Southern California-based Karma Automotive has appointed Julia Zhang, an accomplished expert in electric vehicle connectivity and telematics platforms as chief engineer, electrical and software. Her main task in the role will be to help lead the design of the electrical and electronic vehicle architecture (EEA) for the company’s next-generation products.
Prior to joining Karma, Zhang developed complete EEA strategies and roadmaps for Aikar Technology, a mobility startup in Southern California; and BJEV, the electric vehicle unit of Beijing Automotive Group, where she served as chief engineer, vehicle EE system integration. Furthermore, as an EV telematics VRM manager at Kia Motors America, Zhang developed and delivered the car maker’s first embedded modem telematics platform for electric vehicles. She has also held similar electrical and software engineering positions at Coda Automotive, Enova Systems, Motorola and Garmin.
“Julia brings the kind of engineering rigor Karma needs to advance the connectivity, telematics and electronics development of our next-generation luxury electric vehicle platform,” said Karma CEO Dr Lance Zhou. “At its core, this role is about integration and the ability to drive product development within and through the entire design engineering and production flow process.”
Zhang comes to Karma at a critical time in the company’s five-year history as it prepares to launch the new 2020 Revero GT, followed by Project e-Klipse, a multi-variant global BEV platform whose first model is expected to be delivered in 2021.
“As a technology-forward business and high-tech incubator, Karma is more than just a car company. Karma is the perfect environment for any engineer looking to reinvent the luxury mobility experience and influence complex systems design. I look forward to helping my colleagues here foster deep relationships between the company’s strong engineering resources, executive leadership, and the program management organization,” said Zhang.
She reports to Bob Kruse, Karma’s chief technology officer, and Chuck Russell, Karma’s senior vice president of vehicle programs.
