Canoo shows cabover electric pickup

Canoo Inc. has adapted its versatile platform architecture for a fully electric pickup truck design concept it is showing today 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 pre-orders in the second quarter of 2022, with deliveries beginning in 2023.

“We are so passionate about building vehicles that can change people’s lives,” said Tony Aquila, Executive Chairman, Canoo. “Our pickup truck is as strong as the toughest trucks out there and is designed to be exponentially more productive. We made accessories for people who use trucks—on the job, weekends, adventure.”

The pickup is the third vehicle to be based on the company’s proprietary multi-purpose EV (electric vehicle) platform architecture, which the company says enables the accelerated development timeline from concept to production.

The platform is engineered with steer- and brake-by-wire and other space-saving technologies to integrate critical components of the electric powertrain as flatly and efficiently as possible. Canoo says it avoids the space challenges of traditional EV platforms that have power units, shock towers, and mechanical steering columns that protrude into the vehicle and take up space. The thin profile is said to allow for a flatbed size comparable to America’s best-selling pickup truck on a smaller footprint that is easier to maneuver and more convenient to drive and park in any terrain.

The pickup’s overall length comes in at 184 in (4677 mm), 213 in (5400 mm) with an extended bed. Width is 78 in (1980 mm), 87 in (2209 mm) counting the mirrors. Height is 76 in (1920 mm), 82 in (2085 mm) with a roof rack. Its wheelbase is 112.2 in (2850 mm).

Dual- or rear-motor configurations come with up to 600 hp (447 kW) and 550 lb·ft (745 N·m) with dual motors and 1800-lb (3970-lb) vehicle payload capacity. The electric range is over 200 mi (320 km). The truck can double as a powerplant with “exportable” power accessible on all sides. Power for all-day usage of tools and devices is said to only have a 10% impact on vehicle range.

Canoo designed its pickup to be the most cab-forward and space-efficient on the market, with maximum cargo capacity on the smallest footprint possible. The flexible platform and steer-by-wire enabled the passenger compartment to be shifted forward to maximize driver visibility. While the tires on the vehicle shown are 265/60R-18, the pickup has wheel spats to support larger wheels for improved stability and a more rugged profile.

The front surface of the vehicle has been extended to better protect the headlights and windscreen and improve storage. The bumpers have integrated tow hooks and metal skid plates front and rear, with integrated fog lamps upfront. Advanced lighting technology provides adaptive safety, and the company’s iconic headlight and taillight design serve as core brand identifiers without the need for a logo.

The extended cab is lined with trim and materials selected for durability. There are two seats in front with a customizable rear compartment that can accommodate two additional seats or support additional purpose-built use-case configurability.

When it comes to pickups, a lot of consumer focus is on vehicle utility, with special emphasis on the bed. Canoo’s pickup was built with several unique features to help customers do more with their vehicles.

The pickup truck bed is 6 ft long and can extend to a fully enclosed 8 ft to allow big items such as the obligatory 4 x 8 ft sheet of plywood to easily fit inside. Specifically, the bed measures 64 in (1627 mm) wide, with its 72 in (1817 mm) length extendable to 102 in (2600 mm). Bed depth is 21 in (522 mm).

The pull-handle bed extension helps with loading/unloading the truck and serves as a license plate holder. When the bed is extended, a second layer of tailgate doors can be swiveled out. The bed-extension houses a secondary lamp, containing all taillamp functions, so the truck can be driven while bed space is maximized.

The modular bed uses a space divider system to keep items separate and secure. The bed wall incorporates modular wheel chocks to secure bikes and configurable tie-downs for ladders and other large equipment. Bed lighting at night is handled by the third brake light doubling as an overhead cargo bed light, with perimeter lighting on all sides for added visibility.

A hidden step on the side allows for easy access to the bed. Underneath it is a flexible storage area for items including a first-aid kit, cooler for snacks and drinks, lockable laptop, and storage. This space-efficient feature is made possible by the ultra-flat platform.

To offer even more utility, a front cargo storage area holds tools or gear, and a fold-down worktable with electrical outlets is extendable to allow for more work surface in addition to providing an area to put on gear before heading out exploring.

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.

Optional roof racks in variable sizes add to the cargo storage options. In the vehicle shown, the rack is 48 in (1230 mm) wide by 54 in (1360 mm) long. It is easily accessible from the bed or via the sidestep. The pickup is also designed to accommodate a variety of camper shells to fit as many use cases as possible.

Full specifications of the pickup will be revealed closer to production. The first vehicle the company showed was the canoo, what it calls the world’s first membership-only vehicle. The company’s first commercial offering, a multi-purpose delivery vehicle (MPDV) is expected to launch with small batches starting in 2022 and full production in 2023.