REE Automotive has showcased three prototype next-generation electric vehicle (EV) platforms that are expected to underpin a new range of commercial vehicles and support new mobility solutions.

It says the platforms are suitable for a fully autonomous last-mile delivery vehicle, a compact urban shuttle or a flexible delivery truck.

The REEcorner uses X-by-Wire technology for steering, braking and drive, and integrates all drivetrain, powertrain, suspension and steering components into the arch of the wheel.

In addition, the REEboard enables the EV platform to be completely flat and offers customers the freedom to place any shape or size of body design on top.

Daniel Barel, REE co-founder and CEO, said: “EVs, particularly e-delivery vehicles, are in huge demand, with growth drivers including global carbon-emission regulatory policies coupled with a boom e-commerce. There is also a rapid rise in ‘mobility as a service’ (MaaS).

“Our modular platform is set to revolutionize electric mobility and as we shared today, the journey is well underway. Our platform provides the perfect blank canvas for our customers on which to build EVs tailored to their needs.”

The P1 platform, of up to 1.3-ton GVW, is geared for last-mile inner-city delivery applications. The P2 platform scales up to 2.5-tons GVW and is designed to transport passengers and cargo. The P4 platform offers up to 4.5-tons GVW and is uniquely built for the North American market delivery segment.

All REE platforms are autonomous ready and are fully compatible with any ADAS interface. Multiple redundancy systems, coupled with X-by Wire control of steering, braking and drive ensure the highest possible efficiency and safety standards.

In August 2020, REE signed a memorandum of understanding with global OEM Mahindra to establish a strategic collaboration for the development and production of an initial capacity of up to 250,000 electric vehicles aimed at the commercial market. This follows on from partnerships REE had already successfully established with multinationals such as AAM, KYB, Musashi, NSK and Mitsubishi Corporation.

Barel added: “REE’s ambition is to be the industry leader in next-gen EV platforms. Our adaptable, modular platforms provide the perfect solution for future mobility solutions, offering versatility and freedom of design – for commercial EVs, autonomous last-mile delivery pods and beyond. And with the unprecedented boom in e-commerce accelerated by COVID 19, the need for EV fleets is increasing exponentially. Our vision, to make REE platforms the cornerstone of zero-emission EVs and AVs, is becoming a reality.”

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