The Short Answer: Who Makes Fisker Karma Cars?
The answer depends on which era you mean. The original Fisker Karma (2011–2012) was built by Fisker Automotive, a company founded by designer Henrik Fisker. That company collapsed in 2013. The Karma nameplate and tooling were then purchased by China's Wanxiang Group, which created a new entity called Karma Automotive. Karma Automotive revised the car into the Karma Revero and later the Revero GT, produced at a facility in Moreno Valley, California. Henrik Fisker himself moved on to found Fisker Inc., which launched the Fisker Ocean SUV — but that company filed for bankruptcy in late 2024 and ceased operations.
So in 2026, if you're asking "who makes Fisker Karma cars," the practical answer is: Karma Automotive produces the Revero GT lineage, while the Fisker brand itself is effectively defunct. The Karma Revero GT is a low-volume, hand-built extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) — not a pure battery-electric car — and it occupies a niche that few buyers will cross.
Karma Revero GT: The Car That Carries the Legacy
The Karma Revero GT is the spiritual and mechanical successor to the original Fisker Karma. It uses a series-hybrid powertrain: a 28 kWh (usable) NMC lithium-ion battery drives the rear wheels via dual electric motors, while a 1.5-liter three-cylinder BMW-sourced range-extender engine acts as a generator to recharge the battery on the go. It never mechanically drives the wheels.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Type | Extended-Range EV (EREV / Series Hybrid) |
| Battery Capacity | 28 kWh usable (NMC chemistry) |
| Electric-Only Range (EPA) | 61 miles |
| Total Range (Electric + Gas) | ~360 miles |
| Combined System Output | 536 hp / 550 lb-ft torque |
| 0–60 mph | 4.5 seconds |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive (dual rear motors) |
| EPA MPGe (electric mode) | 58 MPGe |
| MPG (gas generator mode) | ~23 MPG combined |
| DC Fast Charge (max) | Not supported (Level 2 only) |
| Level 2 Charge Rate | 6.6 kW (~22 mi/hr) |
| Level 2 Full Charge Time | ~5 hours (0–100%) |
| Cargo Volume | 6.9 cu ft (trunk) |
| Seating | 4 passengers |
| Base MSRP | $148,500 |
| Battery Warranty | 8 years / 60,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years / 50,000 miles |
Real-World Range Reality
EPA Electric-Only: 61 miles
Real-World Expectation: 45–55 miles in mixed driving; as low as 35–40 miles in cold weather (below 40°F) or sustained highway speeds above 70 mph. The 1.5L range extender extends total range to roughly 360 miles when the gas tank is full, making this an EREV rather than a range-anxiety-inducing pure EV.
Charging: Level 2 Only — No DC Fast Charging
This is where the Revero GT diverges sharply from modern EVs. There is no DC fast-charging capability. The car charges exclusively via a J1772 Level 2 connector at a maximum rate of 6.6 kW. That translates to roughly 22 miles of electric range added per hour of charging.
| Charging Level | Power | Rate | Time (0–100%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (120V outlet) | ~1.4 kW | ~5 mi/hr | ~20 hours |
| Level 2 (240V, 30A) | 6.6 kW | ~22 mi/hr | ~5 hours |
| DC Fast Charge | Not supported | ||
For daily commuting within the 61-mile electric envelope, overnight Level 2 charging at home is perfectly adequate. But the lack of DC fast charging means road trips rely entirely on the gasoline range extender. You cannot pull into an Electrify America or Tesla Supercharger stall and add range in 20 minutes — you fill up at a gas station instead.
Because the Revero GT is an EREV, the practical "charging" calculus is different from a pure BEV. Most owners will charge nightly at home and use the gas generator for longer trips. The EPA's fueleconomy.gov listing confirms the 58 MPGe electric-mode figure, which is modest compared to pure EVs that achieve 100+ MPGe.
Performance and Driving Impressions
The dual rear electric motors deliver 536 combined horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. The 0–60 mph sprint takes 4.5 seconds — quick for a luxury sedan that weighs over 5,400 pounds. Instant electric torque gives strong initial acceleration, but the car's mass is noticeable in corners and under braking.
