As an early fan of Canoo‘s uniquely modern-retro styled vehicles since their launch in 2017, I‘ve researched their ambitions thoroughly across the pickup, SUV and van lineups now in development.
While Canoo faces real financial and production hurdles today, I still believe their fundamental vision for practical, modular electric mobility remains compelling. Below I’ll provide extensive details I’ve gathered firsthand and from experts that highlight the advantages Canoo EVs can offer compared with rivals once manufactured at scale.
Canoo‘s Origin Story and Skateboard Platform Architecture
Canoo Holdings originated in 2017 when a breakaway team of designers and engineers formerly with BMW, Tesla and mainstream automakers set out to reimagine EV platform construction from the ground up.
They devised a flat, rectangular steel frame housing all batteries and electric drivetrain components as an isolated module upon which different vehicle cabins could mount. This slim "skateboard architecture” aims to simplify manufacturing and enables faster adaptation to new vehicle types and use cases.
Innovative Benefits
- Simplified Supply Chain: 70% fewer parts needed versus traditional construction
- Faster Adaptation: New cabins designed and tooled quicker without drivetrain re-engineering
- Flexible Production: Skateboards make an interchangeable base supporting varied monthly output allocation among truck, SUV, van builds depending on demand
- Smooth Integration: Canoo vehicles designed around the platform from the outset rather than retrofitting an existing frame
Tradeoffs and Unknowns
- Ride Quality: Integrated chassis-mounted batteries often provide better vibration damping
- Noise: Decoupled cabin risks more intrusive ambient noises entering the interior
- Repairability: Tip-over accidents could total vehicles more easily
- Dedicated Lines Needed: Canoo‘s architecture relies on making enough skateboard platforms to justify in-house or contracted production lines
The concept remains novel among EV startups. Executed well, it can facilitate the flexible manufacturing strategy Canoo envisions. However, the decoupled design asks compromises in other areas.
Skateboard Platform Specs
- Layout: Rectangular steel frame with flat battery pack integrated centrally along the floor
- Weight Distribution: Optimized fore-aft and side-to-side balance thanks to low floor
- Drivetrain: Dual-motor all-wheel drive standard with up to 300kW power output
- Battery Capacity: 80-100 kWh based on vehicle and trim optimizations
- Fast Charging: Up to 120 kW theoretical max charge rate where equipped
- Steering/Control: Fully redundant drive-by-wire tech with manual backup
- Manufacturability: Simplified components may cut costs at high volumes
Now let’s survey how Canoo intends to adapt this platform across three uniquely conceived EV models.
Canoo‘s Electric Pickup Truck
Unveiled in 2021, Canoo‘s head-turning pickup blends working utility with their cyberpunk-inspired styling for a truck unlike any other.
It targets leading power, payload and tech features in the emerging midsize EV truck segment Canoo looks to dominate against rivals from Ford, Tesla, Rivian and others.
Performance and Towing
- Power Output: 300+ kW (~400 HP)
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph in ~5.5 seconds (proj.)
- Top Speed: 110 mph (limited)
- Payload: 1,800 lbs capacity over rear axle
- Towing: Estimated 4,000+ lbs able tow rating based on reinforcements
Versus the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning with 2,235 lbs max payload, Canoo‘s truck gives up some capabilities to full-size pickups. But its footprint promises better maneuverability around town and off-road while handling most buyers‘ needs.
Utility and Storage
Taking cues from European cab-over truck designs, Canoo mounts the driver cabin fully forward, maximizing a 6-foot bed expandable to 8 feet:
- Bed Length: Expands 6 ft to 8 ft via sliding rear floor sections
- LED Bed Lighting: Interior rails and pillars illuminate nighttime work areas
- Modular Bed Walls: Fold down sides become workbenches with 4x 120V outlets
- Front Storage: Frunk hides compartment with fold-down work table
- Side Storage: Sliding tool drawers double as Powerboost side steps
With creative touches like this throughout, Canoo conceived their pickup for function first.
Interior Experience
- Panoramic Visibility: Canoo‘s cab-forward design enables sweeping sightlines
- Digital Dash Display: Minimalist cockpit presents essential driving data
- Advanced Driver Aids: Center touchscreen oversees camera systems
- Spacious Cabin: Without a bulky engine up front, the footwell feels more open
Ride quality could suffer slightly from the decoupled skateboard platform. By isolating noise and vibration, Canoo offsets any downsides. An independent rear suspension assists further.
Pricing and Production Timeline
Canoo has not listed an MSRP yet but analysts expect a range from $45,000 to $55,000, competitive with the Rivian R1T‘s $67,500 base price or Ford F-150 Lightning at $41,769.
As for production timing, Canoo initially targeted early 2023 for truck availability. However, amidst recent financial and partnership setbacks, delays now seem likely. 2024 or 2025 appears a safer bet barring an infusion of capital.
Canoo Lifestyle Vehicle (Electric SUV or Van)
Balancing interior space, versatility and the brand’s signature style, Canoo’s electric “Lifestyle Vehicle” essentially provides a modern minivan or SUV equivalent.
Built on the same skateboard platform, the LV adapts well to carrying people rather than payload thanks to roomy seating for up to 7 and panoramic outward visibility.
Performance and Battery Specs
- Layout: Dual Motor AWD
- Peak Power: 300+ kW / 400+ HP
- Acceleration: 0-60 MPH in ~5.5 seconds
- Range: Up to 250 miles per charge
That‘s on par with most premium brand electric SUVs today including the Audi E-Tron (222 miles) or Volvo XC40 Recharge (223 miles).
