Work Truck Week wouldn’t be complete without testing at least one new truck. For me that was the electric REE P7-C. With its large windows, low entrance, and tight turning radius, the truck is all but designed for delivery applications. REE Automotive says the P7 platform, a customizable commercial Class 3-5 EV chassis, is built to move quickly in cities, due to its small footprint and increased maneuverability.
What Makes the REE P7-C Maneuverable?
At higher speeds, REE’s truck is stable, steering how you’d expect. What may initially take you by surprise is the low-speed handling, where all 4 wheels work in tandem to turn. “The body is built around four corners, and each corner houses an identical REEcorner unit,” says Pete Dow, Vice President of Engineering – UK Managing Director at REE Automotive. “The REEcorner units are independently controlled, and offer by-wire steering, braking, and driving.”
Additionally, The REEcorner units are responsible powertrain, suspension, and vehicle control. Each unit has a separate ECU that reports back to the REEcenter computer. The company says its fully “x-by-wire” platform is designed from to be compatible with autonomous driving systems.
On the service side, REE says these units also help to reduce downtime. According to the company can be replaced in about an hour with single connection for 400V, 48V, and cooling lines.
How Does it Handle?
Dow says the increased turning ability would make the REE P7-C feel like a car, and testing it around a rainy Indianapolis, I can tell you it felt snappy. According to the REE spec sheet, the truck has a 20-foot turning radius.
But the turning isn’t the only driving feature of note; regenerative braking kicks in when you lift off the accelerator. That took a little more getting used, but at slow speeds it was welcome, and nearly allows for one-pedal driving. However, there are settings that can be changed to suit driver preferences, or the needs of fleets, which can be in the 12.3-in. touchscreen console.
Specification Highlights
Let’s talk capability for the P7-C. REE says the truck has a GVWR of 18,298 lbs. and an available payload of 8,675 lbs. The battery accepts up to 14.7 kW AC or 200 kW DC charging and offers a range of 155 miles, which adds to the idea that this truck is suited for daily delivery routes.
The electric motors offer 8,628 ft.-lbs. of torque, 536 HP, and a top speed of 65 MPH. Additionally, there are a host of dynamic systems to assist with driving, like electronically stability control, ABS, traction control, hill hold, hill stop and more.
REE says it’s now working to get feedback from early drivers, as it ramps up truck production. The company says the P7 has approval for California’s Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP), providing up to $60,000 in incentives for California Fleets (under current state tax incentives).
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