The 2012 Fisker Karma weighs a substantial 5,300 pounds, and that is reflected in its 20 mpg efficiency when burning gas (but the fact that it is a high performance car is also to blame). However, it becomes very efficient when operated in electric mode.
Fisker Karma in Burbank via Joe Seer / Shutterstock.com.
When it is operated in its hybrid mode, in which it consumes both electricity and gas, it achieves 50 mpg combined (however, that is still well below that of all the other plug-in hybrids on the market).
To be fair, none of the other plug-in hybrids on the market are this fast, and faster cars tend to be relatively inefficient, especially if they are equipped with larger gasoline combustion engines.
Plug-In Hybrids On The Market
For some comparison, check out this list of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles:
- 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid: 115 MPGe.
- Ford Fusion Energi: 100 MPGe.
- Ford C-MAX Energi: 100 MPGe.
- 2012 Chevrolet Volt: 98 MPGe.
- 2013 Prius Plug-In Hybrid: 95 MPGe.
According to Henrik Fisker, the founder of Fisker Automotive, the average fuel economy of the Fisker Karma mentioned is 150 MPG, based on the amount of gasoline used, but not with grid electricity factored in. In other words, this is only the gasoline consumption of the vehicle — it does not include electricity consumption. That is where MPGe comes in.
MPGe is a converted unit to give you an idea of how efficient the electric propulsion system is, and it is also used to factor in the combined gasoline and electricity consumption of hybrids and extended range electric vehicles (EREVs).
“You can say what you want about how the Europeans or the EPA measures fuel economy, but we have the facts, the facts of how Fisker Karma owners drive the car. The average is 150 miles a gallon. That is a fact. And we have customers who drive 3,000 to 4,000 miles before they fill up,” said Henrik Fisker.
Source: Autoblog Green
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