The company isn't offering many details about the truck yet.
It's probably not a coincidence that Karma introduces a teaser for an
upcoming plug-in hybrid electric pickup on the same day as the
unveiling of Tesla's Cybertruck. The company isn't saying when this
model might arrive but refers to building “proof of concept” project,
which suggests this machine isn't very close to a market launch.
"Extended-range powertrains represent a smart alternative to full
battery systems, especially in larger vehicles used by businesses and
fleets," Karma CEO Dr. Lance Zhou said in the project's announcement.
The truck's design features a high beltline and steeply raked
windshield. The windows have an odd design with a notch in the bottom of
them. Judging by this image, the cargo bed looks tiny.
In the
teaser for the truck, Karma refers to this work as an Extended Range
Electric Vehicle conversion project. This seems to suggest the company
also intends to take existing models and install this tech into them.
Karma
is working on a modular platform that it calls Skateboard that be able
to support electric and plug-in hybrids. While the company doesn't
specify whether the truck would use these underpinnings, the firm is
heavily implying it.
The electrified pickup segment has the chance to become a booming
market in the years to come. The Tesla Cybertruck has the opportunity to
establish mainstream interest in EV trucks. Rivian's R1T
should arrive in late 2020 offering over 400 miles of range and an
impressive towing capacity. Ford also seems serious about entering this
fight, and rumors suggest that the electric F-150 could arrive as soon as 2021. General Motors has an electric truck in the planning stages, too.
