In the battle of the strange-looking electric pickup trucks, there is a new challenger to Tesla’s Cybertruck. That would be the off-the-rails Canoo pickup leaked yesterday. Planned as the third Canoo product to utilize its proprietary EV platform, it resembles a modern VW Microbus pickup of the 1960s. And that’s not a bad thing. 

Canoo’s other two vehicles are along the same lines of Jetsons meets the Muppets styling. Its multipurpose delivery van called the catchy MPDV is a much more modular-looking production. And it has a very commercial look to it. Customers will have the versatility of customizing their MPDVs. 

The flat floors are achieved because of drive-by-wire steering and braking

But back to the “Canoo pickup truck” as it is being called. It says that with its drive-by-wire steering and braking it allows for “a flatbed size comparable to America’s best-selling pickup truck on a smaller footprint.” That is also partially aided by the cab-over design. 

Canoo says, “Our pickup truck is as strong as the toughest trucks out there and is designed to be exponentially more productive. This truck works for you. We made accessories for people who use trucks-on the job, weekends, adventure-you name it. We did it because it’s your platform and she’s bad to the bone.” Ok, then!

With dual motors the pickup is capable of hitting 600 hp and 550 ft-lb of torque

The standard pickup will come with one rear motor, but a second motor will also be available. With the dual motors, the pickup is capable of hitting 600 hp and 550 ft-lb of torque. The payload is around 1,800 lbs. The range will be at a minimum of 200 miles per charge. 

Canoo’s pickup has some unique features like the pullout bed extension. The pickup’s bed is the standard six feet but the tailgate doors can swing out making the bed eight feet long. With the tailgate down there is a secondary taillight. Canoo says a 4×8-inch sheet of plywood fits snug into the bed. 

The pickup truck also features a modular divider system. Putting them up keeps items from shifting or rolling around. Wheel chocks for bicycles are also part of the system as well as links for tie-downs or bungee cords. Side steps are incorporated into the side of the truck but they can also be used for the storage of small items like cold beverages or personal electronics. 

Another cool feature is the body sides can be folded down to create tables

Another cool feature is the body sides can be folded down to create tables. The table itself can be adjusted for two different lengths. Exportable power is also part of the Canoo’s functions. Power can be maintained for over eight hours or more while draining only 10% from the pickup’s range. And the brake light on the cab also functions as a cargo bed light, aiding the perimeter lighting surrounding the bed. 

In front where the engine in a regular pickup would be is additional storage. There is also a fold-down table if the ones on the sides of the truck aren’t enough. It incorporates electrical outlets as well. If all of these features aren’t enough there are a number of different camper shells that will be available. Another group of options will be differently configured roof racks. 

Deliveries of the pickup are scheduled to begin in 2023.