emission results will vary depending on individual driving habits and usage requirements.

In Stealth mode — engaged on demand via steering wheel-mounted paddle switches — the Karma can be driven into the growing number of traffic-restricting Low Emissions Zones (LEZ) across Europe. Some 70 cities and towns in eight European countries have opted for LEZs, including Berlin, Stuttgart, London and Amsterdam.

The Karma will be the first production Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) when it goes on sale in 2010. Its exclusive Q-DRIVE® powertrain is expected to deliver an emission-free 80km (50mi) per full charge of its 22kWh/200kW Lithium-ion battery, and a total extended range of more than 480km through the use of its gasoline powered engine/generator.

Fisker Automotive is poised to benefit immensely as support from countries around the world for clean vehicles increases. For example, the US has announced its intention to put 1 million plug-in hybrid cars on its roads by 2015. Germany recently unveiled an action plan to have 1 million electric cars on its roads by 2020. Japan wants electric vehicles to make up half of all vehicle sales within a decade.

- By: Kap Shah

A prototype of the 2010 Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid sedan made its first public driving debut this past weekend around Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca during the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races. Driven by co-founder and COO Bernhard Koehler, the prototype hit speeds in excess of 100 mph, using both Sport (hybrid) and Stealth (electric only) modes around Mazda

Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid sedan can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 6 seconds with a top speed of 125 mph. Even with that kind of performance, the Karma achieves well over 100 mpg (pending those crazy EPA certifications).

“This demonstration represents a significant milestone for Fisker Automotive and PHEV technology,” said CEO Henrik Fisker. “The future of clean cars is bright.”

Fisker will start delivering Karmas to customers in the summer of 2010.

Click through for the video.

Fisker Karma:

- By: Omar Rana

Fisker Automotive announced today that Marti Eulberg, former CEO of Maserati North America, will become the company’s head of global sales and marketing, reports Automotive News.

Eulberg, 45, resigned her position at Maserati in April. For most of the 1990s, she worked for BMW of North America in sales. She previously held management positions at Volvo and Jaguar from 2001 to 2008.

“It’s not often you get the opportunity to help build a car company from scratch,” Eulberg said. “Fisker has the right idea and the right product at the right time. And I am very excited to be part of it.”

Fisker said that it has signed up 27 dealers to sell its Karma plug-in hybrid sedan. The company has booked more than 1,000 orders so far.

2010 Fisker Karma:

- By: Omar Rana

Fisker Automotive announced today that its Karma plug-in hybrid sedan will make its public driving debut at the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races on Saturday, August 15. The Karma Sunset hardtop convertible concept will also be on display along side the Karma sedan but will not show off any moves.

“The Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races is the best stage in the world for great moments in automotive history,” said Henrik Fisker, Fisker Automotive CEO. “Fisker is honored to be a part of it.”

Fisker plans to start delivering the first Karmas in the fourth-quarter of this year. Prices start at $80,400 for the coupe. Fisker Karma S Sunset prices will be announced at a later date. Buyers interesting in purchasing the Karma S will have to make a deposit of $25,000.

Click through for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

2010 Fisker Karma:

Fisker Karma S Sunset:

Press Release:

FISKER KARMA TO MAKE PUBLIC DRIVING DEBUT AT ROLEX MONTEREY HISTORIC AUTOMOBILE RACES

Event to be a highlight of Monterey Peninsula’s Classic Car Week

IRVINE, CA – July 23, 2009: The Fisker Karma Plug-in Hybrid will make its public driving debut during the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races on Saturday, August 15, just 19 months after being unveiled as a concept car. It will be the first time a PHEV has appeared on track at the event. The Fisker Karma will also be on display at Concorso Italiano on Friday, August 14, alongside the Karma Sunset hardtop convertible concept. The Karma Sunset will again be on display at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Sunday, August 16.

The Fisker Karma PHEV represents a paradigm shift in alternatively-powered transportation. A full-size luxury sedan with seating for four, the Karma has a range of 50 emission-free miles on a full charge of its Lithium-ion battery, and a total range of 300 miles thanks to an on-board generator turned by traditional but efficient 260hp Ecotec engine. Two 201.5hp electric motors send enough traction through a single-speed differential to reach 60mph in about six seconds and a top speed of 125mph. Together, these components make up the Q-DRIVE® powertrain exclusive to all Fisker automobiles. Q-DRIVE® delivers not only performance, but can average more than 100mpg with a lower carbon output than current hybrids.

