canoo debuts world's first subscription-only electric vehicle

los angeles-based startup canoo wants to change the way cars are built, sold and used, with its subscription-only electric vehicle. the company unveiled its model — also called canoo — at its headquarters in los angeles tuesday evening, sept. 24.

images courtesy of canoo

the canoo‘s pod-like design sits atop a proprietary ‘skateboard’ architecture, that directly houses the batteries and electric drivetrain in a slim platform, leaving space for passengers and cargo. it seats up to seven with those in the rear cabin arranged in a U-shape, echoing the lounge-like design being featured in cars recently.

as for range, the company’s first car has approximately 250 miles and can reach 80% charge in less than 30 minutes. at launch, the car will have a single electric motor sending 300 horsepower and 313 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels.

the canoo comes equipped with seven cameras, five radars and 12 ultrasonic sensors, enabling advanced driver-assist systems. the cameras provide surround-view images to the perception system, using deep learning algorithms to perceive the world around the vehicle. meanwhile, the radars provide 360 degrees of sensor data for speed and distance measurement of objects and the ultrasonic sensors provide short-range distance measurements for parking maneuvers.

‘we implemented the bauhaus philosophy, which is centered around minimalism and functionality, and started with the reduction to the absolute minimal need,’ says richard kim, in charge of design at canoo. ‘next, we applied that approach to the seamless connectivity with the personal devices customers care most about – their phones.’

customers will pay a one-time membership fee and a flat monthly rate with the option to opt-out at any time. the fee will cover registration, taxes, insurance, maintenance and unlimited mileage. the company has not specified the cost of the fee yet.

‘we believe that the potential of EV architecture can enable a post-SUV era that addresses the ever-growing desire for space and value,’ said ulrich kranz, in charge at canoo. ‘we promised a truly different approach for EV’s, and our canoo proves that we can deliver on that vision. the unveiling also kicks off the period of beta testing, meaning we are on track for our launch date in 2021. we are very proud of the team. in my 30 years’ experience, I have never seen so many quality achievements in such a short time.’

canoo says the vehicle will be available in los angeles and san francisco sometime in 2021, followed by other west coast cities, and, eventually, an east coast launch. pricing will be revealed closer to the 2021 launch date.