Mitsubishi Fuso & REE: Software-Defined Electric Trucks

Mitsubishi Fuso and REE Automotive have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that could signal a step towards creating software-defined vehicles (SDVs) with enhanced environmental credentials.

The partnership aims to integrate REE's advanced SDV technology into Mitsubishi's electric commercial vehicles, potentially positioning both companies as major players in the development of sustainable, intelligent fleet solutions.

What is software-defined vehicle technology?

REE Automotive specialises in developing software-defined vehicle technology designed to manage core vehicle operations.

The company's software integrates with legacy systems to enhance reliability, safety and performance, utilising secure AI that supports continuous upgrades throughout a vehicle's operational life.

The strategic collaboration with Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation brings together REE's technological capabilities with Mitsubishi Fuso's manufacturing expertise.

Mitsubishi Fuso supplies trucks, buses and industrial engines to approximately 170 global markets and its eCanter represents Japan's first mass-produced electric light-duty truck.

According to the MoU, REE Automotive and Mitsubishi Fuso will develop an SDV using REE's zonal SDV architecture and x-by-wire (XBW) technology.

This collaboration will transform a Mitsubishi Fuso eCanter electric truck into a software-defined vehicle, supporting the manufacturer's efforts to develop smarter, safer and upgradable cloud-connected trucks for the next generation of commercial vehicles.

Advancing sustainable commercial transport

"We are proud to collaborate with the exceptional team at Mitsubishi Fuso, aligning our shared vision for innovation in next-generation commercial vehicles," says Daniel Barel, Co-Founder and CEO of REE.

"Together, we are committed to delivering smarter, safer solutions."

"Software-defined vehicles represent a major advancement, enabling faster development of next-generation commercial vehicles through continuous AI-powered over-the-air (OTA) updates," he adds.

"By leveraging both companies' strengths, we believe we have a unique opportunity to set a new industry benchmark for commercial vehicles that support autonomous solutions."

The environmental benefits of this partnership centre on the eCanter platform, which produces zero greenhouse gas emissions during operation.

The vehicle is particularly suited to inner-city routes at any time of day due to its lower noise and vibration levels, potentially contributing to improved urban air quality and reduced noise pollution.

Scalable and future-ready solutions

Mitsubishi Fuso selected REE's technology due to its scalability and availability for next-generation vehicles.

REE's electric control unit (ECU) design offers simplified integration and limits hardware complexity, allowing original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to standardise technology across multiple vehicle platforms.

The technology features built-in cybersecurity, AI-driven serviceability and continuous OTA updates which could future-proof these vehicles.

It is designed to ensure autonomous vehicles are constantly reaching their full capabilities whilst demonstrating resilience.

According to REE, the SDV solution is tested and road-ready, potentially offering quicker time to market without compromising safety or performance.

By using REE's solutions, OEMs could develop smarter and safer vehicles, unlocking new data-driven revenue streams and reducing total cost of ownership.

"We believe that, by combining Mitsubishi Fuso's autonomous driving and ZEV technologies with REE's XBW and SDV technologies, we can realise superior logistics solutions," adds Hironobu Ando, Head of Product Engineering at Mitsubishi Fuso.

"We are very pleased to work together with REE to address social issues such as global warming, traffic accidents, and driver shortages."

The technology's design for continuous updates could reduce the need for manual software interventions, potentially keeping vehicles at the forefront of safety and innovation.

It is also built with simplicity in mind, enabling global production at scale without manufacturers needing to overhaul existing systems.

The eCanter truck will be Mitsubishi Fuso's first model to be transformed into a software-defined truck.

The MoU will also serve as a trial period to assess the potential for a long-term partnership between REE Automotive and Mitsubishi Fuso, with implications for broader sustainable transport solutions.