Canoo Inc. is an American electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer based in California, United States. The company was founded in December 2017 by a team of experienced engineers and designers from Faraday Future and BMW, among others. Canoo's mission is to create sustainable and affordable EVs for urban lifestyles, with a focus on delivering customizable and versatile vehicles that prioritize space and functionality. The company has developed a proprietary skateboard platform, which serves as the basis for all of its vehicles and allows for greater flexibility in design.
Canoo went public in December 2020 through a merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) called Hennessy Capital Acquisition Corp. IV. The deal valued Canoo at around $2.4 billion and provided the company with $600 million in funding to help bring its vehicles to market. The merger also allowed Canoo to avoid the traditional initial public offering (IPO) process and gain access to public markets more quickly.
Canoo's first vehicle, the Canoo Lifestyle Vehicle, is an electric van that features a unique, modular interior design with customizable seating arrangements and a configurable roof. The vehicle is intended to appeal to a variety of customer needs, from ride-sharing to cargo delivery. Canoo plans to launch the Lifestyle Vehicle in 2022, with a starting price of $34,750.
In addition to the Lifestyle Vehicle, Canoo is also developing a range of other EVs, including a delivery van and a sports car. The delivery van is designed to provide a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional delivery vehicles, while the sports car is intended to showcase the capabilities of Canoo's skateboard platform. Canoo also plans to offer a subscription-based model for its vehicles, allowing customers to pay a monthly fee for access to a range of EVs.
Canoo faces competition in the EV market from a variety of other companies, including established automakers such as Tesla, General Motors, and Ford, as well as newer players such as Rivian and Lucid Motors. However, the company's focus on urban mobility and flexible vehicle design could help it stand out in a crowded market. Canoo also benefits from the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions, as governments and consumers alike seek to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.