Karma Lays Out Its (Optimistic) Product Plans Through 2028
Yesterday Karma unveiled yet another new model, a hybrid-electric coupe called the Amaris, based on the third-generation Revero architecture. I saw it at Karma headquarters in Irvine, California, and it looks nice. It's pictured above.
It's hard to keep track of all this Karma stuff without a program, so here's a refresher. The current Karma Automotive came about when Henrik Fisker's Fisker Inc. went bankrupt in 2014, due to the bankruptcy of battery supplier A123 and Superstorm Sandy wiping out a bunch of finished Fiskers on a dock in New Jersey.
The current Karma Automotive was founded when Chinese auto parts supply giant Wanxiang purchased the assets of Fisker Inc. at a bankruptcy auction.
Are we clear on all that? Now have a look at the current and future Karmas, presented on a timeline from now till 2028.In 2016 Karma Automotive began building a 'new' car called the Revero based on the bones of the former Fisker. In fact, it looked and drove like a Fisker. A few years ago it got a refresh. The Revero four-door four-seater is now in what Karma calls its third generation, with a 28-kWh battery good for not-quite-80 miles of all-electric range.
But Karma makes only 160 Reveros a year at its assembly facility in Moreno Valley, California. Soon you'll be able to get a sportier version of the Revero called the Invictus, shown above, but they're only making 30 of those.After that comes the Gyesera hybrid (Karma uses the term EREV for plug-in hybrid, meaning Extended Range Electric Vehicle). The Gyesera is yet another take on the Revero architecture, with four doors and a newer-looking body. Karma said yesterday that the Gyesera will be in production by the end of the year, also in Moreno Valley.
The Gyesera four-door was previously shown as a battery-electric, but changing market conditions—i.e., lower-than-expected demand for EVs—forced a return to PHEV/EREV powertrain.The Amaris is the two-door coupe that was revealed yesterday at Karma HQ in Irvine. It will also be a hybrid, with its own take on the Revero architecture wrapped in a hot carbon-fiber body. It'll come out in the fourth quarter of 2026, Karma claims. You can see it at The Quail this summer, complete with an interior, a feature the model displayed at yesterday's program did not have.This is Karma's electric super coupe, with 1,000 hp, 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds, and a top speed of 180 mph. It even has a range of 250 miles, Karma says. It's going into production in 2027.
Karma promises 'otherworldy presence forged by the American spirit,' as well as butterfly doors that 'open with a dramatic flair, reminiscent of a red-carpet arrival.'And finally, the Karma Ivara GT-UV (Grand Touring Utility Vehicle) will arrive in 2028. The Ivara sports near-SUV proportions. Karma says it establishes 'a new segment of multi-terrain capable vehicles, the GT-UV, or Grand Touring Utility Vehicle. Its signature Comet Line draws exotic proportions, projecting an otherworldly boldness unseen before in the ultra-luxury segment.'
Will any of it happen? Who knows? Karma president Marcus McCammon, whom we've known since he was product manager of the Dodge Neon SRT-4 more than 20 years ago, says the Moreno Valley facility can make 15,000 vehicles a year when it has three shifts working. He expects Karma Automotive to become profitable by 2028 or 2029. And somehow Karma Automotive has carried on since the company's founding in 2014. Ya just gotta believe!
