When Fisker first introduced its Karma hybrid, things seemed a little too good to be true. Not only was upstart Fisker promising to be the first automaker to mass produce a plug-in hybrid – a range-extending electric vehicle at that – but the electric automaker was also planning to do it in the body of a sleek four-door with an emphasis on performance. But, now that eight months have passed since the Karma’s unveiling, it looks as though Fisker will make good on its promise.
Fisker announced on Tuesday that it has raised $65 in secured funding – the majority of which will come from Qatar Investment Authority. Interestingly, QIA appears to be an investment firm from the country of Qatar, which earns most of its $52 billion in GDP through its oil reserves, making its backing of a hybrid vehicle maker seem a little ironic.
Nonetheless, the announcement is a major step forward for Fisker . Fisker has already secured two overseas distributors and announced earlier this year that the Karma will be produced by Valmet – the same company that makes the Porsche Cayman and Boxster.
If Fisker can keep on track, it just might beat General Motors to the first plug-in punch.
