Texas-based advanced mobility company Canoo Technologies, which operates R&D centers in Auburn Hills and Livonia, is launching a new Lifestyle Delivery Vehicle (LDV) 190, which expands the company’s line-up into the Class 2 electric cargo van segment.
“This newest vehicle offers even greater space and flexibility for fleet owners with the same unique technologically advanced performance of our original LDV 130,” says Tony Aquila, chairman and CEO of Canoo. “As we build out our family of vehicles over time, we expect to continue to bring forward models and options that improve safety, reliability, performance and are zero emission.”
The LDV 190 shares the same Multi-Purpose Platform (MPP) as the LDV 130 but has a more beefed-up suspension system to handle the increased payload of Class 2 vehicles. Drivers will notice it features the same dynamic handling and performance as the LDV 130, courtesy of Canoo’s patented steering by wire system, according to the company.
Despite its increased payload load capacity and body length, the wheelbase and low center of gravity is maintained from the LDV 130. This is intended to ensure predictable driving behavior at all speeds while maintaining maneuverability at slow speeds and in urban areas.
The LDV 190 also features a patent-pending interchangeable rear cargo cartridge offering customer the ability to change between barn door, tambour door, and a split tailgate configuration that incorporates a loading ramp.
Customers will have the choice of dual 50/50 barn doors with 270-degree hinges that fold backwards against the body and provide ease of cargo access and easier loading of large objects.
An optional step bumper proves protection and additional access to the rear cargo area. The cargo area has been enlarged to 172 cubic feet of space behind the standard bulkhead, with more cargo room available in the front cabin on the optional single seat version.
Additional light emitting diode (LED) lighting provides visibility for all conditions. The vehicle also features optional composite translucent roof panels, which allow more natural light in the cargo area during the day. Cargo density, access, and organization is maximized with available shelving systems, storage bins, and a sliding cargo floor with a 1,000-pound working capacity.
The LDV 190 and its increased size and capability fits between the LDV 130 and the forthcoming larger Canoo MPDV. Like all Canoo fleet vehicles, the purpose-built platform design of the LDV 190 offers maximum cargo density, enhanced safety, driver comfort, yet maintains the smallest footprint and the longest EV range in the Class 2 segment, the company says.
The automaker adds that it’s making progress on achieving a production readiness level of 20,000 vehicles per year by the end of 2023. It is building a vehicle assembly plant in Oklahoma City and a battery plant in Pryor, Okla.
Last month, Canoo delivered three Crew Transportation Vehicles (CTVs) to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in support of the upcoming Artemis 2 lunar missions. Read the DBusiness Hustle & Muscle story here.