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Newsweek
6 days ago
- Newsweek
Which Automaker Startups Will Be a Success? Analysts Weigh In
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The road to automaker profitability is littered with names that are both familiar and long since forgotten. Even in today's business climate, where vast amounts of data are available at the fingertips, creating a car that people are willing to pay for is a moonshot. Henrik Fisker tried twice. VinFast has already pulled out of the U.S. Peugeot promised to come to America and is now firmly against it. "Ultimately, surviving in the automotive industry isn't just about vision—it's about endurance. The startups that win will be the ones that don't just launch well, but scale wisely, deliver consistently, and adapt faster than the giants they're trying to disrupt," Paul Waatti, director of industry analysis at AutoPacific, told Newsweek. Newsweek asked some of the world's top auto industry analysts to weigh in on the potential future of six companies, all of which fit into the category of startup, even if they have been around for a while: Rivian, Lucid Motors, Tesla, Slate, Dacora and Scout Motors. Rivian Rivian is the standout in this group, turning a profit where others have struggled. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the automaker had a gross profit of $170 million. In the first quarter of 2025, a gross profit of $206 million was achieved. Rivian R3 front three quarter view. The Rivian R3 will be smaller and less expensive than the R2. Rivian R3 front three quarter view. The Rivian R3 will be smaller and less expensive than the R2. Rivian "Rivian, despite still experiencing financial growing pains, is on a good path. The recent mid-cycle actions on the R1 models have resulted in truly world class software that actually rivals Chinese efforts," Ed Kim, president and chief analyst at AutoPacific, told Newsweek. Rivian's future was more securely put in place when its joint venture with Volkswagen was announced. VW invested $5.8 billion in Rivian VW Group Technology, LLC to develop an electric vehicle platform and software based on current and future Rivian technologies. "With Amazon as a flagship customer, and a Volkswagen partnership, Rivian is aggressively scaling its EV footprint across delivery fleets and consumer vehicles. But this transition year brings production costs and margin pressure into focus, as competition from legacy automakers intensifies. If successful, Rivian's strategic partnerships and expanding charger network could secure its place as a dominant player — but sustainable profitability remains the most important objective," Tony Salerno, vice president at J.D. Power, told Newsweek. The next major hurdle Rivian looks to clear is the production of its R2 SUV, which is smaller than the established R1 model. With a lower price point and larger market appeal, it could be the home run that the company needs to find even firmer footing. A woman walks on the sidewalk at the Rivian Charging Outpost in Joshua Tree, California. A woman walks on the sidewalk at the Rivian Charging Outpost in Joshua Tree, California. Rivian "Now, Rivian faces its biggest make-or-break moment yet, the introduction of its R2 electric SUV. The R2 will be Rivian's first volume model with pricing expected to start below $50,000, and it's conceived to take Rivian into the mainstream. Plenty of consumers seem to be excited as it will offer all the style and capability of the R1S with a smaller and more manageable size and price tag. The success or failure of R2 will largely determine Rivian's fortunes going forward," Kim said. What Rivian's CEO RJ Scaringe told Newsweek: "As we head into the second half of 2025, there's tremendous amount of momentum as we work towards the launch of R2. I couldn't be more excited for what's ahead, and can't wait for R2 deliveries to start next year." Lucid Motors Lucid Motors started its work on its first car in 2014 and debuted the Lucid Air sedan in 2016. Production of the model commenced in 2021. A year prior, the company showed off an SUV concept that would evolve into the Gravity production model. Deliveries of Gravity began late last year. "Launching a luxury car might be seen as misreading the market, but the Air's lower profile and lighter weight compared to an SUV allowed them to hit that magic 500-mile mark for EV range, which established their technological capabilities. Early reviews on the Gravity are positive, but, like Rivian, they are waiting for their 'Model 3' moment to scale up with their new affordable SUV (and face the same challenges as Rivian in that regard). Their chances of survival are not quite as strong as Rivian but still good," Adam Bernard, founder and principal at AutoPerspectives, told Newsweek. 