The Original Electric Car Is Back From the Dead

Tesla's oldest rival isn't going down without a fight

September 12, 2016 9:00 am

You might be able to second-guess their business acumen, but one thing you can’t question about the folks at Karma Automotive is their unwavering dedication to building a really fast, really fun-to-drive electric car.

After applying for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2013, having its assets sold and being reduced to a staff of just 22 (many of whom weren’t paid) while it was known as Fisker Karma, Karma Automotive is back from the dead as a new company with a fresh electric hybrid sports car in tow, the Revero.

The car — a revamped version of the company’s previous e-sportscar — has a 235-HP gas engine and two electric motors that deliver 403 ponies courtesy of a center-mounted 21.4 kWh battery that provides a range of about 50 miles.

The Revero can do 0-60 in 5.4 seconds and boasts a software-limited top speed of 125 MPH. It also has a solar roof panel that collects power for its battery, a feature that enhances its eco-friendly credentials.

While the car’s $130,000 starting price point puts it out of reach of some, that’s fine with Karma.

“Automobiles have become commodities. Design has taken a back seat, and cars look the same,” according to the company. “No one NEEDS a product like this to get from Point A to Point B. We exist for those who HAVE TO HAVE ONE. There are plenty of exceptional cars out there for the rest of you.”

If you’re in the “have to have one” camp, the company is accepting preorders.

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