EAVX and REE Automotive have announced their new fully electric walk-in van (WIV) prototype will begin customer evaluation this summer.
The body of the vehicle is designed by EAVX, a subsidiary of JB Poindexter & Co (JBPCO), while automotive technology leader REE provides the modular P7 platform to power it. The class 5 vehicle will be the first full drive-by-wire walk-in van available.
Evaluations of the prototype will take place over several weeks in the Detroit metropolitan area. Customers from across the pipeline – retail, delivery, and logistics – will be able to see the vehicle for themselves and assess the new technology.
The vehicle is expected to see its first consumer deliveries in 2023.
The walk-in van body is a new development and will be showcased for the first time. EAVX said: “The prototype body, which will have more details unveiled soon, is a step forward in EAVX’s mission to develop next-generation EV and AV powered delivery and work truck bodies and accessories as a business unit of JBPCO, which has a leading position in the North American delivery market.”
The REE P7 platform, unveiled in January 2022, is designed to power class 3-5 vehicles with payloads up to 8,800 pounds and range of 370 miles, along with all-wheel steering, all-wheel drive, and autonomous-ready capabilities.
John Poindexter, CEO and Chairman of JBPCO, said: “This is an excellent proof point for EAVX’s unprecedented offering to accelerate commercial vehicle electrification for existing and new customers.”
“By partnering with REE for its innovative REEcorner™ technology and modular electric chassis,” Poindexter said. “EAVX can leverage JBPCO’s proven history of creating excellent work truck and commercial vehicle bodies and accessories to design and manufacture the commercial electric fleets of all sizes and across markets.”
Daniel Barel, Co-Founder and CEO of REE, said: “The on-road testing of our class 5 walk-in van is a testament to the strength and progress of our EAVX partnership… We are excited for customers to experience first-hand the unique benefits of the first x-by-wire vehicle built with a best-in-class Morgan Olsen body and Powered by REE, a clear step toward firm orders.”