Fisker rep defends Karma hybrid sedan in garage fire aftermath

Fisker rep defends its hybrid sedan in garage fire aftermath

Last week, a newly purchased Fisker Karma went up in flames, damaging its owner's home and earning the company behind that hybrid sedan plenty of bad press. The auto maker hasn't submitted an official explanation for the fire, though the former chief engineer for the late General Motors EV1 electric car places the blame on the hybrid's tight engine bay packing. Fisker clearly isn't having any of that -- according to the company's director of powertrain:

Our technologies and engine design have been fully tested and certified at the highest level. It is irresponsible and ill-informed for technology pundits to suggest otherwise in order to secure media attention for unfounded claims.

No defensiveness there, then.

Fisker rep defends Karma hybrid sedan in garage fire aftermath originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 May 2012 17:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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USPS goes postal on lithium ion batteries, refuses to ship smartphones overseas

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The USPS has announced that it'll refuse to ship any gear containing lithium ion batteries overseas. The postal service believes combusting power packs have caused two fatal cargo plane crashes since 2006 -- hence the ban, which takes effect from May 16th. Anyone wishing to ship the latest tech to those living or serving overseas will have to use another shipping company -- although the ban might be relaxed in 2013, once safety testing has been carried out.

USPS goes postal on lithium ion batteries, refuses to ship smartphones overseas originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 May 2012 07:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW and Toyota Team up for Lithium Ion Battery Research


BMW and Toyota announced today that they have signed a research agreement that will have them performing collaborative research for the next generation of lithium-ion batteries. Lithium ion batteries...