Amazing images of electric car, Fisker Karma

Fisker Automotive is an American car company, founded in 2007, committed to producing electric vehicles with extended range that deliver uncompromised responsible luxury.

The Karma - Fisker's first production car - is a 403 hp luxury sedan and the world's first true electric vehicle with extended range. In addition to being a four-door four-passenger sedan with sport performance and striking sculptural design, the Karma is also one of the most efficient, low-emission vehicles available today.

Let's have a look at this amazing car.

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The company is designing and developing the world's first line of premium electric plug-in hybrids representing the company's firm belief that environmentally conscious cars need not sacrifice passion, style, or performance.

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With the Karma, Fisker changed the perception of what an electric car could be: a high-style, high-performance luxury sedan.

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The fully certified Fisker Karma, an all-new car with all-new technology from an all-new company, went from concept to showroom in less than 48 months and for much less cost than industry standard.

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The Karma offers a unique package of world-class style and design combined with industry leading economy and the lowest emissions of nearly any production car.

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Starting in the US at $102,000 before $7,500 federal tax credits, the Fisker Karma is the only truly eco-conscious alternative to other luxury sedans in the same and higher price segments (e.g. Porsche Panamera S Hybrid; Maserati Quattroporte).

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Fisker Automotive is ahead of European, Japanese and Korean manufacturers in the development of extended-range electric vehicles.

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Fisker Automotive is primarily privately funded, having raised more than $860 million in private equity financing since 2007. Despite receiving $528.7 million in Department of Energy loan guarantees, the company's success is not dependent on government money.

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Only about 1/3 of the total loan amount ($190 million) has been drawn, directed mostly at Karma design and development.

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The Karma is the first and only advanced-technology vehicle supported by the DOE to successfully reach the public marketplace. It began arriving in showrooms 18 months after the company received final approval for the DOE loan.

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Fisker has generated more than $100 million in revenue from Karma sales since December 2011.

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In May 2011, Fisker Automotive opted to stop taking reimbursements from the DOE while the company entered negotiations to implement more realistic and achievable milestones.

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As a prudent business measure, project Nina has been temporarily put on hold until financing, either from the DOE or elsewhere, can be secured.

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Fisker Automotive remains committed to a long-term product plan that includes lower-priced, higher-volume Electric Vehicles with extended range.

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The Karma combines the zero-emission efficiency of electric drive with the range and freedom of petrol-powered cars, due to its cutting-edge series hybrid powertrain technology.

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The Karma is a pure series hybrid, driven by a pair of 120 kW (161 hp) electric motors that get their power from a 20 kWh lithium ion battery supplied by A123 Systems.

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The battery pack runs down the center of the car, between the pairs of left-hand and right-hand seats, preventing a rear bench and seating four rather than five passengers.

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Once the battery is depleted, or when the driver presses the "Sport" mode button, the front-mounted 260-hp, 2.0-liter Ecotec four-cylinder direct-injected and turbocharged petrol engine switches on to power a generator that sends electricity directly to the drive motors.

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The engine is sourced by General Motors. Unlike the Chevrolet Volt, the Karma's engine is mated with a generator to provide an electrical connection to the motors and also recharge the batteries, and as such the electric motors are the only mechanical driving force connected to the wheels.

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However, in all-electric mode, the Karma is around half as efficient as the Volt. The proprietary Q-Drive hybrid drive train is supplied by Quantum Technologies, which operates in a joint venture with Fisker Coachbuild known as Fisker Automotive.

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The Karma includes as standard a solar paneled roof manufactured by Asola Advanced and Automotive Solar Systems GmbH, a Quantum Technologies affiliate, not only to aid in the recharging of its lithium-ion batteries but also to aid the cabin climate control system.

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The solar roof is capable of generating a half kilowatt-hour a day and is estimated to provide up to four to five miles (6.4-8.0km) of additional range a week assuming continuously sunny days.

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Additionally, the car will offer a set of solar panels for the garage/house which may charge the Karma without the benefit of conventional electrical sources (e.g. 'off the grid').

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The Karma's two 201 brake horsepower (204 PS) motors produce 1,300 newton metres (960 lbf ft) of torque.

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The Karma features a 125 mph (201km/h) top speed and is capable of reaching 60 mph (97km/h) from a standstill in 6.3 seconds.

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The base model features an 'eco-friendly interior', including salvaged/reclaimed lumber.

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Optional leather seating is available, but it will use much more of the cow hide than would customarily be found on luxury models; hides with scratches and other marks (which should not affect functionality) will be used.

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Fisker was born when founders Henrik Fisker and Bernhard Koehler surveyed the existing automotive landscape and found it built upon history, a history that was defined by limitations.

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Henrik Fisker and Bernhard Koehler, who share over 51 years of combined experience in the automotive world, decided to forge a new and radical perspective on what is possible in the automotive world.

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They concluded that reinvention is no substitute for a fresh start so they started with a clean sheet of paper. In 2007, they founded Fisker Automotive, a true automobile manufacturer which introduced the world's first premium hybrid electric vehicle, the Fisker Karma.