Ahead of the full-unveiling of the model in early September, Karma Automotive (previously Fisker Automotive) has revealed new details about the soon-to-be-released Revero plug-in hybrid.
Interestingly, the somewhat controversial solar roof (many considered it to be solely for show, and not useful) is returning. Though, this time Karma Automotive claims that it “will create enough energy to power the car.”
While that statement is fairly ambiguous, I’m not really opposed to solar roofs so long as they hit a minimum level of utility. For instance, if a vehicle with a solar roof was capable of regaining 10–20 miles of charge if left out in the sun all day (in the Deep South), then I wouldn’t be opposed … even if it wasn’t truly “economical” as compared to home charging with a solar photovoltaic system.
Solar technology doesn’t quite seem to be to that point yet … but you can count me as curious to see what exactly Karma has in store for the Revero solar roof.
The website notes: “No other vehicle sold in the US has ever offered this capability. Our owners consider our solar roof an important element in our brand identity, and we listened.”
That does sound like its means that they know it’s mostly just for show. We don’t have to wait long to find out if that’s actually the case, though, as the full unveiling will be taking place only a few weeks from now, on September 8th (in Laguna Beach, California).
Autoblog provides more: “The front and rear Karma badges on each Revero will be hand-painted. ‘No other car company has ever done this,’ Karma says. ‘Consider it a small but symbolic statement about craftsmanship and individuality.’ Sure, fine. Lastly, Karma says the infotainment system will be updated and says, ‘Our new infotainment system represents a departure from the norm. It is simple, intuitive, and beautiful. If you like a 200 page supplement to the owner’s manual to describe your infotainment system, look elsewhere.’ In other words, whew.”
Continuing: “If this all sounds a bit exclusive, you’re right. Jim Taylor, Karma’s chief revenue officer, said in a statement that, ‘Serving a mass market is not, and never will be, our purpose. The Revero is for a discerning group of individuals who desire beautiful, clean vehicles and a memorable ownership experience. We are thrilled to start this journey.’ Karma said earlier this week that it would sell the Revero through dealerships and company stores in 10 markets in North America.”
The Karma Revero plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is a beautiful car (by most people’s standards), so the company shouldn’t have too much trouble building and maintaining a dedicated clientele, I would think.
The official unveiling on September 8th will coincide with the opening of a limited pre-order window for Fisker Karma owners. The general pre-order process will begin some time after that.
Sign up for daily news updates from CleanTechnica on email. Or follow us on Google News!
Have a tip for CleanTechnica, want to advertise, or want to suggest a guest for our CleanTech Talk podcast? Contact us here.
Former Tesla Battery Expert Leading Lyten Into New Lithium-Sulfur Battery Era — Podcast:
I don't like paywalls. You don't like paywalls. Who likes paywalls? Here at CleanTechnica, we implemented a limited paywall for a while, but it always felt wrong — and it was always tough to decide what we should put behind there. In theory, your most exclusive and best content goes behind a paywall. But then fewer people read it! We just don't like paywalls, and so we've decided to ditch ours. Unfortunately, the media business is still a tough, cut-throat business with tiny margins. It's a never-ending Olympic challenge to stay above water or even perhaps — gasp — grow. So ...
