REE Automotive has announced that it will open its US headquarters in Austin, Texas, which will also be the location of its first asset-light Integration Center for the assembly and testing of its REEcorner technology and modular EV platforms.
The Integration Center will offer REE’s designs to automotive partners in North America, enabling them to build modular EVs based on REEcorner technology, which integrates vehicle components including steering, braking, suspension, powertrain and control, into a single compact module between the chassis and the wheel, using x-by-wire technology for steering, driving and braking. REEcorner has enabled REE to develop a modular, fully flat ‘skateboard’ chassis that enables more room for passengers, cargo and batteries in vehicles.
REE says it is exploring several collaborations with a number of Koch Industries (an investor in REE) companies, to support and accelerate the establishment of the integration centre. The Austin facility is expected to create approximately 150 jobs in upcoming years.
EV platforms using REEcorners are agnostic to vehicle size and design, power-source and driving mode, which REE believes opens up a US$700 billion target market. The company says its designs can help OEMs, delivery fleets, Mobility-as-a-Service providers and new mobility players get to market fast, at a fraction of the typical cost.
REE intends to tap into a global network of Tier 1 partners manufacturing capacities, with full point-of-sale component assembly and testing set to take place in REE’s Integration Centers. REE expects this manufacturing process to significantly reduce capital expenditures.
Michael Charlton, REE’s COO, commented, “REE’s Integration Centers will be designed to be fully modular and scalable to ensure the Company achieves projected production volumes. The state-of-the-art centres will utilise automation, including automated guided vehicles (AGVs), for the optimal movement of assemblies, with the goal of increasing automation levels to Industry 4.0 Technology and beyond.”
“Establishing our US headquarters in Austin, Texas best positions us for growth and rapid expansion,” said Daniel Barel, REE’s Co-Founder and CEO. “Our US presence will allow us to capitalise on the incredible opportunities in the US market and put us closer to our North American-based customers and partners, including Magna International and JB Poindexter, as we work together to develop and deliver modular EVs.”