“The Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races is the best stage in the world for great moments in automotive history,” said Henrik Fisker, Fisker Automotive CEO. “Fisker is honored to be a part of it.”

The Fisker Karma prototype is scheduled to complete two laps on the legendary 11-turn Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca course at 11:10 a.m., starting and finishing just ahead of the pedestrian bridge at Turn 5, before returning to the Price Family Dealerships display area on the infield. Fisker executives Henrik Fisker, CEO, and Bernhard Koehler, COO, will be available for media interviews throughout the weekend.

- By: Kap Shah

We have yet to see how the Fisker Karma performs when it goes hard. Luckily some footage of the Karma going around a track has popped up on YouTube for us to enjoy. Who said that when going green, you’ll have to sacrifice performance and good looks?

Refresher: Power comes from Fisker’s Q-DRIVE system, which is made up of two 201-hp electric motors that are powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. That allows the 2010 Karma to travel up to 50 miles without the use of any gasoline. A generator attached to a 260-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter Ecotec direct injection gasoline engine by General Motors provides an extended range of up to 300 miles. 0 to 60 mph comes in 5.8 seconds with a top speed of 125 mph.

Follow the jump for the video.

2010 Fisker Karma:

2010 Fisker Karma:

- By: Kap Shah

Fisker Automotive has secured $85 million to build its new Karma plug-in hybrid sedan and has already lined up dealers to sell the car early next year. But what else does CEO Henrik Fisker have up his sleeve?

“We’re first doing the four-door and then we’re doing the convertible and then we’re planning some third derivative off the Karma platform. Then we’re planning a high-volume vehicle for a lower price. We’ve applied for a Department of Energy grant. If that loan comes through, we’ll have this vehicle on the road in 29 months,” Fisker said in an interview with the Oakland Press.

With the sedan and convertible already in the works, we’re thinking the third-model will most likely be a coupe.

As for the high-volumed vehicle with a lower price tag, it was recently reported that Fisker Automotive is working on a model that would be a step above the Chevrolet Volt, but much cheaper than the Karma.

Fisker Karma:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Oakland Press

Fisker had a very low-key appearance at the 2009 New York Auto Show for its Karma plug-in hybrid sedan and convertible. Nonetheless, Fisker spokesman Russell Datz confirmed to Inside Line that the company is hard at work on another vehicle that will cost much less than the 2010 Fisker Karma which start at $87,900.

“One of the future products we have is something that is significantly less than what will be on the market first,” said Fisker spokesman Russell Datz. “It may be a step above [the Chevrolet Volt and Tesla Motors Model S], but it’s hard to say right now.”

Datz confirmed that the vehicle does not have a name at this point and will not be appearing at any auto shows in the coming year. No technical details were provided as well.

So far 1,300 people have put down $5,000 on the Karma. Days said that California is ”by far our largest depositor base.”

2010 Fisker Karma:

Source: Inside Line

- By: Omar Rana

Fisker Automotive Inc. announced today that it has secured an additional $85 million in venture capital funding to develop and manufacture the Karma plug-in hybrid sedan. The financing, which will be the fourth and largest investment round since the company’s inception in Aug. 2007, will be completed by the end of this month.

The two major investors include New York-based Eco-Drive Partners LLC and Kleiner Perkins Caudfield and Byers.

“The investment by Eco-Drive and Kleiner Perkins validates our vision of joining together the advances in technology for plug-in hybrid powertrains with the ecochic beauty and eco-conscious comfort of the Fisker Karma. We are proud to have Eco-Drive behind us, and to see Kleiner Perkins reaffirm its confidence in our future direction,” said Henrik Fisker, Fisker Automotive CEO.

Fisker expects to have the first units of the 2010 Karma rolling off the assembly line later this year. Pricing for the 2010 Karma starts at $87,900 before any tax credits.

