Fisker Automotive and Quantum Technologies announced today they are performing initial vehicle testing and fine tuning the battery software management system for the Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid production car.

Three Fisker Karma prototypes have been built, and are currently undergoing testing for the electric powertrain developed by Quantum Technologies. Concurrently, the Fisker Automotive engineering team is working on crash test simulation. Further validation and certification on the vehicles will be performed over the coming months.

"We are very excited about the initial test results of the Fisker Karma prototype," said Henrik Fisker, CEO, Fisker Automotive. "The vehicle dynamics and fuel economy have performed better than expected and we remain on target for our fourth quarter 2009 initial delivery."

In sport mode the Fisker Karma will offer a continuous top speed of 125 miles per hour (200km/h).  Electric only, or stealth mode, is capped at 95 miles per hour (150 km/h). Preliminary testing of the lithium-ion battery that powers the Fisker Karma has indicated a life expectancy of more than 10 years.

Configured to meet the demands of today’s driver, the Fisker Karma’s proprietary design allows consumers to drive the car emission free for up to 50 miles a day provided the car is charged every evening. With more than 80 percent of daily commuters driving less than 50 miles (80 km) a day, consumers who drive the Fisker Karma could conceivably only need to refuel the car but once a year.

Fisker Automotive is preparing to deliver its first Premium Edition vehicles by fourth quarter 2009. Currently, Fisker Automotive has received more than 500 orders for the Fisker Karma since its 2008 debut at the North American International Auto Show in January. Fisker Automotive will reach a full production of 1,250 vehicles per month by the end of 2010.