REE Automotive is to open its US headquarters in Austin, Texas, to address American demand for mission-specific EVs from delivery and logistics companies, Mobility-as-a-Service and new technology players.
In addition, Austin will be the location of REE’s first Integration Centre for the assembly and testing of its REEcorner technology and ultra-modular EV platforms.
The new Integration Centre will offer REE’s technology to its existing and future automotive partners in North America, enabling them to build modular EVs.
REE is exploring several collaborations with a number of Koch Industries companies, to support and accelerate the establishment of REE’s integration centre in Austin. Koch Strategic Platforms, a subsidiary of Koch Industries, is an investor in REE.
The REE Austin facility is expected to create around 150 jobs in the coming years.
“Establishing our US headquarters in Austin, Texas best positions us for growth and rapid expansion,” said REE Co-founder and CEO, Daniel Barel.
“Austin is fast becoming a worldwide home for elite technology professionals. REE needs to continue growing and thriving and Austin’s dynamism and entrepreneurial spirit definitely fit REE’s culture and values.
“Our US presence will allow us to capitalise on 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.”
REEcorner technology integrates vehicle components, including steering, braking, suspension, powertrain and control, into a single module between the chassis and the wheel, using x-by-wire technology for steering, driving and braking.
This innovation has enabled REE to develop a modular, fully-flat skateboard chassis with more room for passengers, cargo and batteries.
EV platforms using REEcorners are agnostic to vehicle size and design, power-source and driving mode, enabling REE to target a US$700bn total addressable market and help OEMs, delivery fleets, Mobility-as-a-Service providers and new mobility players go to market faster at a fraction of the cost, maintains the supplier.
REE intends to tap into a global network of Tier 1 partners’ manufacturing capacity, with full point-of-sale component assembly and testing set to take place in REE’s Integration Centres. REE expects the manufacturing process to significantly reduce capital expenditures and increase REE’s global presence and market share.
“REE’s Integration Centres will be designed to be fully modular and scalable to ensure the company achieves projected production volumes,” added REE COO, Michael Charlton.
“The 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.”