Israel-based startup REE Automotive has revealed its autonomous concept vehicle based on a new modular EV platform design. The full-scale concept is geared for customers including last-mile autonomous and electric delivery companies, delivery fleet operators, e-retailers and technology companies seeking to build fully autonomous solutions.
REE’s technology – the ‘REEcorner’ – packs critical vehicle components (steering, braking, suspension, powertrain and control) into a single compact module positioned between the chassis and the wheel, enabling REE to build the industry’s flattest EV platforms with more room for passengers, cargo and batteries. REE uses x-by-wire technology to control each of the corners of the vehicles with full drive-by-wire, brake-by-wire and steer-by-wire.
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REE says fully autonomous delivery fleets ‘Powered by REE’ will allow customers to build autonomous and electric vehicle fleets according to their exact specifications with unmatched interior space for transporting passengers and cargo. REE’s technology will be seamlessly integrated with any top hat and autonomous hardware, it says.
Leopard – a last mile autonomous concept vehicle – is designed to carry significantly more cargo due to REE’s low, flat floor. This means improved environmental impact of fewer trips in fewer vehicles, backed by a strong cost of ownership (TCO) structure: each vehicle in the fleet will be less expensive to run and maintain due to reduced energy cost and improved serviceability, leading to lower maintenance costs.
Leopard’s design and specifications are the result of collaborative work with leading global delivery and technology companies focused on autonomous delivery and Mobility as a Service (MaaS) fleets. The concept vehicle is 3.4 m in length with front-wheel-steer, rear-wheel-drive and has a 2-tonne gross vehicle weight rating and the following additional specifications:
- X-by-wire REEcorner technology for drive, steer and brake control
- Narrow design of 1.4 m (4.6 ft) and small footprint of 2.5 m2 (26.6 ft2) for enhanced maneuverability
- Easy cargo accessibility
- 50 kWh battery capacity
- Top speed of 60 mph
- Cargo volume of 180 ft3
“This concept showcases just one design application of our ground-breaking technology, one that answers the strategically crucial question of how to carry out autonomous, zero-emissions last mile deliveries, which has huge growth potential,” said Daniel Barel, REE co-founder and CEO. “Autonomous and electric vehicles ‘Powered by REE’ offer unsurpassed operational efficiency and the lowest total cost of ownership combined with full flexibility when it comes to integrating top hats in virtually any size, shape or form. We’re here to make the shift to a carbon neutral future a reality faster and at scale.”
Leopard will be showcased at REE booth in CES 2022, January 5-8 in Las Vegas.