The driving experience is grand-touring rather than sporty. The suspension tuning favors comfort, the steering is light, and the cabin is isolated from road noise when running on battery power. When the BMW range-extender engine kicks in, there's a noticeable drone — a common complaint carried over from the original Fisker Karma. The engine note doesn't match the car's luxury aspirations.
The Revero GT rides on a solar panel integrated into the roof, which Karma Automotive claims can add up to one mile of range per day in ideal conditions. It's a conversation starter rather than a meaningful range contributor.
Interior, Tech, and Practicality
The interior uses premium materials — diamond-quilted leather, open-pore wood, and recycled glass accents. However, the infotainment system has historically lagged behind competitors. The current setup features a 10.2-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the interface responsiveness and graphical polish fall short of what you'll find in a Mercedes EQS or Lucid Air at similar or lower prices.
Driver assistance is basic by 2026 standards: forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. There is no advanced hands-free driving system comparable to GM's Super Cruise or Ford's BlueCruise. This is firmly SAE Level 1 driver assistance.
Practicality is the Revero GT's biggest weakness:
- Cargo: Just 6.9 cubic feet of trunk space — less than a Mazda MX-5 Miata. The battery pack intrudes heavily into the rear cargo area.
- Rear seats: Technically seats four, but the rear seats are best suited for children or short trips. Legroom is tight at approximately 34 inches.
- No frunk: The front compartment houses the range-extender engine and electronics.
- Ground clearance: Low, with no air suspension option for speed bumps or steep driveways.
Pricing, Tax Credits, and Value
The Karma Revero GT starts at $148,500, with limited customization options pushing as-tested prices past $160,000. At this price point, it competes — uncomfortably — with the Porsche Taycan, Lucid Air, Mercedes EQS, and Tesla Model S Plaid, all of which offer more range, faster charging, better tech, and greater practicality.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Base MSRP | $148,500 |
| Federal §30D Tax Credit | $0 — Does NOT qualify |
| Reason | MSRP exceeds $55,000 sedan cap; battery sourcing non-compliant; classified as PHEV/EREV with insufficient electric range for some interpretations |
| Estimated Out-the-Door | ~$155,000–$165,000 (with destination, taxes, fees) |
Federal tax credit eligibility: The Revero GT does not qualify for the IRS §30D clean vehicle credit for multiple reasons. First, the $55,000 MSRP cap for sedans (and $80,000 for SUVs/trucks/vans) is far exceeded. Second, the vehicle's battery sourcing and critical-mineral supply chain do not meet the 2026 domestic-content requirements. Third, buyer income caps ($150,000 single / $300,000 joint) further limit eligibility even if the vehicle qualified on paper. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Pros
- Exotic, head-turning design — nothing else looks like it
- 61-mile electric-only range covers most daily commutes
- 536 hp provides strong acceleration
- Gasoline range extender eliminates range anxiety on road trips
- Hand-built exclusivity — fewer than 500 units per year
- Solar roof is a unique conversation piece
Cons
- $148,500 base price for a car outclassed in tech and practicality by cheaper rivals
- No DC fast charging — a major omission in 2026
- Only 6.9 cu ft of cargo space
- Outdated infotainment and minimal driver assists
- Range-extender engine drone is intrusive
- No federal tax credit eligibility
- Extremely limited dealer/service network
- Uncertain long-term brand viability
Who Should Buy the Karma Revero GT?
This car suits a very specific buyer: someone who wants an exotic-looking, hand-built grand tourer with enough electric range for weekday commuting and the flexibility of a gas generator for weekend trips — and who values exclusivity over value, tech, or practicality. Think of it as a boutique luxury item, closer to a Morgan or Aston Martin in purchase rationale than a Tesla or Lucid.
It's a poor choice for: families needing cargo space, tech-focused buyers who expect cutting-edge infotainment and driver assists, anyone who wants DC fast charging for road trips, or value-conscious shoppers who can get a Lucid Air Pure (372 miles EPA, DC fast charging, $69,900) or a Porsche Taycan (246+ miles EPA, 270 kW DC charging) for significantly less money.
