EV platform developer REE Automotive has received Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification for its P7-C electric chassis cab, which is the first to feature steer-by-wire, brake-by-wire and drive-by-wire technology, or collectively "x-by-wire."
X-by-wire entails the replacement of typical mechanical or hydraulic systems, such as braking or steering, with electronic ones. Some benefits of the x-by-wire technology include better maneuverability, serviceability, and enhanced safety. It also offers a certain degree of future-proofing, as the electronic systems are autonomous-ready and OTA upgrade capable.
A demonstration version of the medum-duty electric truck was delivered to Iowa-based dealer Pritchard EV, which will show the vehicle off to large fleet customers at a roadshow. Additional REE authorized dealers and leading fleets are expected to receive additional P7-C demonstration units in the coming weeks.
The X-by-wire technology is part of the Israeli-based company's larger REEcorner design, which the company said "integrates all critical vehicle components (steering, braking, suspension, powertrain, and control) into a single compact module between the chassis and the wheel."
“I believe our REEcorner is a true gamechanger, allowing us to build electric trucks that fleets will want to buy, and drivers will love to drive as we continue to see a strong demand for our work trucks,” said Daniel Barel, CEO and co-founder of REE Automotive.
The P7-C is eligible for the federal Commercial Clean Vehicle Tax Credit which allows customers to receive a tax credit of up to $40,000 per vehicle. The company is also in the process of initiating eligibility for various state incentives, which could bring the total incentive to over $100,000 per vehicle, depending on customer location.
“Achieving this certification milestone is a testament to REE’s dedicated team and our determination to bring this technology to market safely,” said Richard Colley, REE’s VP of Government and Regulatory Affairs. “The federal and state incentives that the P7-C will be eligible for will help accelerate fleet electrification in the US, helping to improve public health and meet ambitious climate goals.”
