OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) — Electric vehicle manufacturer Canoo Technologies has begun delivering its first made-in-Oklahoma EVs to the state of Oklahoma.
Canoo representatives said in-state delivery of the Oklahoma-made vehicles is a milestone that marks the beginning of the company’s phased-ramp manufacturing in Oklahoma and its shipment of Lifestyle Delivery Vehicle (LDV) models to key customers and partners in 2023, with more units to come in 2024.
“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. “What is inspiring to me is that it takes just a small group of innovators and hardworking believers who find a way to win. I want to thank Governor Stitt and his team for believing in us. We want our vehicles to provide service to Oklahomans who have been our partners on this journey.”
The Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) will receive the LDVs, which are the first commercial motor vehicles built in Oklahoma since 2006, according to Canoo representatives.
Gov. Kevin Stitt praised Canoo for its growing presence in Oklahoma.
“We are proud to be part of this historic moment as Canoo builds momentum on its road to full-scale production,” said Gov. Kevin Stitt. “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.”
Canoo is headquartered in California and has facilities in Texas, Michigan and Arkansas. The company manufacturers electric lifestyle vehicles and pickups, as well as light tactical vehicles for the U.S. Army and NASA crew transport vehicles.
In September, Canoo finalized workforce and economic development incentive agreements with Oklahoma and the Cherokee Nation for a vehicle assembly plant in Oklahoma City and battery module manufacturing plan in Pryor.
The incentive agreements’ combined value is up to $113 million over 10 years. The company must meet job creation and investment targets, per the agreement.
Canoo plans to invest in excess of $320 million in the Oklahoma City and Pryor plants. The facilities are expected to create more than 1,300 jobs at wages that exceed average state and local salaries.
The EV company is now hiring for its Oklahoma City and Pryor facilities.
LDVs are built on a multi-purpose platform. Their configurable construction is designed to help commercial and government fleet customers improve efficiency and slash operating costs.
“We are excited to add Canoo vehicles to the state’s pooled fleet as part of a broader initiative to improve efficiency, cut waste and improve stewardship of taxpayer dollars,” said OMES Executive Director John Suter. “We look forward to evaluating these new assets and the role they can play in modernizing Oklahoma’s vehicle use.”
