Fisker Karma Revero GT 2026 Review: Range, Charging & Real-World Ownership

Quick Verdict: The Fisker Karma's Complicated Legacy

The Fisker Karma nameplate carries weight in the EV world — not always the positive kind. Originally launched in 2012 as one of the first premium plug-in hybrids, the Karma suffered from reliability issues and Fisker Automotive's eventual bankruptcy. The brand was revived as Karma Automotive, and the Revero GT (and later GTS) carried the torch as an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV). However, as of 2026, Karma Automotive has ceased operations following its own financial struggles, making this a review of a vehicle you can only acquire on the used market.

If you're searching for information on "Fisker Karmas" — whether the original 2012 model, the Revero GT, or Henrik Fisker's separate venture, the Fisker Ocean — this guide clarifies what you're actually looking at, what to expect in real-world ownership, and whether any version of this nameplate makes sense in today's EV landscape.

Understanding the Fisker Karma Lineage

The Fisker Karma story involves two distinct companies and multiple vehicle generations:

• Fisker Automotive (2007-2013): Founded by designer Henrik Fisker, produced the original Karma sedan — a series hybrid (EREV) with a 2.0L GM Ecotec engine as a range extender. Only ~2,450 units were built before bankruptcy.
• Karma Automotive (2016-2024): Chinese conglomerate Wanxiang acquired Fisker's assets, rebranded as Karma Automotive, and produced the Revero (2017-2019), Revero GT (2020-2021), and Revero GTS (2022-2023). Henrik Fisker was not involved.
• Fisker Inc. (2016-2024): Henrik Fisker's separate company produced the Fisker Ocean SUV before filing for bankruptcy in 2024.

This review focuses primarily on the Karma Revero GT/GTS — the most refined iteration of the original Karma concept — while noting critical differences across the lineage.

Range, Battery & Efficiency: EREV Reality Check

Karma Revero GT Core Specifications

Specification	Value
Battery Capacity	21.4 kWh usable (NMC lithium-ion)
Electric-Only Range (EPA)	61 miles
Total Range (EPA)	~360 miles
MPGe (Electric Mode)	58 MPGe
MPG (Gas-Only Mode)	26 MPG combined
Range Extender Engine	1.5L BMW 3-cylinder turbo (Revero GT) / 2.0L GM Ecotec (original Karma)
Electric Motors	Dual rear motors, 536 hp combined
0-60 mph	4.5 seconds
Drivetrain	RWD (rear motors only)
Curb Weight	5,400 lbs

The 21.4 kWh NMC battery pack is modest by 2026 standards — most BEVs now pack 75-100 kWh — but the EREV architecture means you're never stranded. The BMW-sourced 1.5L range extender in the Revero GT (replacing the original Karma's GM engine) generates electricity to extend range but doesn't drive the wheels directly. This series-hybrid setup prioritizes electric driving feel while eliminating range anxiety.

For daily commutes under 50 miles, most Revero GT owners report running almost entirely on electricity, only engaging the range extender on longer road trips. However, the 26 MPG gas-only efficiency is poor compared to modern PHEVs like the Toyota RAV4 Prime (38 MPG combined in hybrid mode).

Charging Speeds: DC Fast & Home Level 2

Karma Revero GT Charging Specifications

Charging Level	Power/Rate	Time (0-100% or 10-80%)	Notes
Level 1 (120V household)	1.4 kW	~14 hours (full charge)	Emergency/trickle charging only
Level 2 (240V, 32A)	7.2 kW	~3 hours (full charge)	Home or public Level 2 stations
DC Fast Charging	Not supported	N/A	CCS/CHAdeMO/NACS — no DC capability

This is where the Karma's age and EREV philosophy show most clearly: the Revero GT does not support DC fast charging. The 21.4 kWh battery is small enough that Karma Automotive deemed Level 2 sufficient, and for most use cases, they're right — a 3-hour Level 2 charge fully replenishes the pack.

However, this means no 10-80% highway charging stops. On road trips, you're relying on the gasoline range extender, not plugging in at Electrify America or Tesla Supercharger stations. For PHEV/EREV buyers who charge at home nightly and rarely exceed 50 electric miles daily, this isn't a dealbreaker. But it limits the Karma's flexibility compared to modern PHEVs with DC capability (like the BMW X5 xDrive50e or the upcoming Toyota RAV4 PHEV with DC support).

Home Charging Setup: The Revero GT uses a standard J1772 connector for Level 2 charging. A 32-amp Level 2 home charger (like a ChargePoint Home Flex or Emporia Level 2) will deliver the full 7.2 kW rate. Expect installation costs of $500-$2,000 for a dedicated 40-amp circuit, depending on your electrical panel's capacity and distance from the garage.

Performance & Driving Dynamics

The dual rear electric motors produce 536 horsepower and 1,300 lb-ft of torque (instant, from 0 RPM), propelling the 5,400-pound Revero GT to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. That's genuinely quick — comparable to a Tesla Model Y Performance or Porsche Taycan 4S — and the torque delivery is seamless.

