As the automobile sector converges towards CASE (connected, autonomous, shared, and electric) mobility, original equipment manufacturers are working hard to re-engineer conventional platforms to accommodate EV (electric vehicle) components, like motors and batteries.
But the industry’s transition from vehicle-centric to service-centric approaches needs the development of new platforms that include cloud, back-haul connectivity, and software.
According to a recent analysis from Frost & Sullivan, the future modular EV platforms are going to be multifaceted and flexible, with different vehicle shapes and types built on one program. This, in turn, will save OEMs the money, effort, and time needed to launch future and new models.
What EV Platforms Are
According to experts at REE Auto, vehicle platforms are base layer structures where components, like suspensions, drive units, and bodies, are constructed upon and fitted into the platforms. Hence, a dedicated EV platform is an underpinning made and designed from the very start with electric vehicles in mind.
Plus, dubbed skateboard, bespoke, and ground-up EV architectures are designed to accommodate drive units, a large battery pack, and battery & electronic management systems so as to yield many benefits for passengers and drivers.
Benefits of Modular EV Platforms
A modular EV platform can minimize the development strain to encourage vehicle diversity and EV creation, thus hastening the change from internal combustion cars. There are a lot of benefits that come with deploying modular strategies in e-mobility. Some of these benefits include the following:
- Functional integration of electric vehicle components – Modular EV platforms house powertrain components emphasizing functional integration. This approach helps to minimize the total number, weight, and size of parts. It also allows faster launch cycles by utilizing a one-drive-by-wire electronic system so as to fuel the engine, control steering, and activate brakes.
- Support varieties of body designs – Placement of lower batteries on an EV platform may better digital functions and optimize driving balance in electric cars. Such modular platforms accommodate any kind of body design. Service providers, tech partners, fleet owners, OEMs, and EV manufacturers may use limitless options in order to build effective and efficient vehicular designs.
- Flatbed assembly – Initially established by General Motors around twenty years ago, the skateboard platform has become a common EV approach among manufacturers such as Byton, Rivian, and Tesla. This approach can easily decrease or increase the bed length depending on the electric model.
- Tailored to car performance needs – Modular EV platforms can easily be assembled per customers’ specifications. This lets manufacturers create a combination of drives, brakes, steering, suspension, and motor to fit the performance requirements of EVs.
The Automotive Future
Because electric vehicles need fewer components to be manufactured, the automotive future now looks like a haven. And the best part is that REE’s product provides innovative solutions to the lean creation of logistics cars. But at the same time, they allow companies to develop their own trucks for competitive markets.
The Bottom Line
The automobile sector has a lot of challenges ahead, and the best way to solve these problems is for suppliers and OEMs to collaborate. This collaboration will provide a great opportunity to share solutions and ideas and work together for a better tomorrow.
