In September last year, Canoo, the Los Angeles-based electric vehicle startup, showed off an electric minibus that they planned to launch in 2021. Now another model, an all-electric MPDV (Multi-Purpose Delivery Vehicle), is presented. It is a transport vehicle for that last bit delivery or for small companies in smaller towns.
As an integral part of Canoo’s business strategy, the multi-purpose delivery vehicle’s functional design is geared towards serving a wide range of customers. It is based on the company’s well-known skateboard e-chassis platform. The e-transporter is initially being offered in two size variants, with more to follow. Besides, large customers would have the opportunity to work with the startup to develop a customer-specific vehicle that meets their requirements.
The smallest variant, the MPDV1, is 4.38 meters long, 1.95 wide, 1.88 high, and the wheelbase is given as 2.87 meters. The vehicle is powered by a single 200-HP (149-kW), front-wheel drive motor producing 236 lb. ft (320 Nm) of torque. A total of three liquid-cooled battery sizes are available with 40, 60, and 80 kWh. The estimated per charge EPA range will be up to 130 miles (208 km), 190 miles (305 km), and 230 miles (370 km), respectively.
It will have a total cargo capacity of 200 cubic ft (5.66 m3) and will be able to haul up to 1,980 lb (898 kg) in cargo with a small battery, around 798 kg with the medium battery, and 699 kg with the large one.
The medium variant MPDV2 has a length of 5.21 meters, a width of 2.19 meters, and a height of 2.56 meters. The wheelbase is given as 2.87 meters. This version is also powered by a 147 kW electric motor. A total of three battery sizes are also available for the MPDV2. As estimated EPA ranges, the startup gives around 90 miles (144 km) for the small battery with 40 kWh, around 140 miles (225 km) for the medium battery with 60 kWh, and around 190 miles (305 km) for the large battery with 80 kWh.
This version can accommodate 450 cubic ft of cargo in the back and 50 cubic ft more in the cabin. The payload is 798 kg for the small battery, 699 kg for the medium battery, and 599 kg for the large battery. The DC fast charging could get the larger battery pack from 20-80% in less than half an hour.
There are 125/240 V sockets for connecting external equipment and tools on both sides of the body, and inside the body can be installed folding shelves, cabinets, racks, folding seats, partitions – whatever the customer wants. Canoo can be easily converted into a car shop, a kitchen on wheels, a workshop, and other special equipment, but the main thing is still delivering goods to the population.
However, the two versions of the e-transporter mentioned should not stop there: After introducing the MPDV1 and MPDV2, Canoo is preparing the market launch of a third, larger variant, which should be located in the class 3 truck category.
It is said to cost around $33,000 and can be reserved now for a refundable deposit of $100. The first copies should be available in 2022. The scaling of production and the market launch is planned for 2023.
