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Several companies around the world are racing to reach the ultimate goal. Everyone from Apple to Zoox.
According to top researcher Guy Ignafol, one company seems to have a lead. REE’s proprietary REEcorner technology is radical. It packs vehicle components into a single compact module positioned between the chassis and the wheel – including steering, braking, suspension, powertrain, and control – resulting in a fully flat EV platform.
Barel began by offering his thoughts on how the automotive industry has shifted gear. “The pace of innovation in automotive is quickening. The pace of innovation in the past five years has exceeded the pace of innovation in the entire century that came beforehand.”
“There’s been a tectonic shift. We’re moving more and more towards what the industry now calls mission specific vehicles. For example, Amazon working with Rivian or Zoox, not because they can’t afford to buy a vehicle on the market, they can do whatever they want. It’s because there’s nothing that they want out there,” he adds.
In April 2021, REE announced a strategic collaboration agreement with Magna International Inc., with the goal of bringing to market innovative, full-fledged Modular Electric Vehicles (MEVs) for tech companies and new electric mobility players under the ‘Powered by REE’ brand.
“We’re equals. We’re not paying them and they’re not paying us. We build a platform. They build a top hat, a body, and we sell it together to the customer. We share the revenue. We have joint development teams. This is huge. This has never happened before,” explains Barel.
REE Automotive collaborated with Hino Motors, Ltd., a Toyota Group company, on as concept that was showcased at the Tokyo Motor Show. The two companies have now signed a strategic business alliance agreement and aim to develop hardware prototypes.
“We’re developing a completely brand new approach to mobility-as-a service. We presented together the concept called ‘Flat Former’. I think before the Rivians and Arrivals of this world had spoken to an OEM.”
In a press statement, Hino CEO, Yoshio Shimo, comments: “It received an excellent response, and I am delighted to see this FlatFormer concept come closer to reality. REE is a visionary company, and I am confident that this business alliance will become a driving force for Hino as we take on the challenge of generating new value in commercial mobility to harmonize with future society.”
“I’m extremely proud of the fact that we presented something. And we delivered. We took it all the way to this alliance today,” adds Barel.
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