Canoo sends its EV pickup truck to the US Military for testing • TechCrunch

Canoo, the beleaguered EV startup-turned-SPAC, has delivered its first “Mild Tactical Automobile” to the U.S. Military for an indication challenge aimed toward displaying how its modular electrical platform can help mission-specific configurations for much less cash.

Canoo has landed orders for its customizable platforms with quite a lot of prospects, starting from NASA to Walmart. The U.S. Military, which goals to include scalable automobiles into its operations, awarded the corporate a contract in July to produce a automobile for evaluation and demonstration.

The contract itself is simply $67,500 — not precisely a cloth quantity. If Canoo’s automobile meets or exceeds the Military’s expectation, it might result in a way more fruitful relationship down the highway. It’s this risk that seems to have assuaged traders. Canoo shares popped greater than 4% following the announcement.

Canoo mentioned the purpose-built automobile for the Military is designed to be sturdy in excessive environments, with a give attention to passenger and battery security. The corporate describes the LTV as a “jack-of-all-trades” with a convertible flatbed platform that may carry customary sized plywood, tactical gear and development and outsized supplies.

“The LTV is one other milestone proving the ability of our expertise and the way it may be used, even in tactical conditions,” Canoo Chairman and CEO Tony Aquila mentioned in an announcement. “It is a profitable algorithm for our prospects and firm.”

The startup faltered after going public in a 2020 SPAC merger with Hennessy Capital Acquisition Corp., being investigated by the SEC whereas burning via money, however seems for now to have overcome the obstacles which have thwarted rivals.

Earlier this month, the EV maker mentioned it deliberate to accumulate a automobile manufacturing facility in Oklahoma Metropolis to deliver its battery-electric Way of life Supply Automobile (LDV) and Way of life Automobile (LV) SUV to market in 2023. It additionally mentioned it’s going to construct an EV battery module manufacturing facility in Pryor, Oklahoma.

The 600-horsepower, all-wheel-drive LTV for the Military makes use of high-strength, light-weight Carbon Kevlar and incorporates air-springs, a raised suspension, and 32-inch all-terrain tires to extend floor clearance appropriate on excessive or rugged terrain.

The LTV will be transformed from a pickup right into a flatbed truck or cargo automobile. NASA selected Canoo’s multi-purpose platform to move astronauts to the Artemis launch website for lunar missions that can assist set up the primary long-term presence on the Moon.