However, the Karma's weight is always present. Cornering feels more like a grand tourer than a sports sedan, and the regenerative braking, while adjustable, doesn't offer true one-pedal driving. The steering is precise but numb, and the air suspension provides a comfortable ride at the expense of engagement.

The range extender's engagement is generally smooth, though you'll hear the 3-cylinder BMW engine drone under hard acceleration or when the battery is depleted. It's not as refined as the inline-4 range extenders in the Chevrolet Volt or BMW i3 REx.

Interior, Tech & Cargo Space

The Karma's interior is where the "designer car" pedigree shines — and where cost-cutting shows. The cabin features reclaimed wood trim, eco-suede upholstery, and a distinctive "diamond dust" headliner. However, the infotainment system (a 10.2-inch touchscreen) feels dated compared to 2026 standards, with sluggish response times and no wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

Interior Dimensions & Cargo

Measurement	Value
Front Legroom	42.5 inches
Rear Legroom	29.5 inches
Cargo Volume (Trunk)	7.0 cu ft
Seating Capacity	4 passengers
Roof Option	Solar panel roof (adds ~1 mile/day of range)

The rear seats are essentially unusable for adults — 29.5 inches of legroom is tighter than a Mazda MX-5 Miata. This is a 2+2 grand tourer, not a family sedan. Cargo space is similarly compromised: 7.0 cubic feet of trunk volume (the battery pack sits behind the rear seats) barely fits two carry-on bags.

Standout Tech:

• Solar panel roof (generates ~1 kWh/day in full sun, adding ~1 mile of range)
• "EcoGlass" electrochromic roof (tints electronically)
• 360-degree camera system
• Adaptive cruise control (but no lane-centering or SAE Level 2+ driver assist)

Notable Drawbacks:

• No over-the-air updates
• Limited ADAS features (no automatic emergency braking, no blind-spot monitoring on early models)
• Infotainment lacks modern smartphone integration
• Parts availability is a growing concern as Karma Automotive ceases operations

Pricing, Tax Credits & Ownership Costs

As of 2026, Karma Automotive has ceased production, so you're looking at used-market pricing only. The Revero GT originally carried an MSRP of $135,000-$145,000 (depending on options). Used examples now trade between $65,000-$95,000, depending on mileage and condition.

Pricing & Tax Credit Eligibility

Scenario	Cost
Original MSRP (2020-2021)	$135,000-$145,000
Used Market (2026)	$65,000-$95,000
Federal Used EV Tax Credit (§25E)	Up to $4,000 (30% of sale price, max $4,000)
Federal New EV Credit (§30D)	Not eligible (discontinued, battery sourcing unknown)
Income Cap (§25E used credit)	$75,000 single / $150,000 joint filers
Vehicle Price Cap (§25E)	$25,000 maximum sale price — Karma does NOT qualify

Critical Tax Credit Note: The IRS §25E used EV credit has a $25,000 maximum vehicle price cap. At $65,000+, the Karma Revero GT does not qualify for the used EV credit. The original §30D new-vehicle credit is also unavailable, as the vehicle is discontinued and battery sourcing documentation is uncertain. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate:

• Insurance: $3,500-$5,000/year (specialty low-volume vehicle)
• Maintenance: $1,200-$2,000/year (limited dealer network, parts scarcity)
• Electricity (50 miles/day @ $0.15/kWh): ~$550/year
• Gasoline (occasional range-extender use): ~$800/year
• Depreciation: High risk given brand dissolution

Warranty & Long-Term Reliability

The original Karma Revero GT warranty included:

• Basic: 4 years / 50,000 miles
• Powertrain: 6 years / 60,000 miles
• Battery: 8 years / 80,000 miles (minimum 70% capacity retention)

However, with Karma Automotive's 2024 bankruptcy, warranty claims are now essentially unbacked. Third-party extended warranties may be available, but coverage for proprietary components (the dual-motor rear axle, the BMW range extender, the custom battery pack) is uncertain.

Battery Longevity: The 21.4 kWh NMC pack is small, which means higher cycle counts for daily drivers. NMC chemistry typically retains 80-85% capacity after 1,000 full cycles (~60,000 electric miles). Most used Revero GTs show 5-15% degradation at 30,000-50,000 miles, which is acceptable but not exceptional.

Parts Availability: This is the elephant in the room. With Karma Automotive defunct, sourcing replacement parts — especially proprietary electronics, the custom air suspension, and body panels — is increasingly difficult. The BMW range extender is serviceable at BMW dealerships, but the electric drivetrain and battery are Karma-specific.

Pros, Cons & Who This EV Suits

Who Should Consider the Karma:

• Collectors seeking a rare, design-forward EREV
• Two-person households with short commutes and home charging
• Enthusiasts who prioritize exclusivity over practicality

Who Should Avoid It:

• Families (rear seats are unusable, trunk is tiny)
• Daily drivers concerned about parts availability
• Buyers seeking modern tech (ADAS, infotainment, OTA updates)
• Anyone relying on tax credits to justify the purchase

FAQ: Common Fisker Karma Questions