REE P7-C Makes History As World’s First All-Wire-Controlled Vehicle. (Photo: Global Village Space)
What sets it apart is its ‘everything-by-wire’ design, where steering, braking & driving are all controlled by electronic signals.
In a leap towards the future of electric vehicles (EVs), the REE P7-C has secured approval for use on American roads, marking a significant milestone as the world’s first fully ‘everything-by-wire’ vehicle.
With an innovative approach that severs traditional mechanical linkages, the REE P7-C is based on REE Automotive’s flexible skateboard chassis, offering unparalleled design flexibility and ease of maintenance.
The REE P7-C Specifications
The P7-C is a medium-duty commercial truck with a 16,000-lb (7,258-kg) gross weight, a 150-mile (241-km) range, a 16-foot (4.9-m) max vehicle length, and 536-horsepower (400-kW) all-wheel-drive, all-wheel-steering, all-wheel-braking powertrain.
What sets it apart is its ‘everything-by-wire’ design, where steering, braking and driving are all controlled by electronic signals, eliminating the need for traditional mechanical components.
The core of the REE P7-C lies in its skateboard chassis, a flat platform housing a large battery pack. Unlike conventional EV platforms, the P7-C’s design revolutionizes the placement of essential components. Each wheel arch features an electronically controlled corner unit that integrates steering, suspension, electric drive motors, transmission, brakes, cooling, and wheels. These modular units can be effortlessly bolted on or off in seconds, facilitating rapid replacements or upgrades.
Advantages of the ‘Everything-by-Wire’ Approach
The REE P7-C’s everything-by-wire approach offers numerous advantages. Its exceptionally flat chassis creates additional space for passengers, cargo or customization.
The low floor height enhances accessibility, allowing easy entry and exit.
Design flexibility is a key highlight, as the steering wheel and controls can be positioned according to specific preferences, enabling the creation of right-hand, left-hand or central-drive vehicles.
Maintenance becomes streamlined, as faulty units can be swiftly replaced in fleet operations, reducing downtime.
The four-wheel steering capability, showcased in the P7-C, underscores the adaptability of the design, with potential applications for retrofits in other vehicle models.
Safety and Certification
REE has achieved Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards certification for the P7-C, attesting to its commitment to safety.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval further reinforces its compliance with environmental regulations.
The certification of the REE P7-C as the first fully certified everything-by-wire vehicle marks a turning point in the automotive industry. Daniel Barel, CEO and co-founder of REE Automotive, emphasizes the significance of the REEcorner as a game-changer that aligns with the strong demand for electric work trucks, reports Team-BHP.
