Lucas Bell 
In what can really only be described as counter to initial predictions, the electric pickup truck segment continues to grow. Seemingly everyone and their mother knows about the GMC Hummer EV, the Tesla Cybertruck, and the upcoming electric Ford F-150, while others argue the merits of offerings like the Rivian R1T and the Lordstown Endurance. It now appears that California has yet another EV pickup for us however. Meet the Canoo Truck, a crazy cab-over inspired EV that could become your next overlanding obsession.
The Canoo Truck seemingly came out of nowhere yesterday, when the California-based automaker gave us all our first look at the thing. It’s based on the same modular EV platform as their other electric vehicle offerings, but with all of the retro-flair that a truck fan could ask for. It’s styling is heavily reminiscent of the old school cab-over trucks built by Jeep and Ford, which is something we can get totally behind.
Proportionally the truck isn’t too dissimilar from the current F-150, albeit with a 10-inch shorter wheelbase. That said, with no gasoline engine to contend with, the truck arrives with some interesting packaging solutions. The bed is 72 inches long for example, and can grow to 102 inches thanks to a built-in extension. That is quite a bit larger than even Ford’s 8-foot bed, although the Canoo Truck’s unit is about an inch narrower. Don’t expect this electric truck to haul as much as its competitors however, as it’s maximum payload capacity of 1,800lbs isn’t all that impressive. Still, that should be enough capacity to take some overlanding gear along for a ride, or to head over to Home Depot.
That isn’t to say that the Canoo Truck doesn’t have some redeeming qualities for truck buyers. The EV is packed with unique features such as fold out work tables, integrated storage pods that serve as bed steps, four exterior 110-volt outlets, and a modular bed storage system. Furthermore, this latest Canoo offers built in perimeter lighting to ensure you never have to work or camp in the dark. Speaking of camping, the automaker has teased several optional accessories, including a bed cap and roof tent combo. The setup looks to be an awesome place to spend time on your next overlanding adventure. And let’s be honest, the thing just looks rad.
The automaker says that this truck will be available in either a single or dual-motor layout, which will add ever-important AWD. Power output is said to be 600 horsepower and 550 ft-lb of torque, which is impressive stuff. Range is expected to exceed 200 miles per charge once the EPA does their testing, which is less exciting. This is likely the result of the truck’s shared platform, which utilizes batteries that range in size from 40 to 80 kilowatt-hours. The Hummer EV can do 350 miles per charge thanks to its 200 kWh battery, for comparison.
Canoo says that they will be opening the pre-order books for this cab-over EV during the second quarter of 2021, with deliveries expected to take place 2023. We should have more details about the truck as that date draws nearer, but so far we love what we see. If the world wants to transition to electric vehicles, we hope to see more automakers embrace the fun that can be had with their designs.
Rivian, you watching?
