KARMA
ActiveOverview
Karma Automotive is a luxury electric vehicle manufacturer based in southern California, producing plug-in hybrid and battery electric sedans sold through a dealer network in North America, Europe, South America, and the Middle East. It originated from the assets of the bankrupt Fisker Automotive and focuses on customizable, high-performance EVs with an emphasis on engineering and personalization services via its Innovation and Customization Center.123
History
Karma Automotive was founded in 2014 by the Chinese Wanxiang Group after acquiring the remaining assets of Fisker Automotive, which had produced about 2,000 Karma plug-in hybrid sedans before declaring bankruptcy, excluding the Fisker brand and trademarks.1 The company established headquarters in Irvine, California, and an assembly plant in Moreno Valley.12 Key milestones include opening the Innovation and Customization Center in 2017 or 2019, launching the Revero GT flagship, announcing the GS-6 series in 2021, facing layoffs in 2019-2020 amid financial difficulties, and raising $100 million in 2020 to license its EV platform.123
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Revero GT (luxury plug-in hybrid sedan) | High-performance customizable EV | $180,000 - $220,000 |
| GS-6 Series Hybrid (extended-range series hybrid EV) | Luxury extended-range electric sedan | $150,000 - $200,000 |
| GS-6 Series BEV (all-electric sedan) | First pure battery electric luxury vehicle | $160,000 - $210,000 |
Manufacturing
Vehicles are assembled at Karma's plant in Moreno Valley, California, with the Innovation and Customization Center in Irvine handling engineering, design, chassis, body building, powertrain integration, and robotic painting.123
Notable Products
- Fisker Karma - Original plug-in hybrid sports sedan debuted in 2011, about 2,000 units sold before Fisker bankruptcy.
- Revero GT - Flagship dual-motor electric luxury sedan, 2020 Luxury Green Car of the Year by Green Car Journal.
- GS-6 Series - 2021-announced lineup including extended-range hybrid and first all-electric models.
Reputation
Karma is recognized by enthusiasts for its luxury EV heritage from the Fisker Karma and customization capabilities, with the Revero GT earning industry awards for performance and technology.23 Professionals note financial instability, including multiple layoffs in 2019-2020 and a 2019 recall for airbag sensor flaws, alongside efforts to license platforms for revenue.1 It maintains a niche position in luxury EVs but faces challenges in scaling production and market presence.