karma in Chicago winter...

[rleggs]

Any idea how the karma will handle winter driving/snow/freezing temperatures?.with regards to the battery and tires?

Thx.

[Wimbledon]

The production cars will ride on 255/35/R22 Goodyear and 285/35/R22 Goodyear tires, but I'm not sure exactly how well they'll perform in the snow. Tires can always be changed.

With regards to the battery, I know Fisker Automotive has conducted extensive tests in cold weather. I expect the Karma's battery will be fine. For the lithium ion battery system in the Tesla Roadster, the car actually performs better in colder temperatures as it's easier to keep the battery pack cool (which is otherwise very hot). Only around -20F does the Tesla have issues, if I recall correctly.

[fiskerauto]

Fisker will offer a 21-inch wheel package that will allow the installation of winter tires. The battery is temperature controlled by a liquid so cold degredation will be minimal.

(07-22-2010 05:10 PM)rleggs Wrote:  Any idea how the karma will handle winter driving/snow/freezing temperatures?.with regards to the battery and tires?

Thx.

[ct-fiskerbuzz]

(07-30-2010 11:01 AM)fiskerauto Wrote:  Fisker will offer a 21-inch wheel package that will allow the installation of winter tires.

Ah, good, I was wondering about driving in snow here as well.

It would be nice if some of these things were listed on Fisker's official web site. Also would be good to have some hints about costs for cables and such, given that Tesla want extra bucks for all the various ways to recharge the Roadster. I'll need a 120V cord to take with me when I go on trips to more-distant friends and family (I'm figuring on putting in the USA style 240V charger in the garage).

[xradman]

(07-30-2010 11:01 AM)fiskerauto Wrote:  Fisker will offer a 21-inch wheel package that will allow the installation of winter tires. The battery is temperature controlled by a liquid so cold degredation will be minimal.

I don't think there is any 21-inch snow tire that will fit our Fisker. Those 22 inch wheels and tires look good on a show car, but not very practical for daily drives in the US. I don't think the wheels/tires will last 1 week in the streets of DC.