Karma: What Goes Around Comes Back Around

Produced from just 2011-2012, Fisker's Karma was certainly a unique, but ill-fated entry into the electric luxury car segment. Now, can it potentially make a comeback with a revised... Everything pretty much?

Remember the Fisker Karma? If not, you're likely not alone. There aren’t many out there (around 2,500 or so), and the company went bankrupt pretty quick after starting up production of the Karma in 2011. Prior to that, production had been delayed multiple times. The original Karma started at $102,000 for the base model in the United States and $116,000 for the up-level model. Fuel economy was rated as 52 mpg-e (miles per gallon equivalent) in all-electric mode, and 20 mpg in gasoline mode. The standard engine in this car was a familiar GM 2.0 liter Ecotec 4-cylinder. I had a chance to ride in one some years back when it first launched as part of a promotional event showcasing the car and the new Chevy Volt at the time. My mother was working at the Michigan Department of Transportation, which essentially got us exclusive access. So it was quite cool being along for the ride in such a rare vehicle.

I had the pleasure of participating in a ride along in one of these rare rides in 2011 at the opening of a special electric charging station in Michigan.

From my experience, the car was put together well, was surprisingly fast and drove quite nicely, and felt plenty luxurious with suede and leather literally everywhere. It was also eerily quiet, and really cool seeing the solar panel on the top of the car and noting how it powered some of the car’s electronics. But the Karma felt ridiculously cramped (Fun Fact: Despite its size, the Karma was classified as a subcompact), and overall like it was going to be a niche vehicle from the start given its impracticality, price, and looks. I guess that assumption was right. Now, fast forward to the present-day, and it appears as if Karma Automotive (formerly Fisker Automotive, but now renamed) is planning to give the luxury electric car segment another shot. So can they do it and give Tesla and other emerging electric cars a run for their money? Let’s take a look and see, on Adam’s Autos.

A Green Global Generation

Karma Automotive is now owned by Chinese auto parts company Wanxiang Group, but has recently moved production tools and other equipment back to the Karma’s original home, California, in hopes to begin production of a new luxury electric car soon. This new model is scheduled to start production later this year and will be called “Revero”. Executives refuse to discuss pricing or expected delivery dates, but it sounds like things are a go. However, Karma plans to start taking orders in the near future and to unveil the car this coming July or August. The company has since been holding events with current Fisker Karma owners and providing updates. Roughly 80% of the original 1,950 buyers still own their Karmas. I’m honestly not sure what could’ve happened to the remaining amount of them out there… But I have seen a modest amount of Fisker Karmas in the used car market for surprisingly reasonable prices. In addition to all this, Karma Automotive is considering working with existing franchised dealers or adopting a direct sales model, which would pit them directly against Tesla. Now previously, the Fisker Karma was sold through franchised dealers, but you can imagine what a disaster that was (given the sales numbers). I’m willing to bet the direct-sales model will be the method of choice for Karma Automotive. Currently 500 employees are working for Karma Automotive, and extensive changes to the electronics system, wiring, charging, and battery are all said to be in store for this new car that’s coming soon.

So what are your initial impressions? I think that while the Fisker Karma was a noble concept, there’s simply no room for it in the marketplace right now. Consumers are still not 100% warmed up to the idea of cars like these, and what’s more is that Tesla currently has all of the “electric car start-up” momentum in their corner (even though they just posted a Q1 loss this year). This hold especially true given the company's recent unveiling of the Model 3 with its expected $35,000 price tag. That’s a lot more realistic pricing for much of the population, as opposed to $100,000+, which only some people can afford. Speaking of people: Who’s going to buy this??? Like I mean, outside of previous Fisker Karma owners? If this car is dropping this summer, there’s literally NO time to get hardly ANY marketing and advertising done besides to the select audience they already have! Then factor in the fact that so much is still unknown about this car… I’m not sure this newer model will get very far off of the ground either. But time will tell. Comment your own thoughts in the meantime.

A white Fisker Karma I saw in the wild a few years ago at a mall in Texas. Quite a rare sighting for sure.

Copyright © 2016 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.