IRVINE, Calif., April 6 Fisker Automotive, Inc., a leading producer of advanced green technology automobiles, announced today it has entered into definitive agreements to receive an additional $85 million in venture capital funding for the development and manufacturing of its Karma plug-in hybrid automobiles. The financing is expected to be completed this month and will be the fourth and largest investment round since the company's inception in August 2007.

New York-based Eco-Drive (Capital) Partners LLC, a European-American investment consortium, and Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers, an early investor in Fisker, have together agreed to provide the capital.

"The investment by Eco-Drive and Kleiner Perkins validates our vision of joining together the advances in technology for plug-in hybrid powertrains with the ecochic beauty and eco-conscious comfort of the Fisker Karma. We are proud to have Eco-Drive behind us, and to see Kleiner Perkins reaffirm its confidence in our future direction," said Henrik Fisker, Fisker Automotive CEO. "This investment is a strong endorsement of our business model and future product offerings in a challenging business environment."

Fisker Automotive's debut model, the 2010 Fisker Karma, is expected to be the first plug-in hybrid car to market when early production vehicles come off the assembly line late this year. The 2010 Karma, planned to retail for a base of $87,900 to over $100,000 with options before tax credits, is designed to travel approximately 50 miles emission-free, powered by a Lithium-ion battery that can be charged in a few hours from any 110- or 240-volt household outlet. After 50 miles, a 2.0 liter gasoline engine runs a generator that can power the car's electric motors for another 250 miles before refueling.

The company recently announced a nationwide network of more than 30
prestigious retailers that are expected to market and service the vehicles. Future plans include a lower cost vehicle.

 

I would've given the money to a company who was going to build cheaper cars that are more affordable to the masses, but that's just me. Any news on whether or not Tesla got any money? I know they were sort of banking on getting a bailout...

 

Al, I'm not sure about Tesla. But I am going to invest over $212,000 into Fisker next year! Fisker did announce with more funding they will make a car for the masses. I like the idea of the Karma though.

 

love the Karma... I really hope they do well, same hope for Tesla in the long run.