KYB collaborates on next generation modular EV platform

KYB Corporation has launched a strategic partnership with Israeli company EE Automotive (REE), who approached KYB to develop suspension capabilities for their future electric vehicle (EV) platforms.

KYB’s semi-active and active suspension systems will boost REE’s next generation EV platform. This will provide design freedom and cost-effective, scalable solutions for e-mobility. The combination of KYB’s suspension knowledge and REE’s pioneering technology in electric vehicle platforms will “revolutionise electric vehicle design”, according to KYB.

REE is working towards putting not only the suspension but also the braking system, steering and e-motor all together inside the wheel arch. KYB’s involvement in the project is the ‘in wheel’ suspension. This is called the REEcorner – each corner being completely independent and powered by the state of the art the REEboard ECU, controlling advanced x-by-wire technology. The technology allows for extreme modularity as each corner can be tailored to any vehicle requirements, resulting in optimum compatibility, efficiency and cost.

The REEboard is a completely flat, scalable and modular platform. It enables limitless body configurations with complete design freedom and greater efficiency of space. As there is no need to design a new platform for each vehicle type, this saves major costs and time. It provides more volume on a smaller footprint, to carry more batteries within the chassis.

This partnership is the first time that KYB has collaborated on EV platforms with a technology company.

Kazunori Masumoto, General Manager of Engineering Headquarters at KYB Automotive Component Business Division, explains, “KYB has vast experience in developing and manufacturing advanced suspension systems, and we are excited to partner with REE Automotive and share its revolutionary EV vision by engineering a suspension subsystem that supports the needs of tomorrow’s mobility ecosystem.”