2025 Lucid Motors Gravity 2025 Lucid Motors Gravity Courtesy of Lucid Motors "Backed by the deep pockets of Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, Lucid has built some of the most technically advanced luxury EVs on the road. Yet it continues to struggle with sales and profitability targets, putting pressure on execution. The Gravity SUV may offer a much-needed volume boost, but the company's success hinges on continued foreign backing and its ability to navigate current EV market headwinds," Salerno added. The California-based automaker is looking ahead to its next model, Earth, a smaller crossover. "As it prepares to launch its more attainable sub-$50K electric crossover by the end of this year, it - like Rivian - aims to enter the mainstream auto market and utilize its signature Lucid strengths detailed above to make its mark among regular, non-luxury customers," Kim said. Lucid Motors did not reply to a request for comment from Newsweek. Tesla Tesla was early to the electric vehicles (EVs) game and continues to make models that buyers want. The company has struggled as of late between political controversies surrounding the business and its leaders, and the Cybertruck not reaching its perceived potential with customers. But, with its Cybercab robotaxi fleet aimed to come to fruition soon, there's fresh meat on the horizon. "Tesla remains the undisputed heavyweight of the EV industry, with unmatched scale, brand awareness, and a vertically integrated model few can replicate. However, regulatory pressures, intensifying competition, political climate, and a maturing EV market are beginning to challenge its long-held dominance. That being said, Elon is a fierce competitor that should not be underestimated," Salerno said. A rendering of a Tesla Cybercab robotaxi. A rendering of a Tesla Cybercab robotaxi. Tesla Is Tesla a startup? Is it one of America's new legacy automakers (a grouping that usually includes General Motors, Ford Motor Company and Stellantis)? At two decades old, it fits somewhere in between. If it's going to stick around, it needs to weather the current storm and continue to evolve. "This company is no longer a startup. They have plants in three countries and sold more than 1.8 million units last year—twice Subaru's global sales and more than Mazda," Stephanie Brinley, associate director of AutoIntelligence at S&P Global Mobility, told Newsweek. "Tesla's opportunity is still in its EV accomplishments, even with consumer concerns over the CEO's affiliation with U.S. politics, and his other controversial statements. Tesla's sales challenges in the past year or so are more deeply rooted in the impact of inconsistent pricing strategies and aging models than the headlines. "The updates to Model 3 and Y are not enough to get loyal buyers to upgrade or buy for a third time. For new EV buyers, there is much more competition, and most of it looks fresh compared with the older Tesla designs. Delayed products and minimal updates for existing models are fundamental car company problems, and Tesla has them. "The Cybertruck has been polarizing and not met the sales targets Tesla wanted. Even if it turns out to be a miss, a single product miss isn't enough to end most car companies, and it won't end this one," she said. Tesla did not reply to a request for comment from Newsweek. Slate Slate made big headlines this year when it first debuted a peek at its upcoming model in the pages of Newsweek, then again a few weeks later at its formal brand and company launch event. The company plans an American-made truck that converts into a number of other body-style configurations, including an SUV. Slate intends to begin selling the vehicle by the end of next year. Renderings of Slate vehicles modified for perspective consumers. Renderings of Slate vehicles modified for perspective consumers. Slate Kim calls the company's offering, "a true countercultural proposition." He also said: "Many car enthusiasts like to wax poetic about bare bones vehicles of the past, but the reality is that most of today's new vehicle shoppers want amenities. Are there enough people who want a bare-bones DIY electric trucklet to the tune of 150,000 units a year? Slate thinks so and is betting its future on it." Salerno warns that Slate, "...faces some vulnerability if one of the established automakers like Ford shifts the playing field." Brinley sees vulnerabilities elsewhere as well saying, "The Slate also underscores that to get something affordable or inexpensive means giving up features and technology – though there are some buyers who will appreciate that it isn't connected. A two-door pickup formula is easier to engineer and cheaper to build, but U.S. consumers shun two-door pickup trucks for almost anything but work trucks. The two-door configuration will limit sales. Slate is intriguing and will be a great formula for some buyers. But will it be enough buyers for a sustainable business? We'll see." What Slate told Newsweek: "Slate is