Development of electric and electric/gasoline powered cars is increasing rapidly. Nearly all the manufacturers are planning production of a number of models. These technologies are gaining popularity since battery manufacturers have been in race to improve the battery life. Improving the battery life extends the driving range of the vehicle. it appears that the battery life question has been overcome, since the Tesla Roadster won the Monte Carlo Rally For Alternative Energy Vehicles.
Fisker Automotive has developed a plug-in hybrid luxury sports sedan the Fisker Karma. Fisker Automotive is a joint venture between Quantum Technologies and Fisker Coachbuild LLC. The Karma is anticipated to have a 50 mile (80km) all-electric range. The Karma is powered by Q-drive technology, which is a series hybrid where the engine is mated with a generator to provide an electrical connection to the electric motors. Electric motors are what propel the vehicle, the engine recharges the batteries.
The Karma has a feature that one day may become standard on electric cars. It has a factory option of a solar power roof that can assist recharging the lithium batteries and the climate control system.
Also, Fisker will offer a set of solar panels for the garage/house which may charge the Karma entirely off the grid. Fisker automotive has not released information on the Karma fuel economy.
Fisker Automotive has developed a plug-in hybrid luxury sports sedan the Fisker Karma. Fisker Automotive is a joint venture between Quantum Technologies and Fisker Coachbuild LLC. The Karma is anticipated to have a 50 mile (80km) all-electric range. The Karma is powered by Q-drive technology, which is a series hybrid where the engine is mated with a generator to provide an electrical connection to the electric motors. Electric motors are what propel the vehicle, the engine recharges the batteries.
The Karma has a feature that one day may become standard on electric cars. It has a factory option of a solar power roof that can assist recharging the lithium batteries and the climate control system.Also, Fisker will offer a set of solar panels for the garage/house which may charge the Karma entirely off the grid. Fisker automotive has not released information on the Karma fuel economy.
Hello Pete,
ReplyDeleteI always thought why solar electric generation system is not incorporated in the car technology. I am glad to learn that there is a company who is at least trying to do that. If successful, it could be break through technology. It is very imformative post.
Thank You!
Shaw Funami
Fill the Missing Link
Hi Shaw,
ReplyDeleteI agree wholeheartedly! Solar generation of power one day will become a factor in power production for electric cars. Toyota is also supposedly doing research on solar generation for future cars.
Thanks for your comments!
Pete Baca
The Car Enthusiast
Hi Pete!
ReplyDeleteThe Karma is such a beautiful car!
How funny, as I was going to mention the same thing Shaw posted about why solar energy isn't used. With the advancements in technology and the concern for the environment, you'd think solar power would be the most obvious way to go. Maybe it's more costly?
Look forward to reading more!
Many Blessings....
Roxanne and Hugo ~ Believe Achieve
Hi Pete .. I guess the Fisker Karma is a Californian car? Am I right in thinking that Quantum Technologies is a computer company too .. or am I muddled?
ReplyDeleteIt'll be interesting to see how solar takes off - California is an obvious choice for the sun!!
Go well -
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters
Hello Roxanne & Hugo,
ReplyDeleteYes, your correct cost is the inhibiting factor in using solar power for electric cars. There are a number of companies working on solar power, one of those companies will develop a cost effective solar power solution.
Thank you for reading my blog and commenting!
Best Regards
Pete Baca
The Car Enthusiast Online
Hello Hilary,
ReplyDeleteActually, the car will be built in Finland by Fisker Coachbuild LLC.
Your correct about Quantum Technologies..they are a California based company that deals with alternative energy sources for the military and other companies.
Best Regards
Pete Baca
The Car Enthusiast Online
Pete,
ReplyDeleteWe are just around the corner on our power technology! These cars are looking good! Thanks for the info.
Dr. Bob Feel Good
Hello Dr. Bob,
ReplyDeleteEvery manufacturer will be making electric cars of a hybrid! This one is a beautiful example!
Thanks for commenting!
Pete Baca
The Car Enthusiast Online