In 2019, the EV startup Canoo made headlines when it unveiled a vehicle intended for a subscription instead of ownership. Its first EV was a pod-like 7-passenger electric minivan. It was based on the automaker’s platform that combines the electric drivetrain, batteries, and steer-by-wire system. The platform could mount different body types for various purposes. This got Hyundai’s attention, and earlier this year, they struck a deal to collaborate on the skateboard TV platform.
This month, the LA-based electric mobility company graces us with more new news by debuting the MPDV: a Class 1 electric delivery van. (MPDV stands for Multi-Purpose Delivery Vehicle). It aims to start selling the zero-emissions van in limited availability in 2022, with scaled production and a launch in 2023.
The MPDV is based on the company’s proprietary skateboard electric platform. It was designed to accommodate the demands of last-mile delivery operations and small business owners. However, it could suit the needs of utility workers, service technicians, contractors, and more. Canoo also invites more prominent companies with specialized needs to design vehicles tailored to their requirements.
Canoo executive chairman, Tony Aquila, said:
We created our multi-purpose delivery vehicle from the inside out, with the ergonomics of the driver in mind and with attention to detail to help them be happier and more productive at work. The vehicle is affordable and offers greater cargo capacity than the current electric delivery offerings in its class. We aim to lower the total cost of ownership and increase return on investment for everyone from local small business owners to large fleets.
The new van will be sold in two variants, with more to follow.
The smallest one (MPDV1) is 14.4′ long, 6.4′ wide, and 6.2′ tall, with 230 cubic feet of cargo space. It can haul up to 1,980 lb (898 kg) in cargo. It starts at $33,000. There are three battery pack options: 80kWh (230 miles), 60kWh (190 miles), and 40kWh (with an estimated 130 miles of range). Support for DC fast charging is included, so the larger battery pack to go from 20 to 80% in less than 30 minutes.
The larger version (MPDV2) is 17.1′ long, 7.2′ wide, and 8.4′ tall, with 500 cubic feet of cargo space. It can haul up to 1,760 pounds of cargo. The price hasn’t been announced yet. The battery pack options are the same except the range drops because of the extra eight to 190 miles, 140 miles, and 90 miles, respectively.
A third variant (MPDV3), which falls into the Class 3 truck category, will debut after the official production launch of Class 1 vehicles.
Canoo plans to sell the vans in the US first, then elsewhere.
Canoo’s vans’ advantages include bi-directional onboard charging that allows the batteries to be used for worksite tools in place of a mobile generator and an office-like cabin design. The vans can also be customized to include ramps that slide out, roll-up style doors, and a bank of storage lockers.
The company is taking pre-orders for the MPDV1 and MPDV2 for a refundable deposit of $100 per vehicle.