revolutionizing the build process by simplifying it, allowing us to get to high quality volume production and pass the savings on to our customers. Having a reliable, affordable vehicle may be a life-changing opportunity for those who thought it was impossible." Dacora Dacora is hoping to break into the super high-end market with an electric vehicle that is designed and engineered in the U.S. The company is just beginning to talk about its business and take reservations. "Dacora is still largely unproven publicly, but like any stealth startup, it will need to prove that its idea translates not just to a cool prototype but to a business with staying power. As with many mobility upstarts, the runway is short, and expectations are high," Waatti said. Bernard is equally skeptical: "With Bentley and Ferrari boasting about the profit-generating capabilities of their bespoke services, Dacora is going after a relatively small but valid niche (where Rolls-Royce and Cadillac's Celestiq already play). However, information on the business plan is difficult (or impossible) to find. The website is sparsely populated; buyers interested in dropping $50,000 will have to dig through LinkedIn to find who will be spending their money. They will soon discover many functions aren't represented (yet) and there's not a lot of automotive experience in the existing team. Right now, this seems like a fascinating idea that hasn't been fleshed out enough to know if it will work." Once up and producing, scaling production is key to Dacora's success, even with few orders to execute per year, Salerno said. "Dacora is entering the EV market with a uniquely American, ultra-luxury offering — handcrafted and priced north of $300,000. Its exclusive, retro-inspired design targets an elite clientele, but scaling sustainable profitable production with heavyweight rivals like Rolls-Royce and Bentley presents obstacles." What Dacora told Newsweek: "Dacora truly stands apart. We've fused the rich culture and heritage of ultra-luxury automotive with a powerhouse team — deep technical talent alongside seasoned industry veterans who know what it takes to scale and succeed," said Kristie D'Ambrosio-Correll, co-founder and CEO of Dacora Motors. "The ultra-luxury segment is vastly underserved and offers exceptional unit economics. Our coachbuilding approach reduces upfront capital needs and allows us to rewrite the traditional EV go-to-market playbook. And it's working — pre-orders already represent nearly $40 million in first-year revenue." Scout Motors Last year, Scout publicly revealed plans to bring a Terra truck and Traveler SUV to market in two years. Building on the roots of decades of branding from the mid-1900s, Scout Motors, though a thoroughly American company in terms of product and engineering, is financed under the Volkswagen Group umbrella. The company plans a direct-to-consumer sales model but has been challenged in court by new car dealers over the legality of those plans, something that Salerno notes adds complications to its launch. In the pros column, Kim lists the company's plug-in hybrid powertrain variant as being on track to appeal to customers in ways a fully-electric vehicle does not. And, Scout's manufacturing plant near Columbia, South Carolina, is poised to benefit Volkswagen Group brands in the future as the company looks to regionalize production, he explained. "Having VW support will be critical, in terms of funding but also in terms of expertise and talent. Scout has drawn heavily from Volkswagen Group ranks and been able to poach respected industry veterans from other companies. Scout's plans to use the Rivian architecture via a Rivian-VW joint venture is an illustration of the importance of having a strong parent," Brinley said. "At first blush and on paper, the Scout products look terrific. They are attractive, have plenty of technology delivered in a more familiar setting, and the mix of range-extended electric and battery electric powertrains provide choice." Bernard sees parallels between the history of General Motors and today's Volkswagen Group business plan. "In many ways, Scout is intending to do for SUVs and VW Group what Saturn did for small cars and General Motors; for VW Group, it's a new brand, a new architecture, a new plant, and a new way of selling vehicles. America's continued interest in SUVs may offset lower-than-expected demand for the pickup, and the range extender (which uses a configuration that no other automaker has yet tried) should address concerns over EV demand," Bernard said. There are additional concerns. "Expectations are high, and success hinges on the flawless execution of both product and manufacturing in the U.S.