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. Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide will engineer and implement production tooling for the solar photovoltaic roof module for the Karma, Fisker Automotive's high-end, high-performance plug-in electric sedan. The solar photovoltaic roof, a signature element of the Karma, will help keep the car's interior cool when it is parked in the sun and will provide a trickle charge to a 12-volt auxiliary battery when it is parked for long periods. The roof module, developed by Quantum and its German affiliate Asola Advanced and Automotive Solar Systems GmBH, will generate about 130 watts of electricity. Quantum and Asola created proprietary technologies and processes to integrate high-efficiency solar cells on extremely curved surfaces. Production is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year. Quantum earlier signed an agreement to supply components and control systems for the Q-DriveTM powertrain the Karma will use. Fisker was awarded a $528.7 million DOE loan in April to develop and make two models of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, including the Karma sports sedan and a line of family-oriented models. Quantum is a Fisker co-founder.
Quick Take: For such a small, young company, Fisker's innovation and business know-how have been turning a lot of heads. The Karma's an exotic for the green sports car crowd, so it will be interesting to see what the company comes up with for its family-oriented lineup.
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