Fisker's Electric Sports Car Models and What They Offer
Fisker has produced two main electric sports car models: the Fisker Karma (2011–2012) and the Fisker EMotion (announced but never mass-produced). The Karma was a plug-in hybrid sports sedan with a range of around 32 miles on battery alone, followed by a gas engine for longer trips. The EMotion was designed as a fully electric four-door sports car with an intended range of over 400 miles per charge, but the company ceased operations in 2018 before bringing it to market.
In 2021, Fisker was revived under new leadership and released the Fisker Ocean, an electric SUV rather than a sports car. The Ocean is the company's current production vehicle and represents a shift away from the sports car segment toward the broader EV market. If you are looking at used Fisker sports cars, the Karma is the only model you will find available, typically from the 2011–2012 model years.
Key Takeaways
- The Fisker Karma was a plug-in hybrid sports sedan sold only in 2011 and 2012, with limited battery range but the ability to run on gas for longer trips.
- The Fisker EMotion was announced as a fully electric sports car but never reached production before the original company shut down in 2018.
- Fisker was revived in 2021 and now produces the Ocean, an electric SUV, not a sports car.
- Used Karma models are rare and often have high mileage or battery degradation issues due to their age and limited production run.
The Fisker Karma: Design, Performance, and Specifications
The Karma was built on a lightweight aluminum chassis and featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged gas engine paired with a 20-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. The electric motor produced 161 horsepower, while the gas engine added another 260 horsepower when needed. Combined, the system delivered around 400 horsepower and 981 pound-feet of torque, making it genuinely quick off the line.
The car's design was striking: a low-slung profile with gull-wing doors, a minimalist interior, and a focus on aerodynamics. Fisker claimed a 0-to-60 time of around 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 125 miles per hour. The battery-only range was limited to roughly 32 miles, which meant most owners relied on the gas engine for daily driving. Fuel economy in hybrid mode was rated at approximately 52 miles per gallon equivalent.
Production numbers were extremely small. Fisker built only around 1,500 Karmas before the company ran into financial trouble and ceased operations in 2014. This rarity makes the Karma a collector's item today, though finding one in good condition with low mileage is difficult.
Battery and Charging: What Karma Owners Faced
The Karma's battery was one of its most problematic components. Several owners reported premature battery degradation, with some units losing significant capacity within a few years of ownership. Fisker issued recalls and software updates to address battery management issues, but the damage to the brand's reputation was substantial.
Charging the Karma required a standard 120-volt household outlet (which took around 12 hours for a full charge) or a 240-volt Level 2 charger (which reduced charging time to about 3 hours). Since the car is now over a decade old, finding replacement batteries or repair parts is challenging. Specialist shops exist, but costs are high, and warranty coverage from the original manufacturer is long expired.
For anyone considering a used Karma today, battery health is the single most important factor to investigate before purchase. A pre-purchase inspection by an EV specialist is strongly recommended, as battery replacement can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
The Fisker EMotion: The Sports Car That Never Arrived
The EMotion was announced in 2017 as Fisker's answer to the Tesla Model S and Porsche Taycan. It was designed as a four-door electric sports sedan with a 400-plus-mile range, a 0-to-60 time under 3 seconds, and a price point starting around $130,000. The company showed prototypes and took pre-orders, but production never began.
When Fisker filed for bankruptcy in 2018, the EMotion project was shelved. Customers who had placed pre-orders lost their deposits, and the car remained vaporware. The EMotion represented what Fisker might have become if the company had survived, but it remains a footnote in EV history rather than a vehicle you can purchase.
Fisker's Return and the Ocean: Why the Focus Shifted
Fisker was revived in 2021 under Henrik Fisker's leadership, but the company made a strategic decision to enter the electric SUV market rather than return to sports cars. The Fisker Ocean launched in 2023 as a mid-size electric SUV with a starting price around $40,000 and an EPA-estimated range of up to 310 miles depending on the model variant.
This shift reflects market realities: SUVs and crossovers outsell sports cars by a wide margin, and the EV market is dominated by practical vehicles rather than performance-focused models. Tesla's Model S and Model 3 are exceptions, but they are also backed by massive production capacity and brand recognition that Fisker lacks. By focusing on the Ocean, Fisker positioned itself to compete in a larger market segment with lower development risk.
The Ocean has received generally positive reviews for its design, interior technology, and value proposition, though the company has faced production delays and supply chain challenges common to newer EV makers.
Used Fisker Karma: Buying Considerations and Market Reality
If you are shopping for a used Fisker Karma, expect prices between $20,000 and $50,000 depending on mileage, condition, and market. Most available Karmas have between 40,000 and 100,000 miles, and many show signs of age. The plug-in hybrid powertrain means you are not buying a pure EV, so charging infrastructure is less critical than it would be for a fully electric car.
The main risks are battery degradation, parts availability, and repair costs. Fisker no longer exists as the original company, so warranty support is nonexistent. Insurance may be harder to find and more expensive than for mainstream brands, and resale value is unpredictable because the market for 12-year-old plug-in hybrid sports cars is tiny.
A Karma makes sense only if you are a collector who understands the risks, appreciate the design and performance, and have the budget to handle unexpected repairs. For most buyers, a used Tesla Model S or Porsche Taycan would be a more practical choice, despite higher prices.
Comparing Fisker to Other Electric and Hybrid Sports Cars
| Model | Type | Years Produced | Range (Electric) | 0-60 Time | Status Today |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fisker Karma | Plug-in Hybrid | 2011–2012 | 32 miles | 5.9 seconds | Used market only; rare |
| Tesla Model S | Fully Electric | 2012–present | 300–405 miles | 2.3–5.1 seconds | Current production; widely available used |
| Porsche Taycan | Fully Electric | 2019–present | 287–323 miles | 2.6–5.2 seconds | Current production; available used |
| BMW i8 | Plug-in Hybrid | 2014–2020 | 18–20 miles | 4.2 seconds | Used market only; more common than Karma |
The Karma occupied a unique position when it launched: a luxury plug-in hybrid sports car at a time when few such vehicles existed. Today, the market has moved decisively toward fully electric sports cars like the Tesla Model S and Porsche Taycan, which offer longer range, faster charging, and more established support networks. The BMW i8, another plug-in hybrid sports car, is more common on the used market and may be easier to service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still get parts and service for a Fisker Karma?
Parts availability is limited. Some independent shops specialize in Fisker repairs, and you can source components through online marketplaces, but OEM parts are scarce. Dealer service is not an option since Fisker no longer operates as the original company. Expect higher labor costs and longer wait times than you would for mainstream brands.
How reliable are used Fisker Karmas today?
Reliability varies widely depending on maintenance history and mileage. Battery issues are the most common problem, but the gas engine and transmission are generally sturdy. Have any used Karma inspected by an EV specialist before purchase, and budget for potential battery work.
Is the new Fisker Ocean a sports car?
No, the Ocean is an electric SUV. Fisker decided to exit the sports car market and focus on the broader EV SUV segment. If you want a new Fisker, the Ocean is your only option.
What happened to people who pre-ordered the Fisker EMotion?
When Fisker filed for bankruptcy in 2018, pre-orders were cancelled and deposits were lost. No refunds were issued, and the car never reached production. This remains a cautionary tale about pre-ordering vehicles from startups.
Should I buy a used Karma as an investment?
The Karma is rare and has design appeal, which attracts collectors, but it is not a reliable investment. Depreciation has been steep, and future value depends on whether enthusiasts maintain interest in 2010s-era plug-in hybrids. Buy one only if you genuinely want to own and drive it, not as a financial bet.