Last week, Karma Automotive offered
details about its new High-Performance E-Flex platform designed for supercars
with front- and rear-mounted electric motors. Now, the EV specialist has
released information about the E-Flex utility van platform with extended range
electric vehicle (EREV) capability. Dubbed EREV E-Flex Van, this platform
supports multiple powertrain, packaging and vehicle configurations, “offering
enhanced performance and ultra-range flexibility,” according to Karma.
The new platform is one of five
demonstration projects designed to illustrate the company’s technical direction
and capabilities through the use of versatile EREV and battery electric (BEV)
chassis systems. Karma claims the new EREV E-Flex Van platform offers the
flexible all-electric range of up to 322 km and combined range of
over 644 km, depending on configurations and commercial
applications. An on-board generator with unspecified displacement and power
output is used to extend range.
Interestingly, the platform can also be
retrofitted to products including commercial delivery fleet vehicles, shuttle
buses, tradesman service vehicles, camper vans and more. As a result, vehicle
manufacturers can optimize development costs to engineer, test, certify and
build an EREV or BEV platform, therefore speeding up the electrification of
their products.
Karma can deliver the EREV E-Flex Van
platform as a powertrain kit for existing chassis or as a complete E-Flex
platform. All E-Flex platforms feature Karma technology including production
Revero GT drive motors in various configurations, gearbox, suspension,
subframes and steering, in addition to production body structure parts.
