Ree Automotive's groundbreaking electric vehicle, the Ree P7-C, has achieved a significant milestone by gaining approval for use on American roads. Despite its unassuming appearance as a delivery truck, the P7-C stands out as the world's first fully 'everything-by-wire' vehicle, featuring steer-by-wire, brake-by-wire, and drive-by-wire technologies, thereby eliminating all conventional mechanical connections between the driver and crucial vehicle functions.
Central to this groundbreaking system is Ree's innovative REEcorner technology, which integrates key vehicle components such as steering, braking, suspension, powertrain, and control into a compact module situated between the chassis and each wheel. With four independent modules, one at each corner, individually managed by electronic control units (ECUs), and a central REEcenter ECU overseeing all corner-level functions, the P7-C redefines the conventional dynamics of vehicle control.
Ree emphasizes that its everything-by-wire technology opens up new frontiers for commercial vehicles, offering superior maneuverability, increased interior space, enhanced ergonomics with a low step-in height for the driver cabin, improved serviceability, streamlined maintenance, and a modular design. Despite the absence of physical connections to controls, the company assures safety through multiple hardware and software redundancies.
Daniel Barel, Ree Automotive CEO, expresses confidence in the transformative potential of REEcorner, describing it as a game-changer that will make electric trucks appealing to fleets and drivers alike. The P7-C's certification as the automotive industry's first fully x-by-wire vehicle is a testament to Ree's commitment to advancing groundbreaking technologies.
Beyond its technological prowess, what could further attract customers are the significant tax advantages associated with the electric vehicle. Ree highlights that the P7-C qualifies for up to $40,000 in credits per vehicle through the Commercial Clean Vehicle Tax Credit. When combined with state credits, customers in specific locations may stand to benefit from incentives totaling up to $100,000 per vehicle, making the P7-C an economically enticing choice.
Richard Colley, REE’s VP of Government and Regulatory Affairs, underscores the broader impact of achieving this certification milestone, noting that federal and state incentives for the P7-C will accelerate fleet electrification in the US, contributing to public health improvements and aligning with ambitious climate goals.