Karma Power: A123 Systems Lands Battery Deal with Fisker Automotive
Following up on what was an eventful 2009 for Massachusetts-based A123 Systems, the up and coming battery manufacturer has started off the new decade by striking a battery supply agreement with Fisker Automotive. The recent recipient of nearly $250 million under Pres. Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will manufacture battery systems for the Fisker Karma Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, which is slated for release later this year.
“Fisker Automotive selected A123 because of the company’s ability to meet our performance needs and rapidly scale to our production volume,” said Henrik Fisker, Chief Executive Officer of Fisker Automotive. “Fisker is committed to developing environmentally friendly cars that don’t sacrifice style or performance. A123′s technology will ensure the Karma delivers.”
Fisker is aiming to make the Karma one of the cleanest, most fuel-efficient cars in the world while still offering industry-leading style and performance. Clearly, selecting the right battery manufacturer for the Karma is a large part of achieving what Fisker is setting out to accomplish.
“We believe the opportunity to supply batteries for Fisker’s premium plug-in hybrid vehicles is further confirmation of the competitive advantages of A123′s technology, including our ability to deliver on the critical safety, high power, useable energy and extended life requirements for PHEV applications,” said David Vieau, President and Chief Executive Officer of A123 Systems. “A123 looks forward to a long partnership with Fisker Automotive that will help advance the future of transportation, improve fuel economy and reduce global CO(2) emissions.”
The Fisker Karma is expected to have a range of 50 full-electric miles on a charge of A123′s lithium ion battery system and a total range of 300 miles with an on-board generator turned by a traditional but efficient four-cylinder gasoline engine. The Karma features 403hp and is designed to go from 0 to 60 mph in about six seconds, reaching a top speed of 125 mph.
Category: Battery News
