Canoo Launches Second EV for Last-Mile Delivery

Canoo, the Los Angeles-based electric vehicle company preparing to trade publicly on the Nasdaq later this month, unveiled on Thursday a completely electric, versatile delivery vehicle.

This electric vehicle, featuring a generous roof height, secure storage compartments, and a software platform for managing vehicle fleets, is designed for a wide range of users, including both small-scale businesses and large-scale last-mile delivery services like package carriers, retail businesses, major corporations, and logistics providers.

This newest vehicle – the second revealed since 2019 – demonstrates Canoo’s adaptability and its commitment to developing products for both individual consumers and business-to-business applications. A common foundational structure underpins all Canoo vehicles; the differences lie in the vehicle’s upper body, or cabin design.

Further variations of this multi-purpose delivery vehicle are planned, and Canoo intends to announce details regarding a service and support network in the future.

Image Credits: Canoo

Canoo began as Evelozcity in 2017, established by former Faraday Future leaders Stefan Krause  and Ulrich Kranz. The company adopted the Canoo name in the spring of 2019 and introduced its initial vehicle shortly thereafter. It was this first vehicle, along with Canoo’s unique subscription-based offering model, that initially attracted the attention of investors, businesses, and the media.

The first vehicle, which resembles a compact van more than a conventional electric SUV, utilizes a “skateboard” architecture, housing the batteries and electric powertrain within a chassis positioned beneath the vehicle’s cabin. This architecture sparked interest from Hyundai earlier this year. In February, the Korean automaker announced plans to collaboratively develop an electric vehicle platform with Canoo, leveraging the startup’s exclusive skateboard design. This platform will be implemented in upcoming Hyundai and Kia electric vehicles, as well as the automaker group’s specialized “purpose-built vehicles.” The PBV, presented by Hyundai at CES 2020, is a modular vehicle designed for diverse applications while in transit, such as mobile retail or healthcare services.

This new delivery vehicle will initially be available in two sizes. Canoo stated that additional versions will be introduced, and that large organizations – or any company willing to invest – will have the opportunity to collaborate with Canoo to create a customized vehicle tailored to their specific needs.

The electric delivery vehicle will have a starting price of approximately $33,000. Prospective buyers will need to wait for availability, however. Canoo indicated that deliveries will commence in 2022, with full-scale production and launch scheduled for 2023. Customers can reserve a multi-purpose delivery vehicle with a fully refundable deposit of $100 per vehicle.

After its initial launch in the U.S. market, Canoo intends to expand the availability of the multi-purpose delivery vehicle to other regions, including Canada, Mexico, and Europe.

The delivery vehicle was engineered with a focus on driver comfort and efficiency, incorporating thoughtful details to enhance their well-being and productivity while on the job, according to Canoo Executive Chairman Tony Aquila, who also noted the vehicle’s affordability and increased cargo space compared to existing electric delivery options in its category.

Image Credits: Canoo

“Our goal is to reduce the overall cost of ownership and maximize return on investment for everyone, from local small business owners to large-scale fleets,” Aquila stated.

Indeed, Canoo projects financial benefits for companies that purchase its delivery vehicles, asserting that customers can realize a $50,000 to $80,000 improvement in return on capital over a six to seven-year period, depending on the specific application, when compared to other leading delivery vehicles.

Canoo also emphasizes the versatility of its delivery vehicle, highlighting its adaptability to different workstation configurations, a range of battery pack sizes from 40 to 80 kilowatt-hours, and a bi-directional onboard charger, capable of powering external equipment and tools. 

Canoo also highlighted the vehicle’s technological features, including an advanced driver assistance system, over-the-air software updates, and a software-as-a-service platform designed to assist fleets with asset management, route planning, diagnostics, and driver support.