TOPIC 'Hydrogen & Hydrogen Cars' on Dec 05, 2008 (CET)
The New Fisker Karma at the North American International Auto Show
The first Fisker Karma was introduced at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January 2008. One year later, the car is back with very few exterior modifications so that it has the same sleek, elegant design as the original. This is the first plug-in hybrid vehicle for Fisker Automotive, Inc. In fact, the CEO of Fisker, Henrik Fisker, was very pleased to announce that models of the car are already sold out until the production line of 2010.
The Fisker Karma is set to begin deliveries of the vehicle in November 2009. It has a base price of USD $87,900 and will provide an “all-electric range of 50 miles (80 km).” After the first 50 miles, the gasoline engine will kick-in to power a generator that charges a lithium ion battery to become a “normal hybrid vehicle.” The company estimates that normal work commuters who utilize this car will average 100 mpg (or 2.4L/100km) annually. The car also features a Q-Drive powertrain.
The interior of the Fisker Karma will be shown for the first time at the 2009 NAIAS. The car is also unique in the fact that it has the world’s “largest continuous formed glass solar roof panel” as the roof to the car. Technology has been utilized to show off the glass roof through solar displays that change with different lighting conditions. It helps give the car its futuristic appearance and appeal. Besides the aesthetics of the solar roof, it is practical and energy efficient as well. It converts radiation from the sun and stores it as electrical energy. This solar energy supply helps maintain power for the batteries and fuel, which helps extend the range the car can operate electrically.
In fact, solar power has three modes on the Fisker Karma. When in vehicle and accessory mode, the electrical system of the car will use all the solar power available. When the vehicle is in off mode, three solar power methodologies will be available: Auto, Climate, and Charging.
Sherry Irvin
on behalf of the
BascoTec Internet Limited
Technologie Park 13
33100 Paderborn
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