Should GM Build A Van-Like EV Such As The Canoo LV?
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An abundance of new electric-vehicle startups are vying to get in on the EV game with all manner of fresh takes on the battery-powered segment. That includes Arkansas-based automaker Canoo, which is currently making strides towards developing the Canoo LV, or “Lifestyle Vehicle.” GM Authority photographers recently spotted a Canoo LV test prototype out on public roads, raising the question – should GM build a van-like EV similar to the upcoming Canoo LV?
In terms of design and purpose, the Canoo LV is essentially a five-door minivan or multipurpose vehicle, with a spacious cabin and rear-mounted all-electric powertrain. Canoo looks poised to market it as a passenger vehicle, adding a series of bench seats in back to offer loads of room. The vehicle also looks as though it could be configured for more utilitarian purposes under the Canoo LV Delivery moniker, leaving the rear empty to accommodate cargo or other work-related items.
Although it’s difficult to perfectly place the upcoming Canoo LV into any one single category or segment, it could be seen as a loose competitor for the upcoming Volkswagen ID. Buzz.
Recent reports indicate that, as is often the case for vehicle startups, Canoo is facing some financial difficulties, burning through cash as it works to bring its first products to market. That said, this recent series of spy photos from GM Authority reveal that Canoo is still working to develop the new Canoo LV.
Indeed, perhaps the essential idea of what this vehicle could offer is something to take note of – and something that GM could adopt. If produced by GM, a Canoo LV competitor would likely be based on the GM BEV3 platform and incorporate Ultium battery and Ultium Drive motor technology for the batteries and drive motors, and ultimately compete with the Volkswagen ID. Buzz as well.
Of course, we want to to hear from you, dear reader – should GM build a van-like EV similar to the upcoming Canoo LV? Let us know by voting in the poll below, and remember to subscribe to GM Authority for more GM business news, GM technology news, GM electric vehicle news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
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Nobody should build this abomination. I thought we learned from the smart car that we don’t want ugly.
What we learned from the Smart car was that we didn’t want a small car that was also expensive and didn’t get good gas mileage.
It wasn’t smart at all. It didn’t make any sense.
Looks like an old toaster. Yuck!
Yes. In China.
Let me think about it.
No.
Of course not it is the ugliest thing on wheels
A new Chevy Astro EV van, yes. Not like this.
A 21st-century Chevy Astro EV would be interesting.
This would be good for commercial and business use, but I personally find it very ugly.
If they could ever get it, GM would be wise to acquire Canoo as a wholly owned subsidiary and stand alone independent brand not unlike Saturn used to be. Canoo’s LV, MPDV, and pickup vehicles are advanced designs that are already exciting the public. In years ahead, they will be a force to reckon with in the EV market.
I don’t know what GM would want with Canoo. It already has better battery tech, in-house motors, and platform.
GM isn’t really acquiring passenger car companies these days. It’s acquiring & creating tech companies that provide new revenue streams and serve its extensive Ultium ecosystem.
If it would buy Canoo, it would be buying the name and designs only and neither have the traction that Lucid and Rivian has.
EhditOr: Designs matter. So does IT.
Building this for the American Market would just hasten their path to bankruptcy.
It amazes me how the narrowness of many minds here seems to extend about as far as, maybe, GM going back to again producing some of the sportier two and four door gasoline powered passenger cars of ten or so years ago.
Our population has become much less rural
and many are driving shorter distances. Auto buyers have needs for economical and environmentally friendly vehicles for families, for committing, for weekends, and for business use.
Looking backward isn’t going to help GM sales. Innovation will.
Keep in mind that Canoo is focusing their initial production of the Lifestyle vehicle on fleet customers for their local and last mile delivery uses case. The Lifestyle Delivery Vehicle (LDV) variant comes with or without rear windows and/or passenger seating based on the needs of the specific fleet. One notable recent bit of Canoo news is that they were selected by NASA to provide specially equipped vehicles to transport Artemis astronauts from the prep facility to the launchpad. With over 180 cubic feet of interior space, there is plenty of room for cargo… or astronauts! 🙂
VW ID Buzz is way too expensive, plus there are no roof solar panels, like the lightweight XBUS or the Fisker Ocean have. And the loading floor of the people carrier version is not flat.
If GM would jump in this EV van bandwagon, they should head directly to the solid state battery technology and including the solar panel roof as well as standard. Also serving the European market (because that’s where I live). It might be included in the Opel EV line up, since Chevy is sadly long gone from the European continent. Thus it would be nice to have a thoroughbred American ID Buzz competitor.
No! Leave suppositories to the drug companies…
I can’t tell if it’s coming or going. It looks like any other EV to my eyes. Functional bit UGLY! And EV’s May never be practical for most of us. Government rules are making it increasingly harder for utility companies to generate useful, economical electricity and wind and solar will never be the answer. Just for grins, my wife and I rented a Tesla for a 1600 mile round trip from Colorado to Iowa and back. Normally in my diesel 1500 I can be there on one fill of fuel and about 12 hours of driving (14 if you count rest area and lunch stops. In the Tesla it took s two days. First, finding a charging station in Nebraska where we didn’t have to wait was a challenge and then when we reached our destination we needed to plug in to 110 at our relative’s house to charge and that took literally forever! I’ll keep my diesel 1500, thanks. One experience like this was enough for me.
Yes, they absolutely should. I have sold EVs for 13 years, so I know what customers want, unlike someone in a corporate office, who designs what they think we should be driving, but has never sold vehicles, spent time at a dealership or interacted with real buyers. If you don’t like it, or think it’s ugly, then don’t by it, but don’t restrict the types of vehicles available. I also think that gm should just buy this company and build them, as it seems that Canoo is struggling on its own.
GM: Build it! One thing though: Definitely offer a mild hybrid version AND the EV model for the time being until all electric vehicles become widespread…the norm. ♐
By the way: “Ugly” as some here have called it is in the eye of the beholder. I find it quirky but VERY interesting looking. Later for the naysayers! ♐
I’d like to see a little van that 2 ppl could sleep in overnight at rest areas. I miss my 1998 Chevy 1500 Discovery Leisure Van, front and rear AC and heat. Fabulous vehicle, awesome comfort and reliability
Jim
Build now! GM needs to finally build vans as the current ones are ancient. At that time, GM failed to build the PSA vans with OPEL as GM derivatives. They bought Nissan Vans and relabeled them as GM Vans. Funny GM marketing then as now!
Ford Pro and RAMs Vans show how to sell vans successfully in the USA! GM probably has no interest or just the wrong marketing! GM probably has a marketing that doesn’t know the market or bean counters refuse the products because they are technically unsuitable!
Request to OEMs worldwide!
Such a van-like EV is at least more ecological than a BMW XM, X7 or Audi Q8 or Lamborghini Ursus or new Range Rover for 200T$ with BMW V8 Biturbo with 6000 pounds curb weight.
That’s why politicians (including G7 states) and EPA must finally force OEMs to build EV vans from 2025 that are lighter than 3600 pounds and are suitable for 5 people plus luggage.
Absolutely, it’s an affordable enough vehicle with lots of markets it’s good for. Ride Sharing, delivery, family vehicle and a entry tier RV.