The United States Army is putting a Light Tactical Vehicle (LTV) rendition of the versatile Canoo EV to the test for possible military use following a contractual agreement that was signed in July 2021. Canoo offers the EV with the promise that it can withstand extreme environments and can be had in stealth configurations.
Using both carbon fiber and kevlar, the Canoo EV is built to be tough without overloading the chassis. For added versatility, the body can also be readjusted into a cargo van, pickup truck, or flatbed. Using this, it is able to accommodate tactical equipment for military missions or general cargo including construction materials.
Canoo CEO Tony Aquila says that this is a huge milestone for the company's cost-saving LTEV. The biggest attraction for the product is its modular body that can adapt to carry racks, ramps, storage boxes, tents, and other essential tactical equipment.
There's no shortage of capability either as the Canoo EV boasts a power output of 600 horsepower, a tall air suspension setup, and 32-inch all-terrain tires. The US Army is still testing its capabilities so there's no word on whether a full fleet will be ordered as yet. It has also approached GMC to construct an EV Hummer for similar purposes.
Canoo has been taking an aggressive approach at securing contracts with Walmart already confirming an order for 4,500 units of its Lifestyle Delivery car due in 2023. There have been financial setbacks in recent months, but it appears that the startup is on track to make it big in the new competitive EV sphere.