Canoo debuts its electric pickup truck; deliveries in 2023
12 March 2021
Canoo Inc. debuted its fully-electric pickup truck during the Motor Press Guild’s Virtual Media Day (VMD) in partnership with Automobility LA. The production version of the pickup truck will open for preorders in Q2 2021, with deliveries beginning as early as 2023.
Canoo is developing purpose-built electric vehicles (EVs) using a proprietary and versatile platform architecture; the pickup is the third, following the eponymous Canoo lifestyle vehicle and the Multi Purpose Delivery Vehicle (MPDV). (Earlier post.)
Vehicle specifications for the Canoo pickup truck include:
Dual or rear motor configurations
Up to 600 hp and 550 lb-ft (746 N·m) of torque with dual motors
Vehicle payload capacity of 1800 lbs
200+ miles of range
Steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire technology
Wheelbase: 112.2 inches/ 2850 mm
Overall length: 184 inches/ 4677 mm (with bed extension: 213 inches/ 5400 mm)
Width: 78 inches/ 1980 mm (with mirrors: 87 inches/ 2209 mm)
Height: 76 inches/ 1920 mm (with roof rack: 82 inches/ 2085 mm)
Bed W,L: 64 inches/ 1627 mm x 72 inches/ 1817 mm (with extension: 64 inches/ 1627 mm x 102 inches/ 2600 mm)
Bed depth: 21 inches/ 522 mm
Tires: 265 60r18 (as shown)
Canoo designed its pickup truck to be the most cab-forward and space efficient on the market, with massive cargo capacity on the smallest footprint possible. With the flexible platform and steer-by-wire, the passenger compartment was able to be shifted forward to maximize driver visibility. Canoo’s designers gave the pickup added stance and durability with increased wheel spats to support larger wheels, which provides improved stability and gives it a rugged profile.
Advanced lighting technology provides adaptive safety, and the company’s iconic signature headlights and taillights serve as core brand identifiers without the need for a logo. Beyond just storage, the front surface of the vehicle has been extended to better protect the headlights and windshield.
The bumpers are designed for maximum functionality and durability with integrated tow hooks and metal skid plates on both the front and rear. The vehicle’s fog lamps are also integrated seamlessly into the bumper design to offer the driver additional visibility and safety. Lined with trim and materials selected for durability, the extended cab vehicle has two seats in the front with a customizable rear compartment that can accommodate two additional seats or support additional purpose-built use-case configurability.
Full specifications will be revealed closer to production.
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. The extension also serves as a license plate holder. When the bed is extended, a second layer of tailgate doors can be swiveled out. The bed-extension also houses a secondary lamp, containing all tail lamp functions, so the truck can be driven while the bed space is maximized.
Fold Down Worktable + Cargo Storage: 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 extendable 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.
Side Step + Storage: On the side of the vehicle there is a hidden step to allow quick and easy access to the truck bed. Underneath the step is a flexible storage area for items including: a first-aid kit, cooler for snacks and drinks, lockable laptop storage and more. This space efficient feature is only possible due to Canoo’s ultra-flat platform.
Modular Bed with Space Dividers: The truck bed is modular with the use of Canoo’s space divider system designed to keep items separate and secure. The bed wall also incorporates modular wheel chocks to secure bikes and configurable tie downs for ladders, large equipment and other materials.
Multi-Accessory Charge Port: The pickup truck can double as a powerplant with exportable power accessible on all sides of the vehicle. Power can last all day for tools and devices, with as little as 10% impact on vehicle range.
Interesting. I like all of the fold out capabilities but the load capacity is a bit light and nothing was said about towing capacity. Will have to see how it stacks up against Ford and GM.
Posted by: sd | 12 March 2021 at 07:37 AM
The article does say "tow hooks front and rear".
I'm more concerned about crush space. There doesn't seem to have been a whole lot of consideration of crash-safety.
Posted by: Engineer-Poet | 12 March 2021 at 08:46 AM