Karma Automotive: The Future of Luxury EV Cars

Following the recent announcement that Karma Automotive raised $100 million, Manufacturing Global takes a look at the company and its future in the EV arena.

The company and its parent company, Wanxiang Group, are seeking a total of $300 million to tap into the surge for the demand for luxury electric cars. 

History

Formed in October 2015, Karma Automotive was formed following the owner, Wanxiang Group purchasing Fisker Automotive for $149.2 million in a bankruptcy auction. The assets purchased included a plug-in hybrid powertrain, design and manufacturing facility located in Delaware, US. 

The purchased assets, however, excluded the Fisker brand and trademarks owned by Henrik Fisker, a former Aston Martin Design Director. 

Revero

Based on the Fisker Karma, using much of the purchased exterior and interior design.

Billed as the ultimate plug-in hybrid, the Revero is a four-seater and powered by two electric motors. In its basic level, this combination produces a total output of 403bhp and 981 lb-ft of torque with a 0-60mph in 4.5 secs. The engine, a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder General Motors power plant, acts as the on-board generator. This is soon to change to a BMW 1.5 litre unit for long-range and better fuel efficiency. 

Pininfarina Karma GT

Karma's first result of the partnership with famed Italian design and engineering house, Pininfarina. A bespoke, Italian-designed, production-ready, two-door coupe infuses next-generation styling, technology and design visions for today's world.

This new offering will produce an output of 528bhp and a 0-60mph of 4.5 sec. The unit will feature a 28kWh battery which should allow a range of around 80 miles of electric-only. 

SC1 Vision Concept Car

Unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show, the SC1 is designed to showcase the firm’s ambitions. A fully electric vehicle highlights the future design direction. A 5G connectivity and other ‘cutting edge’ tech will include touch, voice and eye commands.