REPORT: Fisker developing $39,000 plug-in hybrid
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Sep 15th 2009 at 5:59PM 
Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery
According to a report from earth2tech.com, Ray Lane, an investor with Kleiner Perkins, has let slip news that Fisker is developing a new plug-in hybrid automobile to slot below its planned Karma sedan with a base price of just $39,000. No indication is made whether that price would be before or after the $7,500 federal tax rebate it would likely qualify for.
Kleiner Perkins is one of the major investors in Fisker Automotive, so there's reason to believe Lane has knowledge of the inner workings at the young automaker. Earlier, company CEO Henrik Fisker said that the automaker was looking to the Department of Energy for a loan of an undetermined amount in order to build a lower-cost plug-in automobile.
We haven't recieved word that Fisker's DOE loan was approved, so we're not really sure where the funds to develop the new machine will come from. In any case, the Fisker Karma isn't slated to go on sale until late 2010, so the lower-cost PHEV very likely has quite a ways to go before it hits the pavement to do battle with the likes of the Chevy Volt. Thanks for the tip, Jon!
Gallery: Fisker Karma
[Source: earth2tech]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
sunz 6:06PM (9/15/2009)
My heart skipped a beat as i scrolled down the AB page ... lol .. 39k and a picture of a Karma .... how silly of me ... nice thought though *smilez*
-sun
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Maddy 6:29PM (9/15/2009)
Maybe by 2020, that thought would become reality.
Scott K. 6:12PM (9/15/2009)
I'm intrigued. Fisker certainly has a knack for design... Is it weird that I want it already?
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Jung 6:31PM (9/15/2009)
Better get a tires and wheels insurance with this car... lolz..
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Jorge 6:34PM (9/15/2009)
I have a question. If you get a new printer you have to buy the cable to plug it to the computer. If you buy a plug in hybrid, does the cable is included or you will find that your $39,000 usd does not inclued it and is sold separately. How is it? In a consumer world, I have seen a lot of things. And this is a question I have.
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Maddy 6:41PM (9/15/2009)
Just like every battery powered electronic gadget out there comes with it's power adapter, I am pretty sure they would include the charging adapter/cable with the cars, but a rapid charger might be an accessory.
Those printer companies have just gone down to ultra cheap levels by not including $1 USB cables (available at any 99c store) to promote sales of overpriced $25 cables in a fancy packaging. Probably the same reason why printer ink costs $8k/gallon.
http://arstechnica.com/hardware/news/2007/12/hp-and-staples-accused-of-colluding-on-printer-ink-prices.ars
Jorge 6:44PM (9/15/2009)
Thank you for your answer. Now a new question: Are we going to find in the discount stores universal not so fancy packed rapid chargers in the near future?
gerrrg 8:37PM (9/15/2009)
Well, if you buy a Scion, you get an Apple iPod cable for your stereo.
So, in a round-about way, I think the answer to your question is, YES.
But the thing is, you'll have to fork over a bunch of money to have a 220/240v system installed in your garage.
daleam 12:18AM (9/16/2009)
"gerrrg - Well, if you buy a Scion, you get an Apple iPod cable for your stereo."
And one of the worst dependability ratings on record.
Art 6:47PM (9/15/2009)
See that car, in the picture? yeah, it'll look, feel, drive and be regarded as NOTHING like that
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Toy Yoda 9:50PM (9/15/2009)
You think? I would think it be similar. I can't imagine, Fisker, as smart as he is, would create a car that looks like Pontiac Aztek and drives like a tricycle. I would think that would tarnish any brand reputation he is trying to build.
jinsei888 1:32AM (9/16/2009)
Maybe Fisker needs to stop "developing" this and that, but instead finally get real, production-complete, consumer-purchaseble cars on real-world, asphalt roads.
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jason 8:37AM (9/16/2009)
"$7,500 federal tax rebate it would likely qualify for"
It's a tax CREDIT, not a rebate!! There is a HUGE difference in those two terms. Please get it right. The $7500 is the maximum credit against taxes owed that anyone is eligable for. You may get $5000, 2500, or nothing depending on your situation. This is very misleading to consumers.
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MONTE 1:35PM (9/16/2009)
The Karma is one sexy Maserati/Corvette bastard child that I think I would sell my family for. One of those for $39k would be nice!
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