eVehicle TechnologyKarma Automotive have announced the launch of the Karma E-Flex Platform, this highly adaptable chassis will offer new electric vehicle mobility solutions ranging from self-driving utility trucks, to ‘every-day’ driver vehicles as well as high-performance supercars. The open platform will make it easier for manufacturers to convert electric vehicles, reduce EV development costs and get them to market faster.
Karma, the Southern California-based creator of luxury electric vehicles and high-tech incubator, said the first showcase of the highly flexible platform currently supports the company’s 2020 Revero GT extended-range electric vehicle (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 and additional configurations will emphasize capabilities and benefits.
Overall, the goal of the project will demonstrate Karma’s growing capabilities and highlight the E-Flex Platform’s core high-tech applications including autonomy, software and hardware, artificial intelligence 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,” said Karma Automotive COO, Kevin Pavlov. “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 recognized a high demand within the electric vehicle market to develop a new electrified platform with increased versatility. Prior to Karma’s E-Flex Platform, the cost required to develop, test, certify and build a new EREV or BEV platform has been prohibitive, requiring as much as a billion-dollar investment for manufacturers. Karma’s versatile E-Flex Platform will allow vehicle manufacturers faster entry into the electric vehicle 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. We look forward to showing more of Karma’s unique platform solutions and technology in coming months,” said Karma CEO Dr. Lance Zhou.
