Karma Automotive Charts New Course with Ultra-Luxury EVs, Intel Partnership
After more than a decade of ups and downs, California-based Karma Automotive is setting its sights on becoming a tech-forward ultra-luxury automaker. The company — born from the ashes of Fisker Automotive with funding from Chinese parts supplier Wanxiang Group — has delivered just 1,000 vehicles in its entire history.
CEO Marques McCammon shared the company’s refined vision with Green Car Reports at CES, targeting annual production of 3,000-5,000 vehicles. “I can be at the ultra-luxury or exotic level and I can lean into the technology aggressively, and I’m small so I can move fast,” McCammon explained.
The company’s current model, the Revero, recently resumed production after a brief pause in 2024. This plug-in hybrid carries forward the distinctive design of the original Fisker Karma while featuring significant powertrain updates — including a BMW-sourced 1.5-liter turbo engine and larger 28-kWh battery pack.
What sets the Revero apart is its series-hybrid EREV system. The gasoline engine acts purely as a generator, while dual electric motors deliver up to 536 hp with the engine running. It’s one of the few plug-in hybrids that can fast-charge, reaching 80% capacity in 24 minutes on a 50-kW CCS connector.
The future lineup starts with the Invictus — a performance-focused special edition arriving in 2025.
“We replace aluminum paddles with carbon; we lighten the vehicle up and we make it a fun driving machine,” McCammon said. The model will feature Öhlins dampers, Swift springs, and Pilot Sport 4S tires, along with Art Deco-inspired interior touches.
Following in 2026 is the Gyesera, marking a significant departure with its composite body construction. Despite earlier plans for full electrification, market conditions have pushed Karma to likely keep the EREV system for this model. “Right now with our EREV, I don’t know of anyone in the world—no one in North America—has an EV-only range of up to 80 miles,” noted McCammon.
The fully electric Kaveya supercar will serve as Karma’s technology flagship in late 2026. Producing 1,000 hp and capable of 0-60 mph in around two seconds, it will showcase the company’s new Intel-based vehicle architecture while maintaining about 40% parts commonality with other models.
Karma’s technology ambitions extend beyond its own vehicles. The company recently acquired over-the-air update pioneer Airbiquity and partnered with Intel Automotive to develop software-defined vehicle platforms.
While earlier plans to supply commercial vehicle makers have taken a back seat, Karma maintains flexibility in its platform. The architecture can support both 400-volt and 800-volt configurations, depending on vehicle type and performance requirements.
Design will play a crucial role in Karma’s transformation. VP of Design Michelle Christensen is working to create a cohesive brand aesthetic across all customer touchpoints, while Interior Design Director Nick David focuses on cabin experiences.
The next few years will be critical for Karma as it attempts to establish itself in the ultra-luxury segment while developing cutting-edge automotive technology. Whether it can translate this vision into sustainable success remains to be seen.
