Israeli Startup REE To Unveil New Prototype Of Futuristic Vehicle Chassis In Germany

Israeli startup REE announced that it will unveil the new prototype for its proposed flat and modular chassis for vehicles in which the motor, steering, suspension, drivetrain, sensing, brakes, thermal systems, and electronics are all integrated into the vehicle’s wheels.

REE will debut the prototype at the International Automobile Exhibition (Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung, or IAA, in German) in Frankfurt, Germany this week. The exhibition, also called the International Motor Show Germany, is in its 68th year and takes place at the Congress Center Messe Frankfurt from September 12 to 22. It is considered the world’s largest such event.

REE emerged from stealth mode in July after six years in development to introduce its unprecedented approach to vehicle design and functions, specifically for the electric vehicle (EV) market. The new prototype exhibited at the IAA will incorporate the company’s revolutionary technology with this new approach. The company will present its prototype together with Musashi, one of the world’s leading auto parts manufacturers, which is a subsidiary of Musashi Seimitsu Industries, a Honda Motor Corporation affiliate company.

Founded by Daniel Barel and Avishay Sardes, also the co-founders of SoftWheel, the Israeli wheel suspension tech company, REE has sought to address the challenges of the hybrid and electric battery-operated vehicle industry. All components previously found under the hood of the car would now be incorporated into the vehicle base, and the inner wheel space would contain electric motors and a miniature gearbox, with REE’s design.

The goal would be to “fundamentally change the way electric vehicles are built to power widespread vehicle electrification,” the company previously said in a statement.

REE has drawn some major investors including Mitsubishi, Mushashi, Linamar, Tenneco, and NSK Americas, who also serve as development and production partners for the startup.