Charging recovers 80% of range within 30 minutes when using 120+ kW DC fast charging.
Interior Volume and Configurations
One key Canoo focus was maximizing interior space. With a body stretching nearly 17 feet bumper to bumper atop its flat skateboard platform, their Lifestyle Vehicle provides similar useable room as a large minivan or full-size SUV.
- Total Interior Volume: 188 cubic ft (170 ft^3 passenger space + 18 ft^3 front trunk)
- Seating Capacity: Up to 7 passengers depending on trim
- Cargo Volume: 42 ft^3 behind rear seats (est.)
It provides the stretch-out room families want with available bench seats in back facing each other. Or it transforms into a 5-seat SUV equivalent using captain’s chairs. Either way, the interior feels more expansive than its footprint suggests thanks to well utilized vertical space.
Pricing and Availability
Canoo plans to offer the Lifestyle Vehicle in several configurations:
- Base: 5 seats, 200+ mile range, cargo space behind rear row, $35,000 (est)
- Premium: 7 seats, wraparound lounge rear seating, panoramic glass roof
- Adventure: Adds tow hitch, roof racks, all-terrain design accents
- Delivery: 2 seats, 1,400 lbs cargo, up to 250 miles range
Canoo forecasts starting LV production by late 2022. However most analysts now predict delays until 2023 or beyond before more than a token few roll off lines.
Canoo Electric Van / MPDV
Optimized purely for commercial duties, Canoo‘s Multi-Purpose Delivery Vehicle (MPDV) maximizes usable cargo and configuration options for small businesses and fleets needing a versatile workhorse.
Cargo Volumes and Layout
Though exact dimensions remain unfinalized, the Canoo MPDV will fit right in alongside conventionally styled alternatives like the Mercedes Sprinter, while boasting greater maneuverability:
- Overall Length: 15-17 feet (projected)
- Max Cargo Volume: 500+ cubic feet behind front seats (estimated)
- Side Access Doors: Available depending on shelving layout
Built atop Canoo‘s modular skateboard platform, the MPDV‘s boxy proportions stretch usable room to the edges while keeping a short, garage-friendly length.
Inside, the cargo bay lives up to its promised versatility through easily customizable shelving, racks, and storage bins fine-tuned to owners‘ needs via quick release mounts. Multiple 120V power outlets aid integration of worksite tools and lighting.
Pricing and Production Timeframe
Originally Canoo indicated they would only offer a single MPDV variant. Though more recently, hints have dropped about a potential Adventure model with chunky off-road tires and camper conversion potential. No pricing estimate or structure has been shared yet.
As with the brand‘s other vehicles, analysts remain divided whether Canoo can overcome its financial headwinds to produce the MPDV before 2024 at the earliest, with many expecting delays until 2025 or beyond.
Canoo‘s Uncertain Path to Manufacturing
Thus far I‘ve focused mostly on Canoo‘s uniquely conceived EVs themselves since their technology merits interest regardless of near-term production bottlenecks.
However, it‘s impossible to discuss Canoo‘s plans without addressing the existential crises brewing around their ability to finance and manufacture vehicles at scale amidst huge losses.
Mounting Losses and Cash Burn
As a pre-revenue startup, Canoo anticipated running at a loss for years under initial projections. But not to its current extent.
In Q1 2022 alone, Canoo posted a $125 million net loss on zero revenue while burning through on average $100 million per month in cash reserves, which now dwindle below $105 million after peaking at nearly $800 million in late 2020.
Canoo CEO Tony Aquila has scrambled to cut costs while trying to secure further infusions of equity or debt financing. But with share prices depressed 90% below their peak, and partnerships like a potential deal with VDL Groep stalling out, his options narrow by the month.
Production Plans and Timelines
For now, Canoo continues work on its $300 million mega-factory in Pryor, Oklahoma where it wants to produce 10,000+ vehicles in 2023 using contract manufacturing if its own facility isn‘t complete. Additional campuses are mapped for long-term growth.
Most optimistically, highly limited batches of certain Lifestyle Vehicle variants may emerge Q4 2022 if white-knuckle financial engineering keeps operations solvent that long.
But considerable unknowns around Canoo‘s cash position and EV industrialization experience cast extreme doubt on its vehicle volumes before 2024 at the absolute earliest. Preorders for 17,000 EVs representing $750M of potential revenue mean little until vehicles materialize.
Conclusion
I don‘t know about you, but I truly want to see Canoo‘s uniquely conceived vehicles reach public roads. Their pickup, SUV and van prioritize interior space and practical flexibility over conventions in a way no major automaker would dare attempt. And their underlying modular skateboard platform promises manufacturing agility later on.
Yet today, Canoo appears on the brink – racing against dwindling time and capital to industrialize before both evaporate behind ongoing losses.
The company likely needs another savior investment in coming months to fuel engineering refinements and supply chain coordinations necessary before true factory construction and equipment installations kick off.
As an enthusiast, I hope they get the lifeline needed to realize such an outside-the-box vision for electric mobility. One already supported by strong early demand indications via Canoo‘s preorders. But one also burdened by substantial technical and financial obstacles still to overcome.
I welcome your thoughts and questions in the comments! Do you think Canoo‘s modular EVs stand out from the pack design-wise? And will they find funding runways to survive long enough for us to ever cruise around in their steampunk-esque vehicles?
