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At CES 2023, REE Automotive drew Munro’s attention with a standout innovation in electric vehicle (EV) design: the REEcorner.
This modular EV platform packs drive, steering, braking, and suspension into compact, self-contained units at each wheel. It replaces mechanical linkages with a fully by-wire system. As a result, the REEcorner improves scalability, boosts serviceability, and redefines efficiency in vehicle architecture.
The REEcorner: A True Platform Shift
REE’s technology centers on decentralization. Instead of using a centralized axle or chassis, the REEcorner pushes functionality to all four corners of the vehicle. Each module includes a three-in-one drive unit, steering actuator, suspension, braking system, and sensors. This setup removes all mechanical linkages between the driver and the wheels. As a result, the platform enables full drive-by-wire and steer-by-wire operation—laying the groundwork for flexible, software-defined vehicle control.
The result? A lower load floor, more efficient use of chassis space, and design freedom for commercial EV manufacturers.
In the P7 REEcorner showcased at CES, REE targets medium-duty trucks in the Class 3–5 range. The module integrates into a vehicle’s chassis with such a low profile that the floor can be mounted directly above it, maximizing cargo space and minimizing step-in height—a major benefit for delivery fleets and walk-in vans.
Scalability and Flexibility in Design
One of REE’s biggest selling points is modularity. Not every customer needs four-wheel drive or four-wheel steering. If a vehicle application only requires front-wheel steer or rear-wheel drive, REE simply deletes the corresponding actuation or drive unit from individual corners. This plug-and-play flexibility allows OEMs to right-size performance without overengineering cost into the vehicle.
Fleet buyers can choose between all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or front-wheel drive configurations depending on payload needs and terrain requirements. This versatility makes REE’s solution especially attractive to logistics companies managing varied route profiles.
Manufacturing and Serviceability Advantages
From a lean design perspective, REEcorner brings major manufacturing advantages. Each corner unit is cast for strength and light weight, with clear locator features for chassis alignment. The modules are also engineered for rapid replacement: if a unit fails, technicians can drop and swap it in under an hour. This serviceability is a game-changer for high-mileage fleets—cutting downtime and eliminating the need for on-site root cause diagnostics.
Currently, REE has 10,000-unit annual capacity at its UK facility in Coventry, with its first U.S. integration center ramping up in Pflugerville, Texas. These facilities use repeatable, modular assembly lines that can be quickly deployed near customer operations, reducing logistics overhead and speeding deployment.
Partnered Engineering for High-End Performance
REE doesn’t just focus on functionality—it also prioritizes premium design principles. Unlike traditional medium-duty trucks that use stamped steel axles and drum brakes, REEcorners feature advanced suspension geometries with cast aluminum components and fixed calipers.
Munro pointed out several high-end design features. These included forged links, double wishbone suspension, and a plate-style heat exchanger for the drive unit. Such components typically appear on performance vehicles—not utility vans. To support this level of engineering, REE partnered with American Axle for the drive unit and Brembo for the braking system. These collaborations highlight REE’s focus on quality, performance, and efficiency.
Electric parking brakes (EPB) on all four corners can potentially eliminate the need for a park pawl inside the motor, though this may vary by application. Regenerative braking further reduces mechanical brake wear and extends service intervals, contributing to long-term cost-of-ownership advantages.
Custom Calibration for Use-Case Specific Tuning
While the inboard hardware of the P7 module remains largely consistent across vehicles, REE enables application-specific customization through the outboard components—such as suspension tuning and knuckle geometry. The by-wire control software is also adaptable, allowing precise calibration for payload variation, terrain, and driving profile.
OEMs can tailor ride dynamics and energy efficiency for each use case without reengineering the entire platform. This accelerates development cycles while allowing final vehicles to feel purpose-built.
The Bigger Picture: TCO and Market Disruption
From a fleet operator’s standpoint, REE’s solution reduces total cost of ownership (TCO) through several vectors:
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Reduced maintenance: No oil changes, fewer fluids, and regenerative braking extend part life.
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Faster serviceability: Drop-in REEcorner modules streamline replacement.
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Modular production: Scalable assembly lines mean faster time to market.
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OTA and Smart PMs: Over-the-air updates and predictive maintenance tools reduce operating costs.
The commercial EV space, particularly in Class 3–5 segments, remains underserved. Most current offerings rely heavily on government incentives and lack long-term economic viability. By offering a platform that’s modular, service-friendly, and easy to integrate, REE positions itself as a foundational player in this emerging market.
The P7 platform is already being integrated into two upcoming vehicles: a box truck and the Proxima walk-in van, developed in partnership with Morgan Olson, EAVX, and JB Poindexter.
Looking Ahead: A REE Strategy for 2023 and Beyond
REE anticipates entering the market in the second half of 2023, with early deployments focused on fleet testing. The company’s short-term roadmap includes scaling manufacturing in North America, expanding partnerships, and proving out its TCO benefits through real-world data.
By focusing on component consistency, modular design, and software-defined control systems, REE Automotive isn’t just building another EV platform—it’s reshaping how commercial EVs are built, sold, and maintained.
Final Takeaways
For automotive engineers and fleet buyers alike, the REEcorner represents a paradigm shift. It simplifies manufacturing, accelerates design cycles, and offers a service model built around uptime. It’s lean engineering in action—shaping the future of commercial EVs with modular thinking and proven partnerships.
As electrification moves deeper into commercial vehicle territory, platforms like REE’s will become increasingly critical. Munro’s hands-on look at the REEcorner shows how innovation at the corner level can transform the entire vehicle—unlocking value not just for engineers, but for operators and investors across the EV ecosystem.
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