Karma Automotive develops E-Flex modular platform for EV

US-based, Karma Automotive has announced the introduction of the Karma E-Flex platform a highly versatile chassis, which it says offers new electric vehicle mobility solutions ranging from autonomously-driven utility vans, to every-day driver vehicles, to high-performance supercars.

Karma, the California-based manufacturer 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.

Karma says the overall goal of the project is to demonstrate the company’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.

Kevin Pavlov, COO, Karma Automotive said: “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. 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.”

The EV manufacturer says it has recognised 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 says its versatile E-Flex Platform will allow vehicle manufacturers faster entry into the electric vehicle market at a substantially reduced development cost.

Dr. Lance Zhou, CEO, Karma Automotive said: “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.”