2010 Fisker Karma:

- By: Omar Rana

Fisker Automotive announced today the first group of U.S. retailers that will sell and service the company’s first plug-in hybrid – the $87,900 Fisker Karma sedan. Sales will begin later this year at 32 confirmed locations that will carry and service the Karma.

Fisker said that it has a goal of having 40 locations by the end of 2009.

Fisker showrooms will be uniform to the company’s environmentally-friendly products said Vic Doolan, a Fisker Board member. “They will be Eco-facilities, not Ego-facilities.”

Click here to visit the Karma’s Buzz Garage page to learn everything about the upcoming plug-in hybrid sedan from Fisker Automotive.

Click through for the press release and the list of 32 confirmed dealers.

2010 Fisker Karma:

Press Release

FISKER AUTOMOTIVE RECRUITS FIRST U.S. RETAILERS TO REPRESENT PREMIUM GREEN BRAND

IRVINE, CA – March 24, 2009: Premium green automaker Fisker Automotive has appointed its first group of U.S. retailers to market and service its luxury plug-in hybrid vehicles, beginning with the $87,900, 100mpg Karma sedan later this year. Thirty-two award-winning retailers have confirmed their intent to carry the Fisker marquee. The number puts the carmaker close to its goal of having 40 locations across the country by the end of June 2009.

All Fisker retailers are well-established operations familiar with premium brands, new technology and discerning clientele. Many are family-owned, each is active in giving back to their communities, and all understand the need to offer premium customers a vehicle that reduces environmental impact. A full list can be found at www.fiskerautomotive.com

Fisker Board member Vic Doolan has been instrumental in guiding development of the company’s retail network. Doolan led BMW NA and Volvo Cars NA to record sales in the 1990s and 2000s, and in so doing built solid relationships with top retail principals. “Our retail partners are our most important assets,” he said. “To our customers, they are the face of the company. For that reason, we’ve chosen those who will give Fisker owners the comfort and confidence to drive the future.”

By keeping startup costs low and not requiring floor-planning beyond demonstrator and display cars, Fisker is able to attract new franchises even in tough economic times. President Obama’s recent pledge of $2.4B to support development of plug-in hybrid vehicles and battery technology is added incentive.

Fisker showrooms will reflect the company’s concern for the environment and their vehicles’ emission free capabilities. “They will be Eco-facilities, not Ego-facilities,” Doolan said. Architecture calls for natural and sustainable materials like wood and textiles. An available solar-powered car port can keep demonstrator vehicles clean, dry, fully charged and ready to go.

Fisker Automotive Retail Network, Charter Members:

Barrett Holdings, Inc. Charles Barrett San Antonio, TX

Bergen Jaguar Dennis Squitieri Bergen County, NJ

Bergstrom Corporation John Bergstrom Wisconsin

Borton Automotive Kjell Bergh, Minnesota

Capitol Cadillac Company Daniel Jobe Maryland

Century Automotive Group George Jones Alabama

The Dorschel Automotive Group Richard Dorschel Rochester, NY

Elder Automotive Group Rob Elder Tampa Bay, FL

Fields Auto Group Dan Fields Illinois

Fields Auto Group Dan Fields Orlando, FL

Fields Auto Group Dan Fields British Columbia

Frank Kent Motor Company Corrie Churchill Fort Worth, TX

H.A. Ott Motor Cars LLC Chip Ott Philadelphia, PA

Jaguar of Great Neck Jack Weidinger Long Island, NY

M2 Motors, Inc. Bernardo Moreno Ohio

Manhattan Motor Cars Brian Miller Manhattan, NY

Marvin K. Brown Auto Center Dave Grundstrom San Diego, CA

O’Brien Auto Group Mike O’Brien Washington

Palm Beach Motor Cars Ltd. Robert Simpson Palm Beach, FL

Patrick Dealer Group Martin Stilwell Illinois

Price Family Dealerships Tom Price San Jose, CA

Price Family Dealerships Tom Price San Francisco, CA

Price Family Dealerships Tom Price Sacramento, CA

Rickenbaugh Cadillac Volvo Mary Pacifico-Valley Denver, CO

Roger Beasley Highline Group David Stein Austin, TX

Ron Tonkin Family of Dealerships Ron Tonkin Oregon

Serra Automotive Joe Serra State of Michigan

Serra Automotive Joe Serra Pasadena, CA

Shelly Automotive Group Damon Shelly Orange County, CA

Sullivan Luxury Cars LLC Mike Sullivan Beverly Hills & Santa Monica, CA

Ted Britt Auto Group Raymond Britt Northern Virginia

Warren Henry Automobiles Warren Zinn Miami, FL 

- By: Omar Rana

Apparently, the Fisker Karma S Concept is no longer just a concept. We spoke with Fisker Automotive’s public relations chief Russell Datz, who confirmed that the company is indeed taking deposits for the Fisker Karma S with deliveries expected to begin at the end of 2011.

