Key Takeaways

• REE Automotive and Cascadia Motion will collaborate on a new-generation electric drive unit (EDU) for EV manufacturers.
• The compact EDU combines REEcorner technology and Cascadia Motion’s iM-125 inverter, focusing on efficiency and safety.
• This partnership aims to streamline development processes for OEMs while addressing the growing demand for electrification solutions.

Partnership Announcement

REE Automotive has partnered with Cascadia Motion, a BorgWarner subsidiary, to develop a cutting-edge electric drive unit (EDU). The collaboration is formalized through a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding focused on the joint development, manufacturing, and commercialization of this new-generation EDU specifically tailored for electric vehicle (EV) original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

The new EDU is designed to integrate REE’s innovative REEcorner technology with Cascadia Motion’s efficient iM-125 inverter-motor module. This compact unit aims to provide global availability as an off-the-shelf product to support a variety of electrification programs.

According to technical specifications, the EDU can support permanent magnet motors operating at 400 volts and achieves a peak torque of 3,000 Newton-meters at the gearbox output for up to 30 seconds. It delivers peak power of 100 kilowatts and has a maximum rotational speed of 835 revolutions per minute. Continuous performance metrics include a torque rating of 2,150 Newton-meters and continuous power of 57 kilowatts. The unit features a 19.17 gear ratio and employs water-glycol cooling with a flow rate of eight liters per minute at 65°C. Notably, the entire unit weighs in at just 54 kilograms.

This product aims to meet the rising demand for cross-platform, compact EDUs that enhance functional safety, achieving ASIL-D certifications. Its design will simplify integration efforts and reduce development timelines for OEMs by offering secure over-the-air updates, along with compatibility with REE’s vehicle control units.

In addition to the EDU, REE plans to provide Cascadia Motion access to critical resources, including its assembly line, tooling, inventories, and supplier network, to facilitate manufacturing. Both companies will also explore the market interest for complete software-defined vehicle (SDV) solutions, leveraging REE’s zonal architecture. This architecture centralizes vehicle electronic controls, promotes modularity and redundancy, and minimizes the complexity of on-vehicle wiring.

Joseph McHenry, General Manager of BorgWarner Portland and the Cascadia Motion brand, emphasized the value of this collaboration, stating, “Integrating Cascadia Motion’s iM-125 drive unit with REEcorner technology bolsters our portfolio of off-the-shelf electric drive solutions, providing our customers with even more flexibility in their electrification programs.” He highlighted that this partnership reflects a strong commitment to innovation, facilitating a smoother process for OEMs to reduce development time and expedite vehicle launches.

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