EAVX, Morgan Olson, and REE Automotive hosted the first live demonstrations and customer evaluations of Proxima Powered by REE, a fully drive-by-wire walk-in step van. The joint events, located at the American Center for Mobility in Ypsilanti, Michigan, beginning the last week of July, are designed to highlight the benefits of the newly designed EAVX and Morgan Olson body paired with REE’s fully-flat, modular P7 chassis and x-by-wire technology.
Over the next several weeks, additional prospective customers will have the opportunity to experience the Proxima body powered by REEcorner technology and the P7 chassis, according to the companies. The joint program aims to reduce the total cost of ownership, thereby easing the transition to electric for fleets.
“We are thrilled to begin sharing this first Proxima concept Powered by REE, and its potential impact on the industry with these customers,” said Mark Hope, COO and general manager of EAVX. “Initial discussions have already been met by praise from customers large and small across a number of delivery segments. The customer evaluations this week are an exciting and important next step as we move closer to bringing the Proxima body to market.”
The platform is built to offer operational efficiencies and flexibility that can be scaled across further applications and Classes 2b-6 for both the body and the chassis, with modularity and design freedom in mind, the Proxima team added.
“These events are an incredible opportunity for leading delivery companies and fleet managers to see firsthand how Proxima paired with the REE chassis can answer the call for electrification options that are quick, efficient, and offer a low total cost of ownership,” said Daniel Barel, co-founder and CEO of REE.
“These live demonstrations will convey the value and efficiencies REE’s x-by-wire technology can bring to fleets, as well as the power of pairing this revolutionary chassis with EAVX and Morgan Olson’s high-tech body. We’re so excited to get it on the road—and to help future-proof commercial fleets as they electrify.”
Key benefits of the Proxima body on REE’s P7 include significantly improved aerodynamics, enhanced driver ergonomics, increased driver visibility and overall safety, enhanced maneuverability, and integrated technologies, as officials explained during a July 27 press briefing:
- Nearly 60% reduction in drag when combining the Proxima body with the REE platform.
- Drive-, steer-, and brake-by-wire functionality eliminates mechanical obstructions, reducing underfloor turbulence and ensuring a smooth ride.
- A smart digital infrastructure by EAVX enables all connected systems throughout the vehicle to exchange information and aid the driver.
- Low load floor enables fast, easy accessibility for drivers and helps reduce delivery times.
- Ergonomics designed with drivers of all body types, with focus on every interior detail to reduce driver distraction and increase safety and comfort.
- Significant driver visibility improvements coming from both body and chassis, boosting both driver and passerby safety.
- REEcorners minimal turning radius combined with Proxima’s sleek, compact design ensures optimal maneuverability in crowded urban zones and loading docks.
- Fast repair times and reduced total costs of ownership due to rapid REEcorner swaps and 50-50 weight distribution of Proxima body.
“This new Proxima step van is another example of Morgan Olson’s legacy for providing the work truck industry with innovative delivery solutions," Morgan Olson President and CEO Mike Ownbey said. "I’m looking forward to this voice of the customer event and being part of this collaborative project with EAVX and REE Automotive.”
This article was first published in Trailer/Body Builders, a sister publication of FleetOwner.
