At the 2025 ACT Expo in Anaheim, California, Clean Trucking Senior Editor Jay Traugott had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the REE P7-C Chassis Cab—a production-ready, pure battery-electric Class 4 medium-duty vehicle that’s redefining expectations in commercial transportation.
Built from the ground up for fleet applications, the P7-C Chassis Cab blends cutting-edge electric drivetrain technology with practical and futuristic design, making it a standout contender in the race toward cleaner, smarter commercial mobility.
What immediately sets the REE P7-C apart is its remarkable maneuverability. Thanks to all-wheel drive, all-wheel steering, and an impressive 39-foot turning diameter, this 16-foot box truck handles with the agility of an SUV. Whether navigating tight urban environments or commercial loading zones, the P7-C delivers an ease of operation that traditional chassis cabs simply can't match (for now).
During our test drive, we experienced its advanced steer-by-wire system that allows for precise handling and smooth regenerative braking, adding a layer of confidence and control for drivers. Inside the cabin, the flat-floor design and spacious layout offer exceptional comfort, while modern amenities like Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, and integrated navigation make for a highly functional workspace on wheels.
Designed with both fleet operators and drivers in mind, the REE P7-C represents a solid step forward in battery-electric commercial vehicles. For those keeping an eye on the evolution of clean transport, this innovative platform is definitely one to watch.
Speaker 1:
The question is can you drift it?
Speaker 2:
So it self-corrects so you can't overturn this vehicle like on icy or snowy conditions
Speaker 1:
And how does it drive on those types of conditions?
Speaker 2:
Amazing because it's truly all wheel drive, which makes it for a great and stable product on the ice and snowy roads
Speaker 3:
As well as rain. Before we go any further, if you're enjoying clean trucking news and videos, you can get more delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter using the link in the description below.
Speaker 1:
So Jake, tell the audience a bit more about REE. You're a brand new company, you said sales are about to kick off very soon.
Speaker 2:
We've been business for about 11 years, kind of went became like an OEMA few years ago actually here in Anaheim where we launched our P7-C
Speaker 1:
And that's exactly what this is, correct?
Speaker 2:
Correct. So what we showed there was just a concept, but now you're actually driving the vehicle that we were showing on display just two years ago, which is pretty incredible.
Speaker 1:
And this is a production ready version right now.
Speaker 2:
Correct. And the nice part is you're going over some speed bumps right now. Super smooth ride twin coil over shocks on each wheel, which makes it for an incredibly smooth ride.
Speaker 1:
It's nice. Just like any battery electric, the moment you take your foot off the accelerator, it just stops.
Speaker 2:
Yeah, the nice part is it's not dramatic either. As you probably notice some of these better electric vehicles, they are really intense. This feels like it's more gradual into it for it, which makes it really nice. Now here you'll see you can turn it really hard and you can really feel that all wheel steer.
Speaker 1:
This all wheel steering is really fantastic. That was an easy, easy turn. I was told this has the turning radius of a Toyota Prius.
Speaker 2:
Yep. 39 foot turning diameter, which is pretty incredible and we're driving a 16 foot box truck right now. Makes you feel like you're driving the SUV for your car.
Speaker 1:
Actually it feels very much just like you're battery electric pickup truck or SUV.
Speaker 2:
Yeah, exactly.
Speaker 1:
There is no transition involved here. The side mirrors
Speaker 2:
And everything is by wire, which is pretty incredible. So everything is by wire drive, steer and brake first and only in the industry right now for that.
Speaker 1:
Right. And a steer by wire for people who don't know, it's literally means that when I turn the steering wheel, it's all software, the system. It's not that old analog with the gears mechanics. Correct.
Speaker 2:
There's no mechanical connections whatsoever. We're outside the wire.
Speaker 1:
I mean just the fact that it doesn't and it's so spot on quick is incredible.
Speaker 2:
Yeah. Even the feedback you're getting out of your steering wheel, that's all software. Wow. Which is, you think about that. That's pretty incredible. We heard yesterday it's like this is like a PlayStation controller in a sense. I'm like Yeah, pretty
Speaker 1:
Much actually. Yeah. Even the layout, it's modern, but it's very simplistic. Simplistic, yes. But the windshield itself is,
Speaker 2:
Yeah, it's nice. It gives the visibility of a cab over feel, but it's a traditional seating. It doesn't feel like you're hanging over the road. Truly flat floor in the vehicle height of this vehicle is pretty incredible too. It can be a cutaway as well. That's one of the reasons for the height, A six and a half foot tall guy can actually stand up and cab with his truck.
Speaker 1:
Now customers can order it just as a bare bones chassis. Correct?
Speaker 2:
Correct. And they can add on whatever they want on the back, whether it's a box truck, service body, high floor, low floor, passenger vehicle shuttle bus, whatever ends up being we'll help support whatever customer needs are
Speaker 1:
Navigating here through these kind narrow cones and people walking by. I have no concern about being in their way or them getting in my way. It's very nice to have complete control and
Speaker 2:
Yeah, exactly.
Speaker 1:
And I obviously don't have any experience driving semi trucks, but this is the just simply very easy. I nearly thought I was going to hit that cone there just now. I took that turned a little wide and I self-corrected and it was no problem.
Speaker 2:
No, not at all. That the best
Speaker 1:
Part about
Speaker 2:
It.
Speaker 1:
And I also like the steering wheel.
Speaker 2:
Yeah. It's not a giant steering wheel that you've seen. It's more of a consumer style vehicle
Speaker 1:
With the flat bottom. I like that. Correct. It's touch, but it also has a vinyl or a leather cover.
Speaker 2:
And this thing has all your creature comforts. Bluetooth, XM Radio, CarPlay is an option. Navigation all built in this HMI screen. We have a backup camera on the vehicle and it's actually displaying on the right side of the screen, which is pretty great.
Speaker 1:
Again, the maneuverability, it's almost, it's fun.
Speaker 2:
Yeah. Oh yeah.
Speaker 1:
A lot of fun to drive.
Speaker 2:
When I first got to drive this vehicle, we were doing not donuts, but literally just kept going in circles. Just amazed how tight turning circles were of this vehicle, which is great.
Speaker 1:
I hope everyone found the REE P7 chassis useful and interesting and I can't wait to learn more of what you guys are up to next year. Be sure to like and subscribe and if you have any more questions, be sure to leave them for me in the comments below.
