REEs Software Defined Vehicle starts shipping

REE Automotive has begun the production ramp-up of its P7 electric truck in the US, featuring an innovative skateboard chassis built around a corner module manufactured in the UK. This corner module houses essential components such as the wheel, motor, brakes, and steering, all integrated with a software-defined architecture. This unique setup allows for vehicle performance modifications based on data captured by these corners, making it a technology of interest for autonomous vehicles.

Speaking with Nick Flaherty, Peter Dowe, VP of Engineering at REE Automotive, sheds light on how the software-defined vehicles (SDV) operate in conjunction with the REE corner module. The core of this development lies in a $100 million center located outside Coventry in the UK, currently employing 130 individuals in engineering and operations. According to Rowe, this facility houses the engineering and prototype teams, the integration team, as well as P7 corner production.

The REE corner platform, which has been in development for over a decade, offers platform flexibility through its modular architecture. Rowe emphasizes that this flexibility is crucial for creating a mechanical system that can easily adapt to software-defined vehicle requirements. By focusing on developing modules like corners, modules, and cabins separately and then integrating them, REE can achieve the desired flexibility.

With the initial application being the P7C box truck tailored for the North American market, REE aims to leverage the corner modules' software-defined capabilities to introduce innovative ideas. The company has already deployed demo units in the US for evaluations and has commenced production ramp-up in the country. The corners are manufactured in the UK integration center and then delivered to the contract assembler in Detroit, with plans to scale up P7 production in the coming quarter.

REE's ecosystem of SDV emphasizes modular systems that can receive over-the-air updates for enhanced flexibility. Each corner features a REE controller, acting as the master unit within a zonal setup. The corner units handle quick-reacting features like the ABS system, while the central module manages application-layer changes. This separation allows for efficient control over steering, braking, and acceleration, ensuring safety-critical systems are not operated through the vehicle controller.

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REE's focus on E/E and software design enables rapid development and feature expansion. By controlling the software, the company can swiftly introduce new functionalities and manage them at a software level, enhancing overall efficiency. While currently producing small volumes in Israel, REE has the capacity to manufacture up to 40,000 corners annually, with plans to explore commercializing vehicle data for additional revenue streams.

Recently, REE announced a collaboration with Geotab, a leading commercial telematics provider, to offer customers actionable insights on vehicle performance. By integrating REEai Cloud with Geotab's network, fleet operators can monitor REE's SDVs seamlessly, ensuring data quality and volume for enhanced maintenance and performance optimization. Looking ahead, REE aims to implement over-the-air updates for corner modules, streamlining maintenance processes and ensuring user-friendly transitions.

As REE continues to evolve its SDV technology, the company remains focused on enhancing corner design efficiency and exploring new applications for autonomous systems. Leveraging the flexibility of its supply chain, REE ships corners from the UK, batteries from China, and assembles vehicles in Detroit. With plans to replicate integration centers globally based on demand, REE is poised to adapt swiftly to market requirements and drive innovation in the electric vehicle sector.