Unless Fiat-Chrysler has a secret plan to power cars with giant, watch-like mainsprings, electrification (along the spectrum of hybrid, plug-in, and battery-electric vehicle designs) will be a growing part of the product story in the U.S. Why curse it?

WSJ: Fiat 500e Review: The Bosses Don't Love It, but You Will

The Karma Sedan is a series Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powered by a lithium-ion battery and an efficient 2.0-liter range-extending gasoline engine.

ENGADGET: Fisker Karma gets EPA-certified 52MPGe, sales ready to begin

The contract will fund development of a lower-cost lithium-ion phosphate battery technology with enhanced power, lifetime and durability for hybrid-electric vehicle applications.

FORBES: Nano-Batteries That Keep On Going

If our testing also validates the low-temperature power capabilities that A123's data is showing, we believe Nanophosphate EXT could be a game-changing battery breakthrough for the electrification of transportation, including the emerging micro hybrid vehicle segment.

ENGADGET: A123 Systems' new lithium ion tech keeps EV batteries cool, your wallet in check

Once the battery charge reaches a certain level it operates like a typical hybrid-powered vehicle, with the 2.0-liter gasoline engine doing most of the work.

FORBES: Ford C-MAX Hybrid/Energi