Fisker Karma extended-range luxury hybrids

[lostinblue 1,989]

http://updates.jalopnik.com/post/34669789863/more-than-a-dozen-fisker-karma-hybrids-caught-fire-and

Approximately 16 of the $100,000+ Fisker Karma extended-range luxury hybrids were parked in Port Newark, New Jersey last night when water from Hurricane Sandy’s storm surge apparently breached the port and submerged the vehicles. As Jalopnik has exclusively learned, the cars then caught fire and burned to the ground.

Our source tells us they were “first submerged in a storm surge and then caught fire, exploded.” This wouldn’t be the first time the vehicles, which use a small gasoline engine to charge batteries that provide energy to two electric motors, had an issue with sudden combustion.

The vehicle, despite only being in limited production, has already experienced numerous fires due to equipment failures and electrical shorts. How, exactly, they caught fire after being submerged in sea water is unclear. It’s possible the salt water caused a short that led to a fire.

Calls to Fisker and the Port Newark Container Terminal have not been returned as of publication time.

UPDATE: Fisker released the following statement:

“It was reported today that several Fisker Karmas were damaged by fire at the Port of Newark after being submerged in sea water during Superstorm Sandy. We can report that there were no injuries and none of the cars were being charged at the time.

We have confidence in the Fisker Karma and safety is our primary concern. While we intend to find the cause as quickly as possible, storm damage has restricted access to the port.

We will issue a further statement once the root cause has been determined

[Ban Hammer 13,567]

100k for a car that explodes when wet.

[SMR 368]

Lithium burns in water. Salt water is highly corrosive. Exposing two oppositely charged terminals to salt water immersion will cause highly accelerated corrosion (emphasis on highly as in an entire terminal can disappear in a matter of 30 minutes). Once the terminal is gone, there's nothing to stop the water from getting to the lithium.

[Darnell 8,479]

Yup - basic chemistry <EOM>

[Danno 1,228]

Obama promised - investing in Green-energy would "bring this economy back."

ON THE FACE OF THAT ... THINK ABOUT HOW LUDICROUS THAT IS.

[Obama 2012 1,714]

Don't you see! It's Obamanomics!

Poorly designed "green" cars blow up.

Insurance companies are punished by having to pay damages.

Trial lawyers make money from the green companies.

Citizens might survive an explosion, they might not!

It's a win/win for Obamanomics!

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

Too funny. Keep thinking green while your burning up inside your vehicle.