Having received certification, a 10 out of 10 fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions rating and an electric-only range of 32 miles (51.5 km) from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last month, Europe's independent regulatory body, the Technischer Ueberwachungs Verein (or Technical Inspection Association in English) has given the Fisker Karma a more impressive electric mode range of 51.6 miles (83 km).
The TUV figure will no doubt be music to the ears of Fisker Automotive's CEO and co-founder Henrik Fisker, who has been touting a 50-mile electric range for the Karma since its announcement at NAIAS in 2008. The company says the TUV tests were the most thorough evaluation of the Karma's real-world urban performance to date, measuring every aspect of the luxury plug-in hybrid's performance.
"We are delighted that the TUV has confirmed that most owners will achieve a 50 mile range running purely on electric during their daily commute," said Fisker.
While an improvement over the EPA's figures, the 51.6 mile range given by the TUV probably won't do much to allay the fears of potential buyers concerned about getting caught short a few electrons before reaching their destination. Partly because it's the EPA figures that will appear on the window sticker of the car in showrooms - although Fisker will likely use the TUV figure every chance it gets - and partly because many see owner feedback as the best indicator of a vehicle's real-world range. With the vehicle hitting showrooms just last month, it will be a little while before such owner feedback crops up.
