Hidden in a press release detailing its
business strategy is a teaser sketch of a pickup truck, although Karma doesn’t
use these words to describe it, calling it an EREV Conversion Project instead.
Karma claims its goal is to demonstrate the flexibility of the company’s EREV
extended range powertrain technology through a conversion “proof of concept”
project.
Developed at its global headquarters in
Irvine, California, the EREV Conversion Project should prove the viability of
extender range powertrains “across a wide range of vehicles beyond light-duty
passenger cars” and will also “demonstrate what Karma Technology can do for
other companies.”
The image is obviously a preliminary
sketch, but it looks promising. The pickup truck has a modern look, much like
the Rivian R1T, with a short vented hood, sleek horizontal headlights,
illuminated Karma logo, sporty window line with an interesting C-pillar
treatment, and short bed. We can also spot solar panels on the roof, a Karma specialty.
“Extended-range powertrains represent a
smart alternative to full battery systems, especially in larger vehicles used
by businesses and fleets,” says Karma CEO Dr. Lance Zhou. It remains to be seen
whether Karma will build the extended range pickup for itself or other
companies – or both.
As Zhou points out, Karma Group “is a
high-tech incubator, and a supplier to others who need our engineering, design,
customization and manufacturing resources to speed their product development or
make use of our ability to apply luxury touches.” Most likely, the truck won’t
use the “Project e-Klipse” multi-vehicle battery electric platform, though. The
latter will launch in 2021 and will underpin future models inspired by the SC2
Concept.
