REE has recently unveiled three next-generation, ultra-modular EV chassis prototypes. These flat vehicle platforms feature removable, replaceable “corner units” in the wheels that contain the chassis’ suspension, motor, gearbox, braking, and steering functions.

Electronics are installed within these corner units, allowing every function to be fully electronically controlled. Therefore, it’s drive-by-wire, brake-by-wire, and steer-by-wire. As far as this chassis is concerned, there is ultimate freedom. It can take orders from an autonomous drive system, a remote control, or you can add pedals and a steering wheel if you want.

REE Unveils Three Ultra-Modular EV Platforms Of The Future
(Credit: REE)

With this big, flat skateboard platform, your vehicle design options are endless. It’s the flattest, most spacious chassis ever created, allowing the designer to build any kind of electric 4-wheeler they desire, such as a van, car, bus, small truck, big truck, crazy off-roader, or automated delivery vehicle.

These small detachable corner units are incredibly flexible in their capabilities, with virtually every functional feature of a car’s chassis and powertrain. Each unit can be specified to contain an outrageously wide range of options, including different motors, brakes, gearboxes, steering systems, and suspensions. All features can be controlled fully electronically by whatever or whoever is driving.

REE Unveils Three Ultra-Modular EV Platforms of The Future
(Credit: REE)
REE Unveils Three Ultra-Modular EV Platforms of The Future
(Credit: REE)

A network of relationships with suppliers Mitsubishi, KYB, Musashi, American Axle, NSK, and others will be developing components specifically for these modules.

It’s an incredibly flexible and practical system. Working with a chassis like this one, that only needs to be crash-tested and approved one time to be applicable for a wide range of vehicles has caught the attention of some significant automakers, and they are buying in.

3 designs
(Credit: REE)

For example, Indian automaker giant Mahindra signed an MoA with REE to build an initial run of 250,000 commercial EVs. Also, Toyota has joined REE on its ‘Flatformer’ range of electric Hino vehicles, which will consist of delivery vans, passenger shuttles, garbage trucks, mobile medical services, and food trucks.

You can see REE’s three prototype platforms of different sizes and specifications in the video below, driving around a racetrack. The prototypes are designed to represent three separate future use cases: a 4.5-ton delivery van, a 2.5-ton passenger & cargo transport, and a 1.3-ton last-mile delivery buggy.

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