Karma Automotive's upcoming plug-in hybrid will have parts sourced from BMW's parts bin after both automakers signed a new deal.
With the deal inked, BMW AG will supply the rebranded Karma Automotive its electric drive and charging technology, according to Automotive News.
The Chinese-owned automaker, which rose from the ashes of Fisker, plans to relaunch the Karma plug-in hybrid next year.
AN said the parts deal with BMW will help Karma slash time and costs for developing electric-drive technology - the same way rival Tesla Motors cut costs on the Roadster when it reportedly bought the chassis from Lotus.
The details of the agreement were not disclosed but Karma said the German automaker will supply its "latest powertrain components, including high voltage battery charging systems and a wide range of hybrid and EV systems," Hybrid Cars reported.
"Carmakers buy parts from other carmakers, especially in expensive areas like powertrain technology, Jim Taylor, Karma chief marketing officer said, as quoted by the website.
"As we launch the vehicle under the new name Karma, using BMW components will be a big help to the brand."
Green Car Reports thinks BMW could supply Karma Automotive with powertrain bits from its i8 plug-in hybrid coupe - powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and a 7.1kWh battery pack.
Another likely candidate is the 5 Series Gran Turismo-based plug-in hybrid prototype unveiled at its Innovation Days event last year, according to the website.
Before it went belly up in 2012, GM supplied the Karma's range-extending gasoline engine. It's unknown if BMW will take over supplying the part, however.
Per HC, Taylor did say their parts deal with BMW could lead to more in the future.
"Any chance we have to pick up where a reputable [auto maker] like BMW has left off with engineering, design and, of course, validation, is huge to us," he said.
"The alignment you select with key partners is critical to building a new car company."
