REE Automotive, a leader in emobility based in Tel Aviv, Israel, has announced that it will open its US headquarters in Austin, Texas. This is to address the growing US demand for mission-specific electric vehicles (EVs) from delivery and logistics companies, mobility-as-a-service and new technology players.
The company is expanding rapidly and recently announced a strategic collaboration with EAVX, a wholly-owned business unit of JB Poindexter & Co. They also announced they’re going to be joining forces with 10X Capital Venture Acquisition Corporation.
The brand’s REEcorner technology integrates critical vehicle components, including steering, braking, suspension, powertrain and control, into a single compact module between the chassis and the wheel, using x-by-wire technology for steering, driving and braking.
Austin will also be the location of REE’s first asset-light Integration Centre for the assembly and testing of its REEcorner technology and ultra-modular EV platforms. The centre will offer REE’s technology to its existing and future automotive partners in North America, enabling them to build modular EVs using REE’s products.
REE is currently exploring several collaborations with a number of Koch Industries’ companies, to support and accelerate the establishment of REE’s integration centre in Austin. Koch Strategic Platforms, LLC, a subsidiary of Koch Industries, is an investor in REE too.
The REE Austin facility is expected to create approximately 150 jobs in upcoming years. The expected annual capacity of the US Integration Centre is expected to be around 40,000 modular EV platforms by the second half of 2022.
Daniel Barel, REE’s co-founder and CEO, said: “Establishing our US headquarters in Austin, Texas best positions us for growth and rapid expansion. Austin is fast becoming a worldwide home for elite technology professionals.
“Our US presence will allow us to capitalise on the incredible opportunities in the US market and put us closer to our North American-based customers and partners, including Magna International and JB Poindexter, as we work together to develop and deliver modular EVs.”
