Karma Automotive looks into expanding its future vehicle range by introducing a methanol-based version of its GSe-6 model. The company vows to begin the tests later this year.
In its final production guise, the GSe-6 will be available with a wide assortment of powertrains, including electric and range extender (like the Revero PHEV shown in the video here).
The methanol-fueled newcomer will be driven like a regular electric car, with the exception that it will source its energy in from methanol storage cells on the fly. The fuel tank will be located in front of the rear axle, while the traction battery will span most of the wheelbase length and act as a power buffer. The first tests will commence in Denmark and the United States, and will decide whether the tech is viable for the mass market.
Karma also plans on switching to a new architecture called E-Flex, essentially an updated variant of its Revero platform.
As for the GSe versions, those will be much more affordable than the Revero, starting at U.S. $79,900 instead of $130,000. The GSe-6 will initially debut as an EV with 300 miles (483 km) of driving range. A plug-in hybrid version will follow with 61 miles (98 km) of electric range on 21-inch wheels or 54 miles (87 km) on larger 22-inch ones. Both will be produced at Karma’s factory in Moreno Valley, California.
