How AI is Shaping the Next Generation of Commercial Vehicles

A strategic collaboration between REE Automotive and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation is advancing the development of software-defined vehicles (SDVs).

The firms have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that sees REE’s SDV technology and AI-powered software integrated into Mitsubishi Fuso’s vehicles, marking a major step toward creating intelligent, future-ready commercial transport.

REE Automotive is an automotive technology company focused on developing SDV technology to manage a vehicle's core operations.

Its software is designed to integrate with legacy systems to improve reliability and safety, using secure AI to enable continuous upgrades over a vehicle’s lifespan.

Mitsubishi Fuso is a commercial vehicle manufacturer that supplies trucks and buses to approximately 170 markets globally and produces Japan’s first mass-produced electric light-duty truck, the eCanter.

AI-powered architecture for next-generation vehicles

Under the agreement, the two companies are co-developing an SDV by implementing REE’s zonal SDV architecture and x-by-wire (XBW) technology.

This project transforms a Mitsubishi Fuso eCanter electric truck into a software-defined vehicle.

The initiative supports Mitsubishi Fuso's goal of developing safer, smarter and upgradable cloud-connected trucks as it works to build its 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,” says Daniel Barel, Co-Founder and CEO of REE.

“Together, we are committed to delivering smarter, safer solutions.”

Daniel explains that: “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.”

Ensuring resilience and scalability with SDV solutions

Mitsubishi Fuso selected REE’s technology for its scalability and its suitability for next-generation vehicles.

The design of REE's electric control unit (ECU) could allow for simplified integration and reduced hardware complexity, giving original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) the ability to standardise technology across different vehicle platforms.

The platform includes built-in cybersecurity, AI-driven serviceability and continuous OTA updates, which help to future-proof the vehicles. It is designed to ensure autonomous vehicles demonstrate resilience and consistently operate at their full capability.

According to REE, its SDV solution is tested and road-ready, which could mean a quicker time to market without sacrificing safety or performance.

Utilising REE's solutions, OEMs can develop smarter vehicles, potentially unlocking new data-driven revenue streams while reducing the total cost of ownership.

Addressing industry challenges through collaboration

The collaboration aims to combine the strengths of both companies to deliver enhanced logistics.

“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.

Hironobu also says: “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 reduces the need for manual software interventions, keeping vehicles advanced in safety and innovation.

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

The eCanter truck is the first Mitsubishi Fuso model to be transformed into an SDV.

With zero greenhouse gas emissions and lower noise levels, it is well-suited to inner-city routes.

This MoU functions as a trial period to evaluate the potential for a long-term partnership, representing a key test for the future of AI-driven commercial transport.