American Axle & Manufacturing has an agreement to supply high-performance electric drive units in a modular platform to REE Automotive Ltd., to support multiple customer vehicle programs. AAM will supply its 3-in-1 electric drive package – a compact package that integrates an electric motor, gearbox, and inverter, which the supplier notes weighs 25% less than other available EDUs, with no loss of power or performance.
Earlier this year AAM and REE agreed to co-develop an electric propulsion system that will reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) for commercial vehicles.
“This is the first contract that leverages AAM and REE’s jointly developed technology,” stated AAM chairman David C. Dauch. “AAM continues to grow our electric propulsion business with strategic opportunities in new markets and with new customers like REE. We are excited about this fast-growing segment and continue to remain focused on accelerating additional global opportunities.”
AAM will produce the electric drive units at its Advanced Technology and Development Center in Detroit. Prototypes are set to be supplied by the end of this year, and full production will begin by 2024.
The financial and other terms of the new agreement were not revealed, including the OEMs that will incorporate the EDU in their products.
REE is a developer of power and steering systems for electric and autonomous vehicles, Class 1 through Class 6. Its most notable development is the REEcorner™ – a module that combines steering, braking, suspension, powertrain, and control into an integrated unit positioned between the chassis and the wheel.
