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Technology & Internet • Electric Vehicle

Fisker Karma

The Fisker Karma is a luxury plug-in hybrid sports sedan produced by Fisker Automotive in 2011 and 2012.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Fisker Karma is a luxury plug-in hybrid sports sedan produced by Fisker Automotive in 2011 and 2012. It is a series-hybrid electric vehicle with twin electric motors, a gasoline-powered generator, and a lithium-ion battery pack. The model was later reworked under Karma Automotive as the Revero and related successors.

Overview

The Fisker Karma is a four-door luxury plug-in hybrid sedan known for its low-slung design and early use of extended-range electric vehicle technology. It was developed by Fisker Automotive and entered production in 2011.

Powertrain and performance

The Karma uses two electric motors powered by a lithium-ion battery and a gasoline engine acting as a generator. This series-hybrid setup allows short-distance electric-only driving with gasoline-assisted extended range.

Production and reception

Production began in July 2011, and the model was promoted as one of the first luxury plug-in hybrids available in volume. Reviews commonly highlighted its striking styling, high price, and limited electric range compared with later electric vehicles.

Legacy

After Fisker Automotive, the Karma name and underlying concept continued under Karma Automotive. Later models built on the original Fisker Karma platform and branding lineage.

Key facts

  • The Fisker Karma is a luxury plug-in hybrid sports sedan produced in 2011–2012.
  • It is a series-hybrid electric vehicle with a gasoline generator and twin electric motors.
  • EPA-rated all-electric range is 32 miles (51 km); total range is about 230 miles (370 km).
  • Production began in July 2011.
  • The design later influenced Karma Automotive models such as the Revero.
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Canadian context

The Fisker Karma is relevant to Canadian readers as an early high-profile plug-in hybrid luxury vehicle that helped popularize extended-range electric drivetrains in North American markets.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Fisker Karma?
A luxury plug-in hybrid sports sedan produced by Fisker Automotive in 2011–2012.
Is the Fisker Karma fully electric?
No. It is a range-extended electric vehicle with a gasoline generator and electric drive motors.
How far can it drive on electricity alone?
The EPA-rated all-electric range is 32 miles (51 km).
What is the total driving range?
With a full tank of gasoline and a charged battery, the total range is about 230 miles (370 km).
When did production start?
Production began in July 2011.
Did the Fisker Karma lead to later Karma Automotive cars?
Yes. The original design and concept continued in later Karma Automotive models such as the Revero.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisker_Karma
    Supports: Powertrain layout, EPA electric range, total range, production context
  2. Lane Motor Museum — https://www.lanemotormuseum.org/collection/cars/item/fisker-karma-2012/
    Supports: Production start and early-market description
  3. Car and Driver — https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a15121019/2012-fisker-karma-ecochic-road-test-review/
    Supports: Series-hybrid description and technical details
  4. Cars.com — https://www.cars.com/research/fisker-karma-2012/
    Supports: Range, charging, and production details
  5. Car and Driver — https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a36164817/2021-karma-gs-6-drive/
    Supports: Legacy relation to Karma Automotive