Karma introduces the E-Flex EV platform.

On Monday, Karma unveiled its E-Flex platform.

The E-Flex platform supports Karma's Revero GT sedan, but because it is modular, it can be used for a wide range of vehicles, from commercial vans to supercars. Depending on the configuration, it can also be used for long range electric vehicles such as the Revero GT, or battery electric vehicles.

In the Revero GT, the platform is powered by a 28 kWh lithium-ion battery in the spine, two electric motors on the rear axle, and a BMW 1.5L inline three-cylinder turbo engine for more range in the front. [According to Karma chief operating officer Kevin Pavlov, this configuration is just one of 22 possible options. Buyers can specify different solutions, such as battery and electric motor placement."

In the next few months, Karma plans to unveil a concept on this platform, which will presumably be a pickup truck. In January, Pavlov said that Karma would eventually build its own pickup trucks and SUVs.

Within a few months, the company will also introduce a battery-powered version of the E-Flex platform, which will also be available. Karma plans to release its first battery electric vehicle in 2021.

According to Karma, the company says it aims to meet automakers' demand for a fast and relatively inexpensive solution to enter the EV market. By using off-the-shelf platforms, manufacturers can avoid the cost of developing, testing, and certifying platforms from scratch.

However, Karma is not alone on this issue. Competing EV startups Bollinger, Canoo, and Rivian also sell platforms; in the case of Canoo and Rivian, major automakers have already signed agreements to use these startups' platforms.