In issue 21 we had a closer look at new Climate Action regulations being introduced throughout Europe and beyond giving us an overview of what’s coming down the road.The increase in the number of electric and hydrogen powered vehicles is inevitable and in truth much needed as we race to try to reverse the effects of climate change before we go too far past the tipping point. With many governments now putting ambitious targets in place with a focus on significantly increasing the number of climate friendly vehicles, we are seeing a lot of new concepts and EV vehicles entering the market.One of these companies and their vehicles that have caught our eye mainly because they were looking at building some of their vehicles in Europe includes the very innovative US based company Canoo.

So who are Canoo?

The US company has developed breakthrough electric vehicles that are reinventing the automotive landscape with bold innovations in design, pioneering technologies, and a unique business model that defies traditional ownership to put customers first. Distinguished by its experienced team from leading technology and automotive companies – Canoo has designed a modular electric platform purpose-built to deliver maximum vehicle interior space that is customizable across all owners in the vehicle life-cycle to support a wide range of vehicle applications for consumers and businesses.
Canoo see governments, investors, and consumers aligning with exponential speed behind sustainable transportation, and the world is shifting boldly to embrace ESG goals. The UK has banned sales of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles as of 2030 and sales of hybrids as of 2035; Norway’s ban takes effect in 2025; France in 2040; and the state of California in 2035.

These shifts are raising expectations, creating market demand, and deeply challenging current business, technology, and infrastructure capacity. The US and EU are considering and have committed unprecedented government spending to target sustainable infrastructure, technology, and mobility. Globally, there are trillions targeted at ESG-related investments. Canoo says that “We are designing for people who work hard, play hard and need something reliable, that will last and give you value. So let’s have a look at what’s on offer;

Canoo Lifestyle Vehicle

The Flex-Vehicle for Everybody Canoo designed the Lifestyle Vehicle to be cabin forward to maximize interior space and function, with exportable power and customization options – all on a small footprint. Now available in four trims: base, premium, adventure and Lifestyle Vehicle Delivery – the Lifestyle Vehicle is the ultimate multi-tasker. Without the need for an engine compartment, the Lifestyle Vehicle features Canoo’s unique street view window for improved driver visibility. Canoo claim that the Adventure trim has more ground clearance and a more muscular profile.

The bumpers have been enhanced and a metal skid plate was added for increased vehicle durability. And Canoo’s signature headlights and taillights serve as core brand identifiers without the need for a logo. Like all Canoo vehicles, the Lifestyle Vehicle is a purpose-built EV based on the company’s proprietary and highly versatile multi-purpose platform architecture. The Lifestyle Vehicle has the interior space of a large SUV, with the exterior footprint of a compact car and is made for urban, adventure, families, fleet, ride hailing and more. Anticipated specifications include up to 300hp and 332 lb.-ft. of peak motor torque with 250 miles of battery range. The Lifestyle Vehicle has targeted pricing starting from $34,750 -$49,950[i] for Delivery, Base and Premium models, before incentives, or optional equipment. Range topping Adventure trim pricing will be announced in the coming months. Canoo designed the Lifestyle Vehicle to be cabin forward to maximize interior space and function, with exportable power and customization options – all on a small footprint. Now available in four trims: base, premium, adventure and Lifestyle Vehicle Delivery – the Lifestyle Vehicle is the ultimate multi-tasker. Without the need for an engine compartment, the Lifestyle Vehicle features Canoo’s unique street view window for improved driver visibility. Canoo claim that the Adventure trim has more ground clearance and a more muscular profile.

Van Campers take note., this is the future………

The Canoo Pickup Truck

Canoo’s fully electric pickup truck looks the business, ready for work and the weekend. Featuring a cabin-forward design, steer-by-wire technology and proprietary multi-purpose platform architecture, the pickup truck has an extendable flatbed that competes with America’s best-selling pickup trucks on a smaller footprint—making it easier to manoeuvre and more convenient to drive.

The pickup truck was built to work for users and features accessories that accommodate on-site jobs, including exportable power, advanced exterior lighting, fold down work table and cargo storage, flip-down side-tables, sidestep and storage, extendable bed with space dividers and multi-accessory charge port. Specifications include dual or rear motor configurations, with 500+hp and 550 lb.-ft. of torque with dual motors, vehicle payload capacity of 1800 lbs. and 200+ miles of battery range.
“We are so passionate about building vehicles that can change people’s lives,” said Tony Aquila, Executive Chairman, Canoo. “Our pickup truck is as strong as the toughest trucks out there and is designed to be exponentially more productive. This truck works for you. We made accessories for people who use trucks – on the job, weekends, adventure. You name it, we did it because it’s your platform and she’s bad to the bone.”Canoo’s pickup truck was built with several unique features to help customers do more with their vehicles:

Pull-out Bed Extension:

The pickup truck bed is six feet long and can extend to a fully enclosed eight feet, allowing big items such as a 4 by 8 ft sheet of plywood to easily fit inside. The pull-handle bed extension also helps with loading and unloading the truck.

Fold Down Worktable

To offer the greatest customer utility, the pickup features a front cargo storage area that can hold tools or gear, also includes a fold down worktable with electrical outlets. The workstation table is extendible to allow customers to have maximized work surface on the go, in addition to providing an area to put on gear before heading out exploring.

Flip-Down Side Tables:

Both sides of the vehicle house a flip down table in two expandable depths. Built into the side panel of the truck bed, the flip-down side table becomes a workbench with multi-functional power sources in close proximity.

Integrated Overhead Bed Perimeter Lighting:

The third brake light doubles as an overhead light to see inside the cargo bed at night. The vehicle is also equipped with perimeter lighting on all sides of the bed wall for added visibility.

Roof Rack:

The pickup truck has optional roof racks in variable sizes for added cargo storage. The roof rack is easily accessible from the flat-bed or via the sidestep.

Camper Shell:

The pickup truck has been designed to accommodate a variety of camper shells to fit as many use cases as possible.The pickup truck is the third vehicle that will be based on the company’s proprietary multi-purpose platform architecture, enabling the accelerated development timeline.

Canoo’s EV platform functionally integrates all the critical components of an electric powertrain to be as flat and efficient as possible. Traditional EV platforms have power units, shock towers and mechanical steering columns that protrude into the vehicle and take up space. By incorporating steer-by-wire and other space-saving technologies, Canoo’s thin platform, with no need for an engine compartment, allows the company to offer a flatbed size comparable to America’s best-selling pickup truck on a smaller footprint. According to Canoo,this makes the vehicle easier to manoeuvre and more convenient to drive and park in any terrain.