The company's Lifestyle Deliver Vehicles were delivered to the Office of Management and Enterprise Services.
Canoo Inc. on Nov. 13 announced it delivered its first EVs made in Oklahoma to the state, a milestone marking the start of Canoo's phased-ramp manufacturing in the state and its shipment of Lifestyle Delivery Vehicle (LDV) models to key customers and partners in 2023, with increasing units in 2024.
"This marks Oklahoma's return to vehicle manufacturing and proves the Sooner State is the right place to grow cutting-edge businesses and create new jobs," said Gov. Kevin Stitt.
Canoo's expansion in Oklahoma is not just about vehicle production. The company is hiring for its facilities in Oklahoma City and Pryor, with expectations to create more than 1,300 jobs. These LDVs are the first commercial motor vehicles built in Oklahoma since 2006, with the initial batch being delivered to the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES).
"It's an honor to partner with the state of Oklahoma and its workforce to create a legacy for electric vehicles in America's Heartland," said Tony Aquila, chairman and CEO of Canoo, acknowledging the role of innovation and hard work in achieving this milestone.
The LDVs from Canoo offer configurability to meet the diverse needs of commercial and government fleet customers. These vehicles, built on a multi-purpose platform, aim to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs, while prioritizing performance, functionality, comfort, safety and security.
"We look forward to evaluating these new assets and the role they can play in modernizing Oklahoma's vehicle use," said OMES Executive Director John Suter.
This development is a key indicator of Oklahoma's commitment to fostering a high-tech, sustainable automotive industry, promising a future where innovation and job creation go hand in hand.
Abby Andrews