An Israeli company that develops space-saving platforms for electric cars and trucks plans to create 200 jobs at a new $ 92 million design headquarters in the UK.
REE Automotive is opening a global engineering center at Horiba MIRA vehicle technology park, near Hinckley, which will help it to equip to mass production.
The site will help him design, develop and test its new electric vehicle platforms.
It will support 15 parts manufacturing centers created by the industry around the world, eventually providing a network of vehicle manufacturers in 30 countries.
REE’s REEcorner technology integrates key components such as steering, braking, suspension, powertrain and control into the wheel arch – allowing for a completely smooth and flexible electric engine that provides maximum space for passengers. travelers and freight.
The flexibility of the design means that vehicle manufacturers can use it to build electric and autonomous cars, vans and trucks “of any size or shape, for any application, and any target market”. .
Demand for electric vehicles – and self-driving technology – is growing exponentially, with Jaguar Land Rover this week announcing that their new cars will be all-electric from 2025.
REE’s main engineering office will provide access to MIRA’s world-class facilities such as a £ 26 million driverless test drive at speeds of up to 155mph and 5G technology to help vehicles communicate with each other and with the the world around them.
MIRA’s clients already include autonomous vehicle developers such as Ford, Jaguar Land Rover and Tata Motors, newer self-driving and electric vehicle dealers like REE, and their suppliers.
His technology is seen to be so great that he recently teamed up with U.S. technology investor 10X Capital Venture Acquisition Corp.
The newly merged company – which reportedly donated about half a billion dollars to Tel Aviv – based Ree – plans to go public on the NASDAQ with an estimated value of around $ 3.1 billion.
REE has also secured investment from global partners including future technology developer Koch Strategic Platforms, Indian electric vehicle maker Mahindra & Mahindra and Canadian automotive expert Magna International, funding it to proceed with mass production.
Daniel Barel, co-founder and chief executive of REE, said investing in the new engineering center, just off the A5 on the Leicestershire / Warwickshire border, was a “major milestone” towards its technology and bring its products to the global market.
He said the first platforms will be delivered to customers next year with mass production starting in 2023.
Lord Grimstone of Boscobel Kt, Minister for Investment at the Department of International Trade: “The UK is the most welcoming place for a leading car company such as REE thanks to our leading position in both CAM (supported manufacturing computer) and vehicle electrification.
“The Government’s multi-million pound ‘Driving the Electric Revolution’ program, which will drive new solutions in the power electronics of cars, motors and drivers, has been instrumental in bringing the exciting investment this for the UK. I wish the company every success in its new home. ”
Mike Charlton, REE’s chief operating officer, who is responsible for the launch, said: “A key driver in our decision to establish our presence in the UK is the UK government’s forward-looking vision and zero emissions policy that is fully in line in line with REE’s goal of a more sustainable and greener future for our generation and those of our future. ”
Tim Nathan, managing director of MIRA Technology Park, said: “We are delighted to welcome REE to MIRA Technology Park, where they will join a group of companies dedicated to delivering automated products. for global markets.
“Located in the heart of the UK and backed by Horiba MIRA’s high quality feature, automotive engineering and testing services, REE is well placed to achieve its ambitious goals. ”