Mitsubishi Fuso & REE: Powering Software-Defined Vehicles

Mitsubishi Fuso and REE Automotive have joined forces in a move towards safer and smarter software-defined vehicles (SDVs).

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) will result in the integration of REE's SDV technology into Mitsubishi vehicles.

Working together, the companies are positioning themselves at the forefront of innovation in sustainable, future-ready fleets.

Developing next-generation vehicles

REE Automotive is an automotive technology firm developing software-defined vehicle (SDV) technology to manage core vehicle operations. Its software integrates with legacy systems to enhance reliability, safety and performance, and is powered by secure AI that supports continuous upgrades throughout a vehicle’s lifespan.

The company has entered a strategic collaboration with Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (Mitsubishi Fuso) under a memorandum of understanding (MoU). Mitsubishi Fuso is a commercial vehicle manufacturer supplying trucks, buses and industrial engines to around 170 global markets. Its eCanter is Japan’s first mass-produced electric light-duty truck.

Under the MoU, REE Automotive and Mitsubishi Fuso will develop an SDV using REE’s zonal SDV architecture and x-by-wire (XBW) technology, transforming a Mitsubishi Fuso eCanter electric truck into a software-defined vehicle. This will support Mitsubishi Fuso’s efforts to develop smarter, safer and upgradable cloud-connected trucks as it builds the next generation of commercial vehicles.

“We are proud to collaborate with the exceptional team at Mitsubishi Fuso, aligning our shared vision for innovation in next-generation commercial vehicles," comments Daniel Barel, Co-Founder and CEO of REE. "Together, we are committed to delivering smarter, safer solutions."

“Software-defined vehicles represent a transformative leap, enabling faster development of next-generation commercial vehicles through continuous AI-powered over-the-air (OTA) updates. 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.”

Resilient technology

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.

It has built-in cybersecurity, AI-driven servicability and continuous OTA updates which future-proof these vehicles. It is designed to ensure autonomous vehicles are constantly reaching their full capabilities and demonstrating resilience. 

The REE SDV solution is tested and road-ready, meaning quicker time to market, without the sacrifice of safety or performance. By using REE's solutions, OEMs can develop smarter and safer vehicles, unlocking a new data-driven revenue 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.”

As the technology is designed for continuous updates, it reduces the need for manual software interventions, 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. It produces zero greenhouse gas emissions and is suited to inner-city routes at any time of day thanks to its lower noise and vibration levels.

The MoU will also serve as a trial period to assess the potential for a long-term partnership between REE Automotive and Mitsubishi Fuso.