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Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. recently announced that its affiliate company Fisker Automotive made its Karma PHEV’s driving debut over the just 19 months after being introduced as a concept.
The 403hp Karma Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) attained a speed of 100 mph, but used no gasoline as it made its way around Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca during the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races.
The Fisker Karma can reach 60mph in six seconds and has a top speed of 125mph, while also achieving well over 100mpg. Carbon emissions are also lower than today’s hybrids.
The Karma proves that fuel-efficient, low-emission vehicles can also generate the passion and excitement that made us fall in love with cars in the first place.
The Karma PHEV’s clean Q-Drive powertrain was designed and engineered by Quantum at its Advanced Vehicle Concepts Center located in Lake Forest, California. Q-Drive delivers a peak torque of 959 foot-pounds, and incorporates a number of innovations in energy storage, electric drive architecture and control strategies. The Karma has a range of 50 emission-free miles on a full charge of its Lithium-ion battery, and a total range of 300 miles thanks to an on-board generator coupled to a traditional but efficient 260hp, four-cylinder gasoline engine.
“Our team has more than a decade of experience in developing innovative technologies designed for high volume production”, commented Alan P. Niedzwiecki, President and CEO of Quantum. “We are pleased at the progress of development and validation of the Q-Drive architecture, which delivers the ultimate combination of performance, range and efficiency”.
About Quantum
Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. (NasdaqGM: QTWW), a fully integrated alternative energy company, is a leader in the development and production of advanced propulsion systems, energy storage technologies, and alternative fuel vehicles. Quantum’s portfolio of technologies includes advanced lithium-ion battery systems, electronic controls, hybrid electric drive systems, hydrogen storage and metering systems, and alternative fuel technologies that enable fuel efficient, low emission hybrid, plug-in hybrid electric, fuel cell, and alternative fuel vehicles. Quantum’s powertrain engineering, system integration, vehicle manufacturing, and assembly capabilities provide fast-to-market solutions to support the production of hybrid and plug-in hybrid, hydrogen-powered hybrid, fuel cell, alternative fuel, and specialty vehicles, as well as modular, transportable hydrogen refueling stations. Quantum’s customer base includes automotive OEMs, dealer networks, fleets, aerospace industry, military and other government entities, and other strategic alliance partners.
More information can be found about Quantum’s products and services at
http://www.qtww.com
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