Approach
REE Automotive established its UK Centre of Engineering Excellence at MIRA Technology Park in Nuneaton. HORIBA MIRA supported the UK team’s growth from its infancy through to full strength with the provision of a base of operations, engineering consultancy on business fundamentals – such as the selection of key software solutions and health and safety processes – resident engineers forming the initial Chassis System Design Team, with full finite element analysis (FEA) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) coverage operating as part of REE’s internal organisation. Specialist support for the novel by-wire systems they planned to use was also provided for Functional Safety. HORIBA MIRA also provided full workshop facilities for the initial prototype build, along with close guidance on all aspects of dealing with high voltage systems prior to vehicles being commissioned, tested and validated on HORIBA MIRA’s world-class proving ground and test facilities, less than 100 meters from where the vehicles
were built.
In order to fast track the project from concept through to production, HORIBA MIRA delivered the detailed design of the corner units based on initial concepts. These corner modules combine with a central skateboard to form REE Automotive’s innovative modular platform. Additional support stretched into almost every aspect of the engineering development, with HORIBA MIRA providing flexible access to its diverse range of engineering expertise. This enabled the development teams to react very quickly to emerging challenges and enabled the core REE teams to really focus on the novel solutions needed whilst having confidence other areas were in safe hands and would be ready when needed. Parts could be designed, prototyped, and tested on the vehicle all within the same campus, sometimes within hours of the requirement being identified.
Successes and benefits
HORIBA MIRA’s support enabled REE Automotive to develop its innovative modular vehicle platform from a concept to a working prototype quickly and effectively. Key benefits included:
- Flexible access to HORIBA MIRA’s vast engineering expertise, covering numerous specialist areas and reducing risk through proven processes with an open, friendly and highly-experienced team
- Prototype build facilitated through the provision of workshop space, health and safety infrastructure and on-site fabrication and manufacturing services
- Fast turnaround of physical testing at HORIBA MIRA’s on-site proving ground
- Establishing self-sufficiency within the client organisation as it grew; seamless handover from engineering service supplier (ESS) through to the new core OEM team
REE have been extremely impressed with the quality and level of support we’ve received from MTP and HORIBA MIRA. They have been able to support our rapid growth at each point and without them we wouldn’t be in the strong position we are in now for delivering our novel technology.
Dr Peter Dow, VP Engineering
REE
