Electric delivery vehicles have been the unlikely star of CES and that trend continues as REE Automotive used the event to announce it is commencing trials of their all-new P7 platform.
The trials will take place in Israel and the United Kingdom, and REE said the first prototypes will be available for customer evaluation in the first quarter.
Designed to meet the “functional and operational specifications from one of the world’s largest delivery companies,” the P7 platform is slated to underpin commercial delivery vehicles and walk-in vans. Given its intended purpose, the platform is fully flat and this enables the electric architecture to provide the “greatest interior space and volumetric efficiency for vehicles in classes 3-5.”
Also Read: Israel’s REE Automotive To Set Up Operations In Austin, Production Slated For 2023
Speaking of practicality, the P7 platform supports a maximum payload of up to 8,800 lbs (3,992 kg) and this enables it to hold up to 35% more packages than comparable commercial vehicles. The platform can also be used on buses, which can carry up to 30 passengers.
The P7 platform is modular, highly flexible and has been designed to “radically simplify development times of electric commercial models and is optimized for fleet owners looking to create their own commercial vehicle brand, unique design and market differentiation.” In particular, the platform allows for lengths of 19.7-24.9 feet (6.2-7.6 meters), widths of 5.2-7.9 feet (1.6-2.4 meters), and heights of 6.6-9.8 feet (2.0-3.0 meters).
The flexibility doesn’t end there as the platform can be equipped with front, rear or all-wheel drive as well as front or all-wheel steering. The architecture also supports battery packs with capacities up to 120 kWh and this will allow for ranges of up to 370 miles (595 km).
In terms of performance, there are up to four electric motors which each develop up to 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS). The top speed isn’t anything special at 80 mph (129 km/h), but we’re talking about delivery vehicles after all.
REE’s co-founder and CEO, Daniel Barel, said “The P7 platform is paramount in commercial vehicle design, safety and functionality. True to our vision of providing complete modularity and versatility, this platform can be configured in different sizes and optimized to suit a particular application and use case.”
