Canoo unveils powerful electric pickup truck

Home > Industry Analysis > Content

【Summary】Canoo has unveiled its new "American Bulldog" electric pickup truck, which the company says embodies the American spirit with its grit and innovation. Canoo has recently settled a SEC investigation and has delivered vehicles to the US Army and NASA. The struggling EV startup has secured incentives and introduced the LDV 190, expanding its reach in the electric cargo van market. However, Canoo's financial situation remains uncertain, with significant funding needed for production.

FutureCar Staff Nov 11, 2023 3:16 PM PT

Canoo unveils powerful electric pickup truck

EV maker Canoo unveiled its latest model, the "American Bulldog" electric pickup truck on Friday. Canoo describes the truck as a representation of the American spirit, embodying grit and innovation.

After resolving a multiyear SEC investigation earlier this year, Canoo is ready to move forward and leave the past behind.

The struggling EV startup has made significant progress by delivering vehicles to prestigious clients such as the US Army and NASA. Additionally, Canoo has gained new clients, including retail giant Walmart.

In August, Canoo secured $113 million in combined incentives for its EV assembly and battery module manufacturing plants located in OKC and Pryor. As part of its expansion, Canoo introduced the LDV 190, a Class 3 electric cargo van, which shares the same Mutli-Purpose platform as its smaller LDV 130 but features a reinforced suspension to handle heavier loads.

Canoo's vehicle lineup is built on its versatile Mutli-Purpose Platform (MPP) and includes the Lifestyle Vehicle (Delivery, Base, Premium, and Adventure), Multi-Purpose Delivery Vehicle, and the newly unveiled American Bulldog electric pickup truck.

On Friday, Canoo introduced its latest innovation, the American Bulldog electric truck. This EV pickup is based on the Screaming Eagle model that was previously delivered to the US Army for testing in 2022.

According to Canoo's CEO, Tony Aquila, the American Bulldog builds upon the company's rapid product development and real-world testing. Aquila emphasizes that the vehicle represents the loyalty, courage, and innovation of the American spirit.

The American Bulldog electric pickup is designed to perform like a battleship, with a robust and rugged design. Canoo compares the vehicle's strength and determination to that of American workers, drawing parallels to popular trucks like the Chevy Silverado or Ford F-150.

While the American Bulldog is an impressive concept, it remains uncertain if it will become a common sight on the streets. Canoo, like many other EV startups, is facing significant financial pressure. Although the company recently started generating revenue from its government contract, it reported a loss of $161.6 million in the first half of the year with no revenue generated.

Canoo's production plan requires substantial funding, and as of June, the company only had around $5 million in cash and equivalents. Over the past few years, Canoo has expressed doubts about its ability to continue operations due to a lack of funding.

More insight into Canoo's financial situation will be gained when the company reports its third-quarter earnings on November 14. However, if Canoo can overcome its financial challenges, it expects to benefit from its "Made in America" strategy. Customers who purchase a Canoo EV are eligible for the IRA's Commercial Clean Vehicle Tax Credit, which amounts to a $7,500 tax credit.