Karma SC1 Vision Concept Makes Bold North American Debut at Pebble Beach 2019

Electric Elegance - In the world of high-end automotive innovation, it's not unusual for companies to roll out concept cars with bold claims and futuristic tech. But every now and then, a vehicle comes along that truly feels like a glimpse into what's next—like catching a spark from tomorrow’s imagination. Back in 2019, one such spark lit up North America for the first time in the form of a stunning electric roadster called the Karma SC1 Vision Concept. And while it may not have been a household name, Karma Automotive made sure no one walked away from Pebble Beach without remembering it.

The Karma SC1 Vision Concept managed to debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 2019. (Picture from: Forbes)

Karma Automotive, a Southern California-based startup with Chinese ownership, was still relatively under the radar in the broader electric vehicle scene. At the time, the company was working hard to carve out its own identity in a space dominated by big players like Tesla. What set Karma apart was not just its ambition, but its commitment to blending technology, artistry, and vision in an entirely new way. The SC1 Vision Concept was its boldest statement yet.

Front right side view of the Karma SC1 Vision Concept electric-powered car at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 2019. (Picture from: Discovery)

Making its North American debut at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 18, 2019, the SC1 Vision Concept was more than just a stylish prototype—it was Karma’s manifesto. Previously revealed earlier that year at the Shanghai Auto Show alongside the Karma Revero GT and Karma GT by Pininfarina, the SC1 quickly stole attention for reasons far beyond its striking look. It wasn’t just about flash; it was a showpiece of next-generation thinking. The design of the SC1 felt less like a car and more like an experience sculpted in motion.

 

Long, low, and unapologetically futuristic, the vehicle’s body reflected both elegance and edge. But it wasn’t all aesthetics. Underneath its sleek surfaces, the SC1 was built from the ground up as a pure electric platform, giving Karma the freedom to reimagine performance and design without the limitations of traditional architecture.

Right side view of the Karma SC1 Vision Concept electric-powered car with its scissor doors opened. (Picture from: PostOakMotors)

According to then-CEO Dr. Lance Zhou, the SC1 was developed in under a year, but you’d never know it from the details. He described it as a symbol of where Karma was headed—a lab on wheels that showcased the company’s Open Platform strategy. This approach welcomed collaboration and rapid innovation, with the SC1 as proof of what could happen when creative minds were given space to explore freely.

Technology played a starring role inside the SC1 as well. A fully integrated 5G-based infotainment system was designed to respond to multiple types of input—voice, touch, eye movement, and visual interface. With advanced AI built in, the car could understand natural language commands, recognize facial features, and even offer biometric-based ownership. It wasn’t just a smart car; it was intuitive and interactive, bordering on sentient.

Rear side view of the Karma SC1 Vision Concept electric-powered car at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 2019. (Picture from: PostOakMotors)

The SC1 didn’t stop there. An eye-tracking system monitored the driver's gaze, expressions, and fatigue levels. If the car sensed drowsiness or distraction, the AI could assume control, blurring the line between machine and co-pilot. On the outside, an array of eight radars, six Lidar units, and a network of cameras gave the vehicle a 360-degree awareness—laying the groundwork for future autonomous capabilities. Whether navigating busy urban environments or simply making its way to a preset destination, the SC1 was designed to respond in real-time. 

Karma’s Vice President of Global Design and Architecture, Andreas Thurner, summed it up best when he said the SC1 wasn’t just a car—it was a redefinition of luxury. For Karma, luxury meant more than plush interiors or an aggressive silhouette; it meant giving drivers a vehicle that understood them, anticipated them, and engaged them like never before.

So when the SC1 rolled onto the Concept Lawn at Pebble Beach that summer, it wasn’t just another concept on display—it was a statement. Karma had shown up with a vision, not a fantasy. And while the road ahead would still hold challenges for the brand, in that moment, surrounded by the world’s most beautiful machines, the SC1 Vision Concept didn’t just belong—it shined.

Sometimes, innovation isn’t about being first. It’s about daring to be different, thoughtful, and bold. And in 2019, Karma Automotive proved it could do all three in electric style. *** [EKA [31082019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KARMA AUTOMOTIVE | AUTOBLOG | DISCOVERY | FORBES | POSTOAKMOTORS | WIKIPEDIA ]

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