So I saw my first Fisker Karma in person - and a question for the AZ guys

[shrink]

I'm a hobbyist cyclist and was doing a 50-mile ride a couple of days ago. I found myself in the nice part of town, Paradise Valley, AZ (Phoenix, AZ area) and saw my first Fisker Karma in person. Wow! What a sexy car. It is absolutely stunning - as it should be for $97,000.

I thought the only dealership was in Newport Beach, CA, so I was surprised to see one in AZ. Owning a LEAF and having just bought a Volt, I was very excited and caught up to the Karma at a light. I was outside his passenger window on my bike waving at the driver repeatedly to try to get his attention. I even knocked on his window very lightly. I just wanted to ask him a few questions about the car and congratulate him on owning such a beautiful ride. Well, he waved me off and started talking on his cellphone.

I guess I'm threatening in my spandex.

EV and PHEV drivers, don't be that guy! J/K - I don't blame him all that much. Maybe he was on an important call, but a car like that is certain to get some attention, even from those who don't realize what it is.

I do have a question for the AZ folks, though. The Karma had a AFV (alternative fuel vehicle) license plate. Why would that qualify for the AFV plate and not the Volt? Aren't the drivetrains similar - electric motor powering the wheels with range extending gas engine recharging the motor?

[AZ EV Driver]

EV and PHEV drivers, don't be that guy! J/K - I don't blame him all that much. Maybe he was on an important call, but a car like that is certain to get some attention, even from those who don't realize what it is.

I do have a question for the AZ folks, though. The Karma had a AFV (alternative fuel vehicle) license plate. Why would that qualify for the AFV plate and not the Volt? Aren't the drivetrains similar - electric motor powering the wheels with range extending gas engine recharging the motor?

I personally answer any and all inquiries. I even go as far as asking anyone that glances at the car if they have any questions. Unfortunately, one of their first statements usually includes some reference to "that problem with the batteries" - I hate all those who have twisted the "fire issue" into a sad joke that many didn't get. So I try to set the record straight as best that I can - sigh.

Since this is likely the only Karma in AZ, maybe the DMV has it classified incorrectly. Or, maybe the AZ Dept. of Environment Quality has had a change of heart, or it belong to one of our honest and upstanding legislators. Time to revisit them again.

VIN # B0985

[jomo25]

Well according to this page: http://www.azdot.gov/mvd/vehicle/mvdplate.asp#AltFuel

it appears they may have relaxed the rules. I don't recall what they were previously, but I don't think there was the provision about 70%/30% mix. I thought it used to be full non-petroleum based fuels only.

[AZ EV Driver]

Well according to this page: http://www.azdot.gov/mvd/vehicle/mvdplate.asp#AltFuel

it appears they may have relaxed the rules. I don't recall what they were previously, but I don't think there was the provision about 70%/30% mix. I thought it used to be full non-petroleum based fuels only.

Well I dug a little bit, but reading government regulations makes my head hurt. It might be the same requirement that qualifies some of the Volts for Cal. carpool lane. Does the Karma get the carpool sticker in California?

VIN # B0985

[AySz88]

I personally answer any and all inquiries. I even go as far as asking anyone that glances at the car if they have any questions. Unfortunately, one of their first statements usually includes some reference to "that problem with the batteries" - I hate all those who have twisted the "fire issue" into a sad joke that many didn't get. So I try to set the record straight as best that I can - sigh.

My short-hand for this is now "it wasn't really a problem - they were more testing what it would take to set it on fire". It's precise for the later tests, and was the essence of what they took away from the first "improperly disposed" incident.

[shrink]

I forgot to mention - friend of a friend is a Fisker engineer. Guess what their company cars are? Volts!

I'm still curious about its AFV status in AZ. Seems like it would be considered a dual-fuel here.

[mhoepfin]

Hi Shrink,
Take a look at we have gone through in Atlanta GA to get our AFV plates. Maybe you can do the same?

http://www.atlantavolts.com/?q=afv-tag-howto

[AZ EV Driver]

Take a look at we have gone through in Atlanta GA to get our AFV plates. Maybe you can do the same?

http://www.atlantavolts.com/?q=afv-tag-howto

It's nice that you have some wiggle room in GA. You would have to understand the ugly history of AFV in AZ to know why it is more difficult here. A little over 10 years ago legislators wrote an very loose AFV law that had to be cancelled in an emergency move to avoid bankrupting the state. So now there is a super sensitivity in AZ on AFV. Dual fuel vehicles had been out of the running, so maybe there has been a change. We're now trying to figure out what has changed in the regulations.

VIN # B0985

[shrink]

A little over 10 years ago legislators wrote an very loose AFV law that had to be cancelled in an emergency move to avoid bankrupting the state. So now there is a super sensitivity in AZ on AFV.

Yes, it was a disaster. People with gas-guzzling SUV's and pick-up trucks were doing some sort of modification to get a classification that the car could theoretically run on an alternative fuel and received the HOV plate. In reality, they never (or rarely) ran on an alternative fuel and just used plain old gas.

What still irks me is that they never took the plates away. You'll still see an "AFV" Yukon or Tahoe in AZ, but the newer model Prius, Insight, and Volts don't qualify for such plates.

[mhoepfin]

Yes, it was a disaster. People with gas-guzzling SUV's and pick-up trucks were doing some sort of modification to get a classification that the car could theoretically run on an alternative fuel and received the HOV plate. In reality, they never (or rarely) ran on an alternative fuel and just used plain old gas.

What still irks me is that they never took the plates away. You'll still see an "AFV" Yukon or Tahoe in AZ, but the newer model Prius, Insight, and Volts don't qualify for such plates.

Well, use your local or county officials to help you. That is my suggestion. They will know as they have probably already gotten the question. Deputy tax commissioner over auto tags worked well for me. Of course YMMV.

In GA not only does your car have to qualify, but you sign a form that states you will drive the car in electric mode 80% of the time. Also in GA none of the hybrids qualify for the tag.