Mahindra & Mahindra (part of the Mahindra Group) and REE Automotive signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Aug. 26 to explore development and manufacturing of electric commercial vehicles for global markets.

The strategic collaboration will leverage REE’s electric-vehicle corner module and platform technology of integrating powertrain, suspension and steering components in the arch of a vehicle wheel with Mahindra’s vehicle design, engineering, sourcing capability and manufacturing assets, according to company officials.

The partnership will support REE’s global customer need for 200,000 – 250,000 electric commercial vehicle units over a few years, including potential Mahindra’s domestic and international volumes. Production would be scaled further to support additional volume in the global, as well as Indian market.

“Our collaboration with REE has the potential to bring a disruptive approach to a new age of vehicles capitalizing on our respective strengths,” said Rajesh Jejurikar, executive director, Auto and FarmSectors, Mahindra & Mahindra. “The competitive advantages of REE’s corner modular architecture with our experience in conventional vehicle system design, engineering, sourcing ecosystem and significant production capacity, provides a perfect match to deliver exciting zero emission vehicles, including autonomous vehicles, that can meet customer needs as never before.”

REE’s architecture will enhance Mahindra’s capabilities in the electric-vehicle sector. REE will leverage Mahindra’s global presence and its unique volume flexibility capability, as well as its engineering and product development expertise.

“We are excited to partner with Mahindra to explore synergies that will allow us to address our customers’ needs based on Mahindra’s footprint and capabilities,” said Daniel Barel, REE co-founder and chief executive officer. “Mahindra’s unique cost structure, design and engineering capabilities and volume flexibility will be key to our ability to address the majority of the commercial EV market with both large volume vehicles as well as more targeted mission-specific vehicles. Having a partner like Mahindra joining our growing OEM partners network will allow us to drive our EV technology faster and at scale.”