Is the Karma Revero GT Worth It vs. Competitors?
Objectively, the Revero GT is difficult to recommend on specs alone. Here's how it stacks up against alternatives in the luxury EV/EREV space:
| Vehicle | Price | Electric Range | DC Fast Charge | 0–60 mph | Cargo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karma Revero GT | $148,500 | 61 mi (EREV) | None | 4.5s | 6.9 cu ft |
| Lucid Air Pure | $69,900 | 372 mi (BEV) | 200+ kW | 5.0s | 32 cu ft |
| Porsche Taycan 4S | $106,300 | 246 mi (BEV) | 270 kW | 3.8s | 14.3 cu ft |
| Mercedes EQS 450+ | $105,550 | 352 mi (BEV) | 200 kW | 5.9s | 22 cu ft |
| BMW i7 xDrive60 | $120,295 | 318 mi (BEV) | 195 kW | 4.5s | 17.7 cu ft |
Every competitor listed above offers more electric range, DC fast charging, modern infotainment, greater cargo capacity, and — except the BMW i7 — a lower price. The Revero GT's only advantage is sheer exclusivity and design drama.
The Fisker/Karma Timeline: How We Got Here
For buyers confused by the naming, here's the corporate history in brief:
- 2007: Henrik Fisker founds Fisker Automotive.
- 2011: Fisker Karma launches at ~$102,000. Production by Valmet Automotive in Finland.
- 2012: Battery supplier A123 Systems goes bankrupt. Karma production halts after ~2,450 units.
- 2013: Fisker Automotive files for bankruptcy.
- 2014: Wanxiang Group (China) buys Fisker's assets at auction for $149.2 million.
- 2016: Wanxiang rebrands the company as Karma Automotive; the car becomes the Karma Revero.
- 2019: Karma Revero GT launches with updated powertrain and BMW range extender.
- 2020: Henrik Fisker's separate venture, Fisker Inc., unveils the Fisker Ocean SUV (unrelated to Karma).
- 2024: Fisker Inc. files for bankruptcy; Ocean production ends.
- 2025–2026: Karma Automotive continues low-volume Revero GT production. Future models (Karma Kaveya sports car, Gyesera sedan) remain in announced/preliminary status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fisker still making cars in 2026?
No. Fisker Inc. — Henrik Fisker's second automotive venture that produced the Fisker Ocean SUV — filed for bankruptcy in late 2024 and ceased operations. The Fisker brand is currently inactive.
Is Karma Automotive the same company as Fisker?
No. Karma Automotive is a separate company owned by China's Wanxiang Group. It purchased the original Fisker Karma's tooling and intellectual property at bankruptcy auction in 2014 but has no connection to Henrik Fisker personally or to Fisker Inc.
Can I still buy a new Karma Revero GT?
Karma Automotive continues limited production, but availability is extremely restricted. There are very few dealerships, and most sales are direct or through specialty luxury brokers. Contact Karma Automotive directly for current availability.
Does the Karma Revero GT qualify for any tax credits?
No. The Revero GT does not qualify for the federal §30D clean vehicle credit due to its MSRP exceeding the $55,000 sedan cap, non-compliant battery sourcing, and buyer income limitations. Some state-level incentives for plug-in hybrids may apply — check your state's energy office for current programs.
How reliable is the Karma Revero GT?
Long-term reliability data is scarce due to very low production volumes. The original Fisker Karma had well-documented issues with battery fires and A123 battery failures. Karma Automotive addressed many of these with the Revero GT's revised NMC battery pack and BMW-sourced range extender, but the limited service network remains a concern for any major repairs.
What is the real-world electric range of the Karma Revero GT?
The EPA rates the Revero GT at 61 miles of electric-only range. In real-world mixed driving, expect 45–55 miles. In cold weather (below 40°F) or at sustained highway speeds, that can drop to 35–40 miles before the gasoline range extender engages.
Is the Karma Revero GT a hybrid or an electric car?
It's technically an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV), also called a series hybrid. The wheels are always driven by electric motors, but a gasoline engine acts as a generator to recharge the battery when it's depleted. It plugs in like an EV but carries a gas tank for extended range.
