Fisker Karma is moving in the right direction
Many bloggers who write about environmental issues have reviewed Fisker on Karma. Personal opinion does not fully bear the weight of the EPA. It’s widely known that auto companies can, and often do, slightly overstate their fuel estimates. Their marketers research and publish what people are likely to want to hear. However, official EPA figures often temper the exuberance of marketers. When the EPA tested Karma, the results showed marketers’ hype. However, Karma still offers encouragement to green the luxury car manufacturing business.
The Karma had received a lot of media attention when people heard that the car could go 50 miles on a single electric charge. The claim that the hybrid engine could get almost the same 50 miles per gallon was impressive. EPA test results showed an average of 32 miles on an electric charge and 20 miles per gallon for the hybrid engine. When combined into an mpg equivalent, the total was a rated 52 MPGe. While other electric and hybrid cars exceed this rating, it’s important to note that this is an important step forward for fuel efficiency in the luxury car domain.
Some people may take comfort in knowing that the EPA has historically deflated expectations. For example, back in 2009, when news of the long-awaited Chevy Volt began appearing on online car forums, GM suggested that its shining electric star could possibly get 230 MPGe. However, after the EPA was done with their testing, they found the Volt managed an average of 35 miles on a single charge and around 90 MPGe. This is not that different from the Fisker Karma, except that the Fisker is designed to make a lot more power and offer a very comfortable ride.
Fox News took the EPA’s findings to denigrate Fisker’s fuel economy. However, when its 52 MPGe is compared to most other cars on the road, the savvy listener will realize that’s pretty good fuel economy for a luxury vehicle. Fisker CEO Henrik Fisker noted that the EPA test is inconclusive. It is simply an average of the driving habits of many. Improved fuel efficiency can be achieved through good driving habits on the normal highway. In any case, the EPA estimates put the Karma very close to the 54.5 mpg average automakers will aim to achieve by 2025. The Karma is one step closer to a new luxury car paradigm.