Topic: Fisker Karma

The discussion covers the business model of Tesla Motors, specifically how the company generates revenue by selling zero-emission vehicle credits to other automakers. They credit Sequoia Capital's Michael Moritz for the strategy. The hosts also compare the Tesla Model S to the Fisker Karma, noting that while Henrik Fisker is a talented designer, his company failed due to poor engineering.

The hosts discuss the public dispute between Elon Musk and the New York Times regarding Tesla's performance in cold weather. They process final donations for the episode, including a "Fisker Karma" request, and begin looking forward to the show's 500th episode. The segment concludes with a defense of their critical stance toward other media figures.

Bloomberg reports that the Obama administration is considering a $23 per metric ton carbon tax to address the budget deficit. Meanwhile, 16 Fisker Karma electric vehicles reportedly caught fire and exploded in Port Newark after being submerged in salt water during Superstorm Sandy.

Fisker Automotive, a luxury hybrid car company backed by Al Gore, received a $529 million U.S. government loan to build vehicles in Finland. The "Fisker Karma," priced near $100,000, is criticized for using Chinese-made motors despite receiving substantial American taxpayer funding.