Sign up for our daily briefing
Make your busy days simpler with Axios AM/PM. Catch up on what's new and why it matters in just 5 minutes.
Catch up on the day's biggest business stories
Subscribe to Axios Closer for insights into the day’s business news and trends and why they matter
Stay on top of the latest market trends
Subscribe to Axios Markets for the latest market trends and economic insights. Sign up for free.
Sports news worthy of your time
Binge on the stats and stories that drive the sports world with Axios Sports. Sign up for free.
Tech news worthy of your time
Get our smart take on technology from the Valley and D.C. with Axios Login. Sign up for free.
Get the inside stories
Get an insider's guide to the new White House with Axios Sneak Peek. Sign up for free.
Catch up on coronavirus stories and special reports, curated by Mike Allen everyday
Catch up on coronavirus stories and special reports, curated by Mike Allen everyday
Want a daily digest of the top Denver news?
Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Denver
Want a daily digest of the top Des Moines news?
Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Des Moines
Want a daily digest of the top Twin Cities news?
Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Twin Cities
Want a daily digest of the top Tampa Bay news?
Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Tampa Bay
Want a daily digest of the top Charlotte news?
Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Charlotte
Canoo, an electric vehicle prototype that will be available by subscription starting in 2021. Photo: Courtesy of Canoo
Electric vehicles, which don't have an engine, transmission or other space-eating components, allow automotive designers the freedom to rethink what a car should be. One example: Canoo, which debuted Tuesday night in Los Angeles.
Why it matters: Canoo reimagines everything about the automobile, including the business model. Instead of buying a Canoo, consumers will only be able to get one via monthly subscription.
- “We promised a truly different approach for EVs, and our canoo proves that we can deliver on that vision," according to a statement by Ulrich Kranz, whose title, "In Charge" at Canoo, has its own unique flair.
Details: The urban loft on wheels is about the size of a compact car, with a spacious, lounge-like interior and room for 7.
- Passengers "bring their own device" to control non-driving features such as navigation, music or climate.
- The electric "skateboard" platform can support different vehicle designs and the 250-mile range battery can be recharged to 80% in about 30 minutes.
Canoo, founded less than 2 years ago, plans to market a 4-model range that will include personal commuter and "lifestyle" vehicles, as well as commercial vehicles for ride and delivery services, according to Reuters.
- Manufacturing will be handled by a contract manufacturer.
- The company was founded by former BMW executives Kranz and Richard Kim, along with former Deutsche Bank exec Stefan Krause. All 3 previously worked at another California-based EV startup, Faraday Future.