California-based EV startup Canoo revealed its plans to build its electric vehicles at a new factory near Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Vehicle production at the facility, which it’s calling a “mega microfactory,” is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2023, and according to the company, the facility will create more than 2,000 jobs.
Canoo also confirmed its manufacturing partner is Netherlands-based VDL Nedcar, which is scheduled to start building its Lifestyle Vehicle beginning late next year in Europe.
The Nedcar facility is slated to build up to 1000 units for both the US and European markets in 2022 with a target of 15,000 units in 2023. The company also is expected to help with its U.S. plant, Canoo said.
“We conducted an exhaustive search, invested significant amounts of time and resources that span the globe, in our search for our Phase 1 contract manufacturer. VDL Nedcar is the right partner,” said Tony Aquila, Investor, Chairman and CEO of Canoo, Inc. “They are the top trusted European manufacturer building high quality products for leading OEMs, and they significantly outcompeted the other contenders. VDL is also independently owned by the van der Leegte family of entrepreneurs – which aligns with our commitment to support businesses that form the backbone of communities. This strategic partnership will enable us to deliver vehicles to