Source: Canoo
Californian EV start-up Canoo has landed its biggest order to date, securing a binding order for 9,300 electric vehicles from American work-ready rental van company Kingbee.
Less than a week after Canoo announced an order for 5,450 EVs – which included a firm commitment for 3,000 – from US fleet leasing provider Zeeba, Canoo has secured another firm order for 9,300 EVs with an option to increase to 18,600 vehicles.
Reading into the Canoo press release, it would appear that Kingbee will take delivery of Canoo’s Lifestyle Delivery Vehicle (LDV) for the full order allotment. Once delivered, Kingbee will upfit, wrap, and deliver Canoo vehicles as work-ready fleet solutions for enterprise and small & medium sized businesses.
Built on Canoo’s proprietary multi-purpose platform (MPP) architecture, the LDV can be modified for a wide array of use cases.
“Our LDV has it all in a fully electric multi-generational platform, with market pushing customization, that is made to last and outperform expectations,” said Tony Aquila, chairman & CEO at Canoo.
“Canoo’s proprietary platform and tophat technology enables Kingbee to adapt their fleet for evolving use cases at a class leading ROI, while allowing their customers to benefit from a vehicle, that is engineered for workers and optimized for ergonomics, with superior visibility, manoeuvrability and safety.”
Canoo’s LDV boasts 120 cubic feet of configurable cargo volume along with an 80kWh battery pack. Offering an aspirational 400 kilometres of range (with final specifications yet to be confirmed), the LDV can be modified for 1 to 2 seats and carry a payload of 1,543 lbs.
“We are excited to partner with Canoo to provide sustainable work vehicle rentals to our customers,” said Scott Haslam, CEO of Kingbee Rentals.
“Canoo vehicles are designed specifically for fleets to be upfit and last multiple users. This is exactly what we need. Our assets are our business, and we need products that provide the best driver experience with durability.”
The news for Canoo serves as a further demonstration of its potential as it seeks to move away from the edge of bankruptcy.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.
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