Autonomous, ‘Swappable’ Modular EV Design Could Mean Deliveries Reach You Faster
Image via REE
Autonomous vehicles and self-driving delivery fleets have been making some pretty notable advancements, drones included. Riding the high is the ‘Leopard’, a modular EV concept built by e-mobility firm REE.
On Monday, the firm unveiled the concept vehicle, which is geared toward last-mile delivery. Measuring 3.4m (11.2ft) in length, it comes with front-wheel-steer, rear-wheel-drive, a 50 kWh battery, and a top speed of 60 mph.
Notably, REE has stated that the vehicle was created to carry “significantly more cargo” thanks to its low, flat floor. Its news release has stated that the vehicle has a cargo volume of around 180 cubic feet.
While this will mean reduced costs for delivery companies and fewer trips that need to be made, enabling parcels to reach doorsteps earlier too, it’ll also be beneficial to the environment with its reduced energy costs.
Its design is based on the firm’s modular EV platform, which was created to support and enhance a “wide variety of mission-specific vehicles.” It forms the base for a DIY-esque EV project, and can be expanded to other vehicles.
There are also reportedly plans in place for the development of fully-autonomous delivery fleets, which will be dubbed ‘Powered by REE.’ Building upon—literally—the EV platform, REEboard, it’s in line with the company’s goal: to “empower companies to build any size or shape of electric or autonomous vehicle.”
Image via REE
Founder and CEO Daniel Barel stated that “Autonomous and electric vehicles ‘Powered by REE’ offer unsurpassed operational efficiency and the lowest total cost of ownership combined with full flexibility when it comes to integrating top hats in virtually any size, shape or form.”
“We’re here to make the shift to a carbon-neutral future a reality faster and at scale,” he continues.
The Leopard and REEboard will be on show at CES in Las Vegas next January. Currently, there is no information on pricing and availability.
Another design similar to the REEboard and “customizable” vehicles was debuted by Hyundai in September, with the Trailer Drone trucking concept incorporating something similar.
See Leopard in action!
— REE (@ReeAutoOfficial) November 16, 2021
Our #autonomous last-mile delivery concept #vehicle is ideal for #delivery, e-retail and #logistics companies. Leveraging REE’s brand new ultra-modular #EV platform, Leopard provides simply unmatched interior space for transporting packages and cargo 📦. pic.twitter.com/LTyN76TPeP
[via REE]
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