Canoo's Electric Pickup Trucks Is Up For US Army's Evaluation

Electric vehicles (EVs) do not get the same design and specification constraints as those with internal combustion engines (ICE). When it comes to EVs, it seems that most automakers are more open-minded. They skip the conventional design for new electric cars and go their way.

The EV startup Canoo is a proud American fledgling automaker that follows its path. Although it has not yet started its full-scale production, the US Army selected the company to create a test vehicle.

Signed agreements

In July, Canoo announced that it received separate agreements from a private company and a federal government agency.

The first agreement has been with Walmart wherein Canoo will supply 4500 electric delivery vehicles. The production starts at the startup’s plant in Oklahoma. The automaker is planning to deliver the fleet after production in 2023.

The second agreement comes from the United States Army. In July, Canoo got a pentagon contract from the US Army, wherein they signed an agreement to provide a test vehicle for demonstration and analysis. Back in February, the military agency released a new climate strategy that includes the implementation of electric vehicles to lower climate emissions. The partnership comes after the climate strategy of the US Army was announced its strategy.

Just recently, the startup company announced that created and delivered its Light Tactical Vehicle (LTV) to the U.S. Army. According to Canoo’s CEO, Tony Aquila, LTV is another milestone that will prove the power of their technology. It is also a way to demonstrate how it can be used in tactical situations.

LTV

Canoo has created the Lifestyle Vehicle, which is a pod-shaped truck that might look like a concept car. The vehicle is out of the ordinary—a design unlike any other pickup truck on the market. It isn’t just a conventional pickup truck that you can put on some American Force Wheels.

But when they signed a deal with the US Army, Canoo created a customized version that they will submit as a test vehicle. The Light Tactical Vehicle (LTV) is a modular vehicle that enables users to transform it into several configurations. Despite the different configurations, the company says that they have incorporated carbon Kevlar material to make the LTV more durable without the increased weight. It is engineered with such material to withstand extreme environments.

If you look closely at the appearance of the Light Tactical Vehicle, you will notice that it looks similar to the Canoo pickup truck that was released for retail. You may think of it as the modified version meant for the army’s use.

The LTV comes loaded with an all-wheel drive system and can deliver up to 600 horsepower. It has a raised suspension system with air springs. It has nice truck wheels that you can fit with 32-inch all-terrain tires. The suspension is designed that way to make it fit for traversing challenging terrains.

Canoo says the all-wheel drive LTV can produce up to 600 horsepower and has a stealth configuration. The rear of the truck can be converted to a flatbed truck, which allows drivers to carry various items, including tactical equipment. Racks and ramps can be mounted, so it’s easier to load, unload, and organize. It can also be used as a cargo-carrying vehicle, so tents, storage boxes, or tactical systems can be loaded.

Cost-efficiency

One of the largest institutional consumers of petroleum fuels globally is the US Military. It is also among the planet’s biggest polluters. The US military has a larger carbon footprint compared to 140 nations, including first-world countries like Denmark and Sweden.

The United States Army uses up to 4.2 billion gallons of fuel yearly. The Defense Logistics Agency pays a premium price on fuel and has spent over $9 billion in 2019. It’s not economical to deliver fuel to remote operations as they can cost as much as $1,000 per gallon. Moreover, the fuel convoys are vulnerable to attacks—so they cost not only money but also lives.

Among other tactics, the Defense Department declared a net-zero emissions plan at the start of 2022. It has called for the army to electrify its support and combat vehicles. In case the automaker’s pickup truck will be accepted, the US Army will be one of its big customers. It would also be a significant gain for the startup. For now, there is still no guarantee that LTV will be part of that initiative since they only have a deal on testing its electric truck.

Why does the US military want EVs?

Canoo is not the only EV automaker that supplies electric vehicle technology for military use. The advanced defense mobility innovation unit of General Motors called GM Defense was also selected by the Defense Innovation Unit (DUI). They are chosen to develop a battery pack that can power functional military EVs.

The DIU is a unit of the Department of Defense that specializes in strengthening national security. They are the ones who can fast-track the adoption of prominent commercial technology throughout the military.

Since EVs are more powerful and stealthier, they provide more benefits than their gas-powered counterparts. They also have technologically advanced options which are beneficial for the military.

Electric vehicles are already winning over gas-powered counterparts when it comes to the war between Ukraine and Russia. Due to a fuel logistics mishap, the Russian military vehicles sat on a 40-mile-long convoy. Using tactical electric bikes, the Ukrainian snipers silently sneak into the target area, engage the enemy, and were able to flee quickly before being spotted.

The Modern War Institute at West Point highlighted the US Military’s need to take advantage of the electrification trend. It has also pointed out that the military should not go slow and adopt the best new technologies as soon as possible. The institute also cited how automakers can give insights that can help improve electric military vehicles.

Future of army vehicles

Canoo has a chance to prove that EVs can be beneficial in the military as they provide silent yet rapid way of transportation. They can also help save money on and fuel costs maintenance. Most importantly, electric vehicles used in tactical and military settings will reduce the dependence on foreign fossil fuels. Many countries are still dependent on other nations’ oil products, so they can be used to provoke or prolong a war.