This isn't a comparison test, not really. The 2012 Fisker Karma and 2012 Chevrolet Volt are not really the same kind of car.
Except, for the time being, at least, they're the only two plug-in hybrids on the market. And both have been rated by the EPA at levels somewhat below what their manufacturers were promising/hoping before the window stickers were printed.
Last week I piloted a 2012 Fisker Karma around the Orange County city fuel economy loop we invented awhile back to compare traditional hybrids. Once I saw those results I figured I had better take our 2011 Chevrolet Volt around the same course for a bit of perspective. A couple of days later I did just that.
Here's how they compare on the OLOC loop.
|
2012 Fisker Karma |
EPA Rating |
OLOC Observed |
Difference |
|
Electric Range (miles) |
32 |
45.4 |
42% better |
|
Electric Use (kWh/100) |
65 |
42.0 |
35% better |
|
Gasoline Use (mpg) |
20 |
25.1 |
25% better |
|
2011 Chevrolet Volt |
EPA Rating |
OLOC Observed |
Difference |
|
Electric Range (miles) |
35 |
44.1 |
26% better |
|
Electric Use (kWh/100) |
36 |
28.2 |
22% better |
|
Gasoline Use (mpg) |
37 |
37.6 |
1% better |
Of course the Fisker uses more gasoline and electricity per mile than the Volt, but that's to be expected given its 5,200-pound weight and sporting nature. But it also seems its larger battery is big enough to offset that higher consumption and still turn in a decent range result.
As for the Volt, we have 12,000 miles of data under our belt, and it's EPA ratings, while not perfect, have proven at least to be within the general 10% ballpark. Being an all-city loop, OLOC results usually best EPA's combined ratings, so the Volt's results are not a huge surprise.
In comparison, the 2012 Fisker Karma beats its ratings on this route to a much greater degree. Using the Volt's offset as a yardstick, it appears the Karma has been dealt a bad hand by the EPA -- on all fronts -- just as we suspected last week before we made this vehicle-to-vehicle comparison.
Yes, we'd need to run each car several times to get more bullet-proof results, and this is not a combined driving loop that includes freeway. But the difference here is still large enough to conclude that there is a difference relative to each cars respective ratings.
As I said at the outset, these two cars are not direct competitors. But they are the first two plug-in hybrids to be given window sticker ratings by the EPA. Let's hope they're still refining the process and the initial 2012 Fisker Karma rating isn't cast in cement. It desevers better.
billtrez says:
08:23 AM, 12/15/11
The missing number is the battery size and charge.
Edmunds has used 19kwh to recharge the Karma and 12kwh for the Volt.
Big difference! The best explanation for the difference in economy and range is weight. The Volt tips the scales at 3,781 lbs vs. the Karma at a whopping 5,300 lbs. (per wikipedia). For fuel economy, fair comparisons would be to the Lexus 250h (3,700 lbs.) and, well, pick your own 2.5 ton hybrid and see what you get.
I am glad to see the OLOC loop being used here. I'd imagine that the route will be getting more and more travel as hybrids get lower pricing. I'd like to see GM's mild hybrid Buick vs. the Lincoln hybrid vs. any German and Japanese counterpart.
blackdynamite1 says:
10:58 AM, 12/15/11
So a total EPA MPG number for the Chevy Volt, with electric miles, would be around 42 MPG (37.6 plus the 44 miles)
Or similar to what a Honda Insight should provide.
For $10k less.
BD
plugined says:
06:23 AM, 12/16/11
No I believe this is the MPG
44 miles electric + 61 miles CS gas/hybrid mode = 105 miles traveled
gas 37mpg for 61 miles = 1.6 gallons used
total miles 105 divided by 1.6 gallons = 65mpg.
now actual cost of honda insight vs volt for this trip.
insight 41 mpg city for 105 miles = 2.38 gallons used @ $3.50 = cost of fuel for trip $8.33
volt 44 miles electric cost = $1.20 + (1.6 gallons @ $3.50 = cost of fuel/electric $5.6
The refer to this as an MPGE of 5.6
Now if your driving habits are that you have many trips less than 40 miles (take kids to socccor 10 miles, go to store 3 miles , and so on those trips are all gas free and the volts mpge GETS MUCH HIGHER THAN 65, THAT IS WHY MOST VOLT OWNER HAVE MPGE >100.
IF EVERYTIME YOU GET IN THE YOU TRAVEL 150 MILES INSIGHT PROBABLY HAS BETTER MPG. BUT MOST PEOPLE DON'T DRIVE MORE THAN 150 EVERY TIME THEY GET IN THE CAR.
kromedome says:
11:05 AM, 12/16/11
Comparing a Volt with a Honda Insight is like comparing a BMW to a Fiat. One needs to drive both to understand - the Volt feels much smoother, sportier, more solid and upscale in appointments. The price difference between the two could be double of what it is and the Volt would still be worth the money.