The Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid can run on battery power for the first 38 miles. Its 2.0-liter, 160-hp turbocharged GM-supplied gas engine kicks in and turns a generator for longer trips. The cramped back seat, coarse-sounding engine, frustrating controls, and haphazard fit and finish belie $108,000 sticker price of our Karma. As big and heavy as some full-size SUVs, the 5,400-pound Karma rides and handles well, but its width and weight hamper its agility and the car doesn't feel very quick. On electric power we got the equivalent of 66 mpg, but only 22 mpg overall running on gas. It takes about 6 hours to recharge the 20-kWh-battery on 240 volts and 16 hours on 120V.
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