Israeli start-up REE has taken all the vital components of a modern electric vehicle (EV) – from drive-train, suspension, steering, and braking-control, from under the bonnet, to inside the wheel.
The result is a flat, highly versatile chassis that lends itself to multiple design options, with reduced weight.
The technology, officially revealed at TechCrunch Mobility in California, places the above functions, well as electronics including sensors, thermal, and other systems, meaning manufacturers can use the same framework for multiple vehicle designs, which results in significant cost-savings.
Per REE’s projections, the platform can be used for any vehicle type, from a high-performance EV with 0-60 mph acceleration in less than three seconds, to a 10-ton truck, robotaxi, or off-road SUV.
“This level of efficiency significantly helps the electrification process, reduces the strain on batteries and ensures the power in the vehicle last longer,” the company said.
REE says it’s already engaged with several top-level vehicle and original equipment manufacturers including Mitsubishi Corporation, Mushashi, Linamar, Tenneco and NXP.
“The concepts of the past are limited and restrict the ability of the automotive industry to realize the electric and autonomous reality they are striving for,” said Daniel Barel, co-founder and CEO of REE, in a statement. “Until now, the industry has operated by making incremental improvements on the traditional design of the automotive vehicle. At REE, we believe that in order to hasten the automotive revolution we need to reinvent the wheel – quite literally.”