—something VW hasn't always nailed in the past," Waatti said. What Scout Motors told Newsweek: "A storied legacy and a running start combine to create an enduring brand and business built for success. Scout Motors meets the American market by entering the core of the U.S. automotive segments – rugged SUVs and full-size pickup trucks. The Scout Traveler SUV and Terra truck will address roughly 40 percent of the U.S. auto market and will be built in America in a way that combines American entrepreneurship with the backing, scale, and manufacturing know-how of the Volkswagen Group. This enables Scout Motors to deliver upon a competitive cost base and move with speed. Scout Motors meets the American moment by supporting the revitalization of American manufacturing through its multibillion-dollar investment into its Production Center in Blythewood, South Carolina. Spanning 1,100 acres and creating more than 4,000 good-paying jobs, Scout Motors' Production Center will have the capacity to build more than 200,000 Scout vehicles per year when fully ramped up. Construction is on track, and factory hiring will start soon. Across categories, the most successful American brands and products have always had a bit of magic. Scout Motors combines highly credible vehicles with a beloved brand and a passionate community that has kept the scout spirit alive for decades. By combining its product heritage with modern ingenuity while leaning in and listening to the existing Scout community and fans, Scout Motors is unlike any other new automotive entrant. Consumer response to the reveal of the Scout Traveler and Terra is extremely positive. The Harvester range-extender option, connection-focused features like the bench seat, and a return to tactility and utility are resonating with consumers. That enthusiasm is reflected in reservation counts. There's plenty of road ahead as Scout Motors works to bring these incredible vehicles to life and invest in communities and people."
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Yahoo
Electrify Expo's Return to Southern California Marks Milestone Growth for the Nation's Largest EV Festival
Electrify Expo Los Angeles Electrify Expo brings in its largest exhibitor participation ever to a new venue at the Port of LA Kia, Volvo and Lexus will debut their most anticipated new vehicles alongside current models Tesla will offer the exclusive opportunity for self driving demos at the LA festival Notable new exhibitors include Karma Automotive, Drako Motors, Verge Motorcycles, ChargePoint and more The first eVOTL personal aircraft, Pivotal Helix, will join the lineup in LA Two ticket options available, with general admission starting at $20 Festival runs June 21-22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; tickets available online and in person LOS ANGELES, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Electrify Expo, North America's largest electric vehicle (EV) and technology festival, is returning to Southern California with its largest lineup of exhibitors ever. The festival will take over the Port of LA for the first time, bringing over 1 million square feet of electric demos, experiences, entertainment zones and never-before-seen electric vehicles. Electrify Expo welcomes new exhibitors to join the EV festival including ChargePoint, Verge Motorcycles, Karma Automotive, Drako Motors and many others. California continues to lead the nation in EV adoption, standing out as a hub for innovation and consumer demand. As more drivers explore what going electric means, they're looking for flexible options that fit their lifestyle, whether that's fully electric vehicles, hybrids or e-bikes. According to the California New Car Dealers Association's auto outlook released in April 2025, hybrids now hold 17.9% of the automotive market share in the state. At Electrify Expo attendees will experience the full spectrum of electric offerings, making it the ideal place for first-time shoppers, long-time enthusiasts and even skeptics. 'California has long led the way in EV adoption, but we're now seeing a fresh wave of interest from consumers who have been watching from the sidelines—many of whom are now waking up to the practicality of EVs,' said BJ Birtwell, CEO and Founder of Electrify Expo. 'Today's EVs are more affordable, go farther than ever and charge faster than people think. They are the clear practical choice in California where EV infrastructure is abundant and gas prices are surging. We're ready to bring the festival back to LA with more brands, more options and more excitement than ever.' New Attractions for Los Angeles: For the first time ever, Electrify Expo will have the Pivotal Helix, an eVTOL personal aircraft, on display for attendees to experience the future of transportation with SoFly. The all-new, fully electric Volvo EX30 Cross Country is making its North American debut in Los Angeles, showcasing how big experiences can come in a small SUV. Joining it is the refreshed Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid, on public display for one of the first times, highlighting one of the Swedish automaker's