Currently reading: 'Veyron pace' for Fisker Karma

New gearbox could give Veyron-like go to cars like the Karma

Fisker Automotive believes that a new gearbox it is developing for electric motors can help deliver “Veyron levels of performance” for extended-range electric vehicles.

Company boss Henrik Fisker said a multi-speed gearbox, if reliably mated to an electric motor, could significantly improve acceleration and performance of cars, including his new Karma luxury saloon.

See a pic of the Fisker Karma

At present, acceleration in electric cars is limited because they typically drive through only one gear to boost efficiency and reliability. Tesla initially trialled a two-speed gearbox on its Roadster but abandoned the plan because of reliability problems.

Read our first drive review of the Fisker Karma

However, Fisker believes it has a solution. Henrik Fisker said, “With the torque at the wheels increased by the use of a gearbox, Veyron levels of performance should be possible.”

See all the latest Fisker reviews, news and video

Add a comment…