A Japanese electric car start-up called GLM is to rent out core components to assist suppliers in developing more parts for EVs.

 The Nikkei news agency reports that the Kyoto University-spawned company's platform will feature a chassis, a powertrain and control equipment. Leasing group Orix will make it available via unit Orix Rentec. The cost under a five-year lease would run to 143,000 yen a month, the report says.

Companies looking to produce parts and take advantage of the electric car boom are expected to use the platform for research and development. Businesses will be able to test their products without retrofitting them onto electric vehicles they purchase themselves, keeping the platform only as long as necessary, the report says. It could be a wy to dramatically reduce product development costs.

The Kyoto-based electric vehicle venture aims to start production of its own car, the four-seat G4, in 2019 and will target markets around the world, the report adds.

As the electric vehicle segment ramps up for higher volume, scalability and reducing unit costs will be a key industry challenge.

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