best-selling SUVs designed to suit every kind of driver. Be among the first to experience the all-new 2026 Lexus ES 500e, making its public debut at Electrify Expo LA. Joining the spotlight is the enhanced 2026 Lexus RZ 350e—part of a new, extended lineup engineered for more power, greater efficiency, and an even more dynamic drive. As seen at auto shows, Kia is bringing its all-new EV9 ADVNTR CONCEPT, an all-electric SUV built for extreme yet sustainable off-road adventure based on the successful 3-row EV9. Join Ford for hot laps in the Mustang Mach-E GT with professional drivers at the Ford Thrill Zone and take the wheel yourself with test drives of the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning, as well as have the chance to see a one-of-a-kind adventure-focused Mustang Mach-E Rally built by off-road racer Jim Beaver. General Motors brands including Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC will be bringing every electric offering, marking their first Electrify Expo California stop. Verge Motorcycles joins the Electrify Expo roster and will have its California Edition, homage to the Californian way of life, available for demos and on display. Former professional NBA basketball player turned Los Angeles Clippers TV analyst, Corey Maggette will have a meet and greet on Saturday, June 21 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kia booth. The Electric Freestyle Motocross Stunt Zone will feature X Games Gold Medalist Destin Cantrell and his freestyle MX team, who will jump and soar with electric dirt bikes in thrilling live performances at select times over the weekend. Electrify Race League will host its championship event with the top athletes in e-mobility from across the nation for a thrilling series of competitions. Attendees will take the driver's seat in the newest electric vehicles from top automakers, including: Ford Lexus Lucid Tesla Toyota Volvo Cadillac Chevrolet GMC Kia Rivian Drako Motors Karma Automotive Top micromobility brands invite attendees to cruise around with the hottest e-bikes, e-scooters, e-motorcycles and other electric rideables on the market, including: Verge Motorcycles P-51 Bikes ONYX Motors Can-Am GoTrax SUPER73 Jack Rabbit Monday Motorbikes E-Z-GO … and many more! Electrify Expo's gates will open at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22, with the full day of festivities concluding at 5 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase in person and online. For the 2025 LA festival, Electrify Expo will offer two ticket options to suit every attendee's needs: General Admission Pass ($20): All day access to the festival and demo experiences. Power Pack ($55): The best of both worlds, early entry plus priority access for the ultimate experience. Media interested in attending may request credentials by emailing ee@ Companies interested in exhibiting at the 2025 Electrify Expo locations can visit About Electrify ExpoElectrify Expo is North America's largest electric vehicle (EV) and technology festival, where consumers come to shop and experience all things electric. The festival showcases the industry's leading brands and exciting startups through hands-on activations, demos and experiences spanning EVs, micromobility, solar energy, charging solutions, powersports, automotive aftermarket, and connected home technology, providing attendees with immersive learning opportunities and memorable interactions. From high-powered demo courses to engaging education zones, Electrify Expo offers a unique festival vibe for consumers to reshape what they think they know about EVs. In 2025, Electrify Expo's nationwide tour will visit Orlando, Phoenix, Dallas, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago and New York. To stay up to date on the latest news and announcements from Electrify Expo, visit and follow on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Media ContactSkyya PRee@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Edmunds
05-06-2025
- Edmunds
We Finally Sold Our Fisker Ocean for $10,000
We ended up having to pry one off one of the Ocean's front fascia panels, behind which we found a pair of screws for the hood latch. We removed those, and the hood opened up — and we used that fascia panel to hold it in place, since there's no hood prop. Then it came time to actually charge the battery, which we attempted with a portable jump-start box. The 12-volt battery drained the jump box immediately, which wasn't long enough to provide sufficient electricity to unlock the doors but was enough to set off the piercingly loud car alarm. (Fun!) Eventually, we charged the battery with another vehicle in the Edmunds garage, and that got the Fisker up and running. Was this a final middle-finger gesture from our ailing Ocean or just another item to add to the Fisker's long list of quibbles? Honestly, who cares? We're just glad this thing is finally gone.
