Flexible EV platform from Karma

A highly versatile chassis offering new EV mobility solutions ranging from driver-less utility vans to ‘every-day’ vehicles and high-performance supercars is coming from California-based Karma Automotive.

The Karma E-Flex Platform from the luxury EVs and high-tech creator supports the company’s 2020 Revero GT extended-range EV (EREV).

As part of the project, additional EREV platform offerings, platforms for battery-electric-only vehicles (BEVs), and ‘proof-of-concept’ vehicles will be showcased in coming weeks.

It aims to demonstrate Karma’s growing capabilities and highlight the E-Flex Platform’s core high-tech applications including autonomy, software and hardware, artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced transportation solutions.

“We created a physical product that can be formatted into five different products, what others have called a one-dimensional skateboard, but what we call our E-Flex Platform, a multi-use solution,” Karma Automotive chief operating officer Kevin Pavlov says.

“There are up to 22 different possible configurations available, covering various battery-packaging variants and different drive motor drive systems. We can deliver a wide range of configurations dependent on the builder’s priority.”

Karma recognised a high demand within the EV market to develop a new electrified platform with increased versatility.

Previously, the cost required to develop, test, certify and build a new EREV or BEV platform has been prohibitive, requiring as much as a US billion-dollar investment for manufacturers.

Karma says its E-Flex Platform will allow vehicle manufacturers faster entry into the EV market at a substantially reduced development cost.

“Taken together, our emerging technology, manufacturing, design and other services leverage our expertise – and the capabilities of our partners – to offer truly innovative solutions,” Karma chief executive Dr Lance Zhou says.

“We look forward to showing more of Karma’s unique platform solutions and technology in coming months.”