The Dutch Rheinmetall subsidiary Rheinmetall Defense Nederland has taken over the Dutch startup company REEQ. The purchase price was not communicated. Founded in 2018, REEQ produces fully electric, light tactical vehicles and works with the defense industry and motorsports, among others.
According to Rheinmetall, REEQ's vehicle fleet currently consists of an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), a side-by-side buggy and a quad, all three with exactly the same fully electric drive train. In the “new generation of mobility,” according to Rheinmetall, REEQ has combined tactical transport with a mobile energy source (microgrid). This means that the vehicles are fully prepared for autonomy.
The scalable REx platform can be configured according to customer requirements as described by REEQ as a basic chassis. Up to ten axles (two of which are powered) are possible with 32 to 84 kW electric motors. The energy source is rechargeable (lithium) batteries. The charger on board can also be powered by diesel electricity. A tank of up to 100 liters can be carried. The manufacturer specifies a payload of 600 to 1,500 kg, depending on the number of axles. The manufacturer specifies a top speed of 85 km/h and a range of 200 km for a 32kWh battery. With a diesel-electric range extender, the range can be increased to 1,000 km.
The vehicle is controlled via a joystick. REEQ offers a simulator in which steering can be practiced.
Even after the takeover, further development and series production of these vehicles will continue to take place in the Netherlands. As Rheinmetall writes, the company is responding to the numerous demands of Dutch politicians and defense experts to contribute to strengthening the defense industry with industrial strength and specialization. Development and production in the Netherlands will also strengthen strategic independence and the Dutch position in the field of military electrification and autonomy in the international defense industry.
Editorial staff / gwh