Canoo start-up reveals Kombi-inspired electric pick-up
New electric ute to take on the Tesla Cybertruck, GMC Hummer EV, and Rivian R1T.
US electric-car start-up Canoo has revealed a Volkswagen Kombi-inspired ute, set to take on the Tesla Cybertruck, GMC Hummer EV, and Rivian R1T in the increasingly competitive electric pick-up market.
Although it is only a concept vehicle for now, the four-seater dual-cab will be built on the manufacturer’s existing battery-powered platform, which already underpins a compact electric people mover and commercial delivery van (both of which were unveiled in 2019).
According to the manufacturer, the upcoming Canoo ute will be available in two- or four-wheel drive, and the flagship variant will put out 447kW/746Nm from its dual axle-mounted motors.
While performance figures are yet to be announced, overseas reports have speculated this could be enough to comfortably complete the 0-100km/h sprint in less than 4.0 seconds.
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The size of the battery pack is yet to be announced, however Canoo claims the ute will have a real-world driving range of 322km.
Chunky off-road tyres wrap around 18-inch alloy wheels, while the extendable tray – which features a fold out table and independent power supply – is rated for a maximum payload of 816kg. A tow hitch will also be standard. However the vehicle's towing capacity is yet to be revealed.
While the company says pre-orders will open in the second half of the 2021, pricing is yet to be announced. Customer deliveries are not expected to begin until 2023.
CarAdvice has reached out to Canoo to find out if there are plans to offer the ute in Australia. This story will be updated when more information becomes available.
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