While those interested in the Fisker Karma four-door plug-in hybrid sedan will have to make a deposit of $5,000, buyers looking for some fun in the sun with the Fisker Karma S will have to make a deposit of $25,000. How much will the drop-top Karma go for?

“No pricing announced yet – but it will likely be significantly more than the Karma sedan,” Datz told eGMCarTech in an e-mail. He also said that the first 250 units will be “specially configured” and will be “designated as first-run vehicles and perhaps numbered.”

The Karma S hard-top convertible was designed and engineered by Quantum Technologies and features the Q-Drive powertrain system that allows for 50 miles of zero-emissions driving on a single charge of its lithium-ion battery pack. It produces up to 403-hp from two electric-motors.

Make the jump for the high-res image gallery.

Fisker S Karma Hybrid Concept:

The Fisker Karma Concept made its original debut at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show on January 14th, 2008. A year later, Fisker Automotive revealed the production version of its first plug-in hybrid vehicle at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. Deliveries of the first Karmas are scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2009 through the Fisker Automotive Retail network.

Power for the 2010 Fisker Karma Hybrid sedan comes from a plug-in hybrid powertrain developed by Quantum Technologies. Known as the Q-DRIVE, the system consists of a two 201-hp electric motors that are powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. That allows the 2010 Karma to travel up to 50 miles without the use of any gasoline. A generator attached to a 260-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter Ecotec direct injection gasoline engine by General Motors provides an extended range of up to 300 miles in Sport Mode. A fully charged Karma can achieve more than 100 miles per gallon. The 2010 Karma, which can produce up to 956 lb-ft of torque, goes from 0 to 60 in 5.8 seconds with a top speed of 125 mph.

The Karma is all about sustainability – even on the inside. Buyers can choose from three trim levels including: EcoBase, EcoSport and EcoChic. The EcoSpot series incorporates a hand-wrapped premium leather using 100 percent sustainable manufacturing. The most advanced sustainable material series, EcoChic, is based on an animal-free approach with leather being replaced by 100 percent Bamboo Viscose. Interior features include a 10.2-inch touch sensitive screen controlling HVAC, audio and other vehicle systems. The LCD gauges behind the steering wheels display critical information like battery charge and vehicle speed.

Production of the Karma will be taken care of by Valmet Automotive of Finland. Fisker Automotive says that the first 99 examples will match the exterior and interior of the Karma prototype seen at the 2008 NAIAS. Each unit will feature a personalized plaque with a serial number and signature from Henrik Fisker.

Pricing for the 2010 Hybrid Karma sedan starts at $87,900 ($80,400 after US government tax credits). Fisker Automotive plans on producing 15,000 units of the Karma annually in its first full-year of production.

Keep checking back here for the latest coverage on the 2010 Fisker Karma. Have something to say? Start a discussion in the Comments section below.

Posts on the 2010 Fisker Karma:

05-18-2009: Video: Fisker Karma shows off some track action
05-13-2009: Fisker working on third Karma variant, planning high-volume model
04-07-2009: Fisker secures an additional $85 million to build the Karma
03-24-2009: Fisker confirms 32 dealers in the U.S. to sell the Karma plug-in hybrid
02-24-2009: Fisker accepting orders for Karma S hard-top convertible
02-04-2009: Former Secretary of State Colin Powell looking for a Fisker Karma?
01-24-2009: Fisker looking for 40 U.S. dealers to sell the 2010 Karma
01-16-2009: Poll: Would you go for the Fisker Karma or the Tesla Roadster?
01-12-2009: Detroit NAIAS 2009: Fisker Karma S Concept Revealed
01-12-2009: Detroit NAIAS 2009: 2010 Fisker Karma Hybrid Sedan Revealed
12-04-2008: Front view of the 2009 Fisker Karma Hybrid
12-02-2008: 2010 Fisker Karma: Production model to be unveiled in Detroit
11-24-2008: Fisker picks GM’s 260-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder for Karma Hybrid
09-09-2008: Fisker raises $65 million to build the Karma hybrid sedan

2010 Fisker Karma:

We knew we should have gone to the Washington D.C. Auto Show – former General and Secretary of State Colin Powell was spotted spending a great deal of his time at the Fisker Automotive display checking out the Fisker Karma.

Who knows? Maybe Powell will be one of the first lucky owners of the Fisker Karma when it hits roads later this year. We’re sure he has $87,900 to drop on the car.

Refresher: Power comes from a 201-hp electric motor mated to a lithium-ion battery pack provided by Q-DRIVE. That allows 50 miles of travel without the use of any gasoline. After battery power runs out, the Karma uses a 260-hp turbocharged 2.0L Ecotec direct-injection engine that provides additional mileage. The Fisker Karma has a total range of up to 300 miles in Sport Mode.  0 to 60 comes in 5.8 seconds with a top speed of 125 mph.

Former Secretart of State Colin Powell Checks out the Fisker Karma:

Doolan, a Fisker Automotive board member, said that the company is looking for forty U.S. dealers to sell the company’s new 2010 Karma plug-in hybrd sedan. The 2010 Fisker Karma will go on sale next year with prices starting at $87,900.

“We are trying to leverage what is in place today by selecting retailers who have a proven track record and customer satisfaction, are in the right location and, preferably, have premium experience,” Doolan, a former BMW and Volvo executive, told Automotive News.

Fisker is estimating the cost to become a Fisker dealer at $350,000 to just under $1 million, all depending on the location. The package includes purchasing two demo cars, parts and signs, training and creating the showroom. Two service areas are required to become an official Fisker dealer.

Fisker is targeting 15,000 annual sales of the Karma and already has 1,300 orders.

Click here to learn more about the 2010 Fisker Karma.

2010 Fisker Karma:

Tesla and Fisker are like the Pepsi and Coke of the electric-car industry – well almost. Both offer outstanding products that push the limits of ‘green’ cars to a whole new level. Both company’s have arrived on the electric-car/hybrids scene with one product each and while Tesla’s Model S Sedan is still 2 years out (maybe more than that) Fisker’s Karma hybrid four-seater will hit markets in late 2009. So we were wondering which car you would go for if you had a budget of $110,000.

Now let’s get one thing straight before we continue. The Tesla Roadster is a full-electric vehicle running without an engine. The Fisker Karma hybrid sedan, on the other hand, is what we in the auto industry like to call a ‘EREV’ – an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle that provides a certain distance of zero-emissions driving on battery power alone. After the battery is depleted, an on-board engine acts as a generator providing extended range capabilities. One other thing we’d like to point out is that the Tesla Roadster is a fun-to-drive sports car while the Fisker Karma is a four-door luxury sports car.

Tesla Roadster – $109,000: Power for Tesla comes from a 375 volt AC induction air-cooled electric motor that pumps out 248-hp with a maximum torque of 276 lb-ft. The two-seater will go from 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 125 mph. Tesla says that you can get about 220 miles between charges. A full charge is reached in about 3.5 hours when using Tesla’s High Power Connector.

Fisker Karma – $87,900: The Fisker Karma hybrid luxury sedan is powered by a 201-hp electric motor that is mated to a lithium-ion battery pack provided by Q-DRIVE. That allows the Karma sedan to travel a total of 50 miles on battery power alone. After the batter runs out, a 260-hp turbocharged 2.0L Ecotec direct-injection engine kicks in to provide additional mileage. Fisker says that the Karma can travel a total of 300 miles on full battery power and a full tank of gas. 0 to 60 mph comes in 5.8 seconds with a top speed of 125 mph.

So let us know which will be your ticket to environmental-friendly driving. Want to justify your selection? Drop a comment in the comments section

Click through for high-res image galleries of both cars.

2010 Fisker Karma:

Tesla Roadster: