Canoo Technologies, a leading high-tech advanced mobility company, recently delivered its first “Made in Oklahoma” electric vehicles to the state of Oklahoma. The milestone marks the start of the company’s phased-ramp manufacturing in Oklahoma and its shipment of lifestyle delivery vehicle (LDV) models to key customers and partners in 2023, with increasing units in 2024.
“We are proud to be part of this historic moment as Canoo builds momentum on its road to full-scale production,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “This marks Oklahoma’s return to vehicle manufacturing and proves ‘The Sooner State’ is the right place to grow cutting-edge businesses and create new jobs.”
Canoo’s mission is to “bring EVs to everyone.” The company has developed breakthrough EVs, reinventing the automotive landscape with its pioneering technologies, unique design, and business model that spans multiple owners across the entire vehicle lifecycle. Canoo designed a modular electric platform that is purpose-built to maximize the vehicle interior space and is customizable for all owners in the vehicle lifecycle to support a wide range of business and consumer applications.
Moreover, Canoo is hiring for its Oklahoma City and Pryor facilities in the state and expects to create more than 1,300 jobs. The LDVs are the first commercial motor vehicles built in Oklahoma since 2006 and will go to the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES).
“It’s an honor to partner with the state of Oklahoma and its workforce to create a legacy for EVs in America’s Heartland,” said Tony Aquila, Canoo chair and CEO. “What is inspiring to me is that it takes just a small group of innovators and hardworking believers who find a way to win. I want to thank Governor Stitt and his team for believing in us. We want our vehicles to provide service to Oklahomans who have been our partners through this journey.”
The LDVs set a new standard for mobility. Built on a multi-purpose platform, the vehicles are configurable to help commercial and government fleet customers improve efficiency and cut operating costs. All Canoo vehicles are designed for performance and functionality, with comfort, safety, and security that is configurable in unique ways.
“We are excited to add Canoo vehicles to the state’s pooled fleet as part of a broader initiative to improve efficiency, cut waste and improve stewardship of taxpayer dollars,” said OMES Executive Director John Suter. “We look forward to evaluating these new assets and the role they can play in modernizing Oklahoma’s vehicle use.”
USPS to also use EVs
Canoo also announced that the US Postal Service will purchase 6 battery-electric Canoo vehicles. The Postal Service will take delivery of these 6 right-hand drive versions of the LDV 190 this first quarter of 2024. The vehicles for USPS will leverage Canoo’s patented technologies to deliver enhanced functionality, safety, and ergonomics.
Canoo is honored to participate as one of the potential suppliers in the groundbreaking electrification and modernization of USPS’ delivery fleet, as announced by the USPS last Jan. 22. This effort is part of USPS’ $40-billion investment strategy to upgrade and improve the organization’s processing, transportation, and delivery networks.
“The multi-purpose platform with steer-by-wire technology and a unique low-profile suspension system allows for a readily configurable right-hand drive system while maintaining desired roll and ride stability,” said Aquila.
EVs to Kingbee
Another recent delivery was announced by Canoo to Kingbee, a national work-ready van rental provider, to begin using Canoo LDV 130 vehicles in its fleet. Canoo delivered vehicles to Kingbee consistent with its schedule as part of a phased ramp-up manufacturing approach in Oklahoma City. Additional customer deliveries will be scheduled through 2024.
“We are proud that an increasing number of our vehicles are on the roads of America, and we are looking forward to our vehicles joining Kingbee and its impressive list of customers,” said Aquila. “Our vehicles are engineered for service workers and optimized for safety, reliability, and comfort. This is what distinguishes our vehicles and provides a competitive edge for commercial fleet companies.”
As part of the agreement, Kingbee will purchase 9,300 Canoo vehicles with an option to increase to 18,600, subject to availability. Kingbee will up-fit, custom wrap, and deliver Canoo vehicles as work-ready fleet solutions for companies across the United States.
“We are excited for the opportunity to help fleets transition to EVs. Fleets of all sizes use Kingbee as a flexible option for vehicle acquisition, and we’re honored to be among the first to add Canoo to our EV portfolio,” said Scott Haslam, Kingbee Vans CEO.
550 EVs to Prime Time Shuttle
Meanwhile, Canoo also announced a contract with Los Angeles-based Prime Time Shuttle to purchase up to 550 EVs. Prime Time Shuttle will purchase the lifestyle vehicle (LV) premium model vehicles, adding to its fleet of luxury vehicles and airport transportation shuttles that service the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
“As a pioneer and leader in the luxury and airport transportation niche, we have experience serving passengers and providing value to both our clients and the industry,” said Rattan Joea, Prime Time Shuttle CEO. “We’re practitioners of sustainability and have a separate fleet of sustainable vehicles, so Canoo’s LVs fit nicely into our vision of providing differentiated experiences to our clients.”
Prime Time Shuttle operates in 34 states and has had more than 50 million customers and riders since starting in 1984. The company will use Canoo vehicles as shuttles in the Los Angeles area, with long-term plans of integrating EVs into Prime Time markets outside of California.
“Canoo is passionate about delivering a zero-carbon economy that benefits the environment and communities everywhere,” said Aquila. “We applaud the state of California for their disciplined approach to zero emissions. I am proud of our sales team for opening a new market for us, and I look forward to the partnership with Prime Time Shuttle.” (Story and photos courtesy of Canoo)