Report: EPA gives Fisker Karma a subcompact classification

So here’s an interesting bit of news. As part of a ripple effect, all the influx of electric and alternative powertrain automobiles has the EPA hard at work to try and come up with a valid system to translate the range of electric powertrains into the industry standard’s “miles per gallon” system.

And we can see how it can be a challenging job, because interestingly enough, the US Environment Protection Agency has classified Fisker’s $96,000 full-size exotic luxury sedan as a subcompact for its range-extending fuel saver systems.

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Click here for more news on the Fisker Karma.

The EPA rates the Karma returning 52 miles per gallon-equivalent (mpg-e) in combined city and highway driving. That includes 32 miles of all-electric range, and 20 mpg when its gasoline engine kicks in.

Despite its dimensions and powerful 403-hp electric powerplant, a spokesman for Fisker Automotive said that the designation won’t affect sales because buyers who are willing to give up $96,000 for one of his cars know what they’re getting and don’t care what the government calls it.

That said, this could make for interesting comparisons: “Featuring the Fisker Karma, the Tesla Model S and of course, Volkswagen’s new Up! subcompact!” (We’re just kidding).

– By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoObserver