The United States Army has received Canoo‘s first Light Tactical Vehicle (LTV) for Analysis and Demonstration, as per TechCrunch. The automaker is certain that its military-spec pickup will be useful in carrying out military duties.
“The LTV is another milestone proving the power of our technology and how it can be used, even in tactical situations. This is a winning algorithm for our customers and company.”
Canoo Chairman and CEO Tony Aquila
Canoo’s recent clients
As the US Army strives to integrate customizable vehicles into its operations, it granted Canoo a contract to provide a vehicle for study and demonstration in July.
Furthermore, the startup American EV maker has also received orders from a range of clients, including NASA and Walmart. Interestingly, NASA selected Canoo’s versatile platform to move astronauts to the Artemis launch facility for lunar missions.
Purpose of Canoo’s first “Light Tactical Vehicle” to the US Army
Canoo claimed that the vehicle was made especially for the Army, built to withstand harsh conditions. That said, it puts a strong emphasis on battery and passenger safety.
Canoo claimed that the LTV is a “jack-of-all-trades” vehicle with a platform that can be converted into a flatbed. Remarkably, it can transport massive materials for construction and plywood of conventional size.
The cost of the deal is only $67,500. However, if Canoo’s vehicle lives up to the Army’s expectations, it might result in significantly larger investments. It is worth noting that shares of Canoo increased by more than 4% after the news.
Technical details
The Army’s all-wheel-drive LTV has 600 horsepower. Its 80-kWh battery pack is expected to provide a range of about 200 miles.
In addition, it makes use of lightweight, high-strength Carbon Kevlar. It also has higher suspension, air springs, and 32-inch all-terrain tires. These are designed to boost ground clearance for rough or harsh terrain.
About Canoo
The American startup struggled after coming public in a 2020 SPAC merger with Hennessy Capital Acquisition Corp., was under SEC investigation, and was bleeding money. Fortunately for the company, it seems to have surmounted the obstacles that hindered rivals.
Cannoo announced earlier this month that it intended to purchase a vehicle production site in Oklahoma City. It is expected to manufacture the automaker’s battery-electric Lifestyle Delivery Vehicle (LDV) and Lifestyle Vehicle (LV) SUV and launch by 2023. Additionally, it declared that it would erect a factory in Pryor, Oklahoma, to produce EV battery modules.
Canoo shifted the start date to before the end of 2022 after first indicating it would start in 2023. Production then began on time.
