OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) – State agencies received new electric vehicles built at Canoo’s Oklahoma City manufacturing facility as part of Gov. Kevin Stitt’s plan to modernize the state government’s vehicle fleet.
The Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES), Department of Transportation and Department of Corrections each received a Lifestyle Delivery Vehicles (LDVs) made by Canoo, an electric vehicle manufacturer, at the end of 2023.
The three vehicles cost a combined $119,850 and are part of the state’s fleet modernization initiative.
The Canoo-made vehicles are the first vehicles built in Oklahoma since 2006.
“For the first time in 17 years, vehicle manufacturing is back in Oklahoma,” said Gov. Kevin Stitt. “As we find new efficiencies within the fleet, Canoo’s new Oklahoma-made electric vehicles align perfectly with our fleet modernization goals, and I couldn’t be more excited to see them on the roads. I’m grateful for the team at OMES who are working hard to deliver taxpayers more for their money while finding ambitious new ways to improve our fleet.”
Stitt issued Executive Order 2023-14 in May, ordering the downsizing of the state’s vehicle fleet. Stitt said in the executive order that he learned that hundreds of vehicles used by state agencies were being underutilized and were not needed for government functions. The state began downsizing its fleet in January 2023.
State agencies voluntarily gave up a combined 917 vehicles in 2023. Those vehicles were auctioned through State Surplus. OMES officials said in a news release that the auctions saved taxpayers $11.7 million.
“I am proud of the savings and asset reductions we’ve made so far in our fleet effort,” said John Suter, state chief operating officer and OMES executive director. “This progress positions us well to reinvest that money into future-focused, cost-effective vehicle options that better align with our goals.”
The vehicle waste reduction is part of a two-pronged effort that also involves modernizing the state’s vehicle fleet with environmentally-friendly electric vehicles built in Oklahoma by Canoo.
“Oklahoma is hub for the creation of new and innovative technologies, and Canoo is a global leader in electric vehicle development,” said Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell. “Beyond innovation, Canoo is creating over 1,300 jobs in Oklahoma, marking a significant economic impact for the state. I look forward to our continued partnership and am excited to welcome these new vehicles to the state.”
The three vehicles were built in Canoo’s new Oklahoma City manufacturing facility.
“Canoo is proud to bring motor vehicle manufacturing back to Oklahoma and create high-paying jobs,” said Tony Aquila, investor, chairman and CEO of Canoo. “Our innovative LDV 130 delivery vehicles will work for Oklahomans and help state agencies improve fleet efficiency. Our vehicles are perfect for how the state uses vehicles today, and our advanced telematics and lower overall cost of ownership will continue to pay dividends down the road.”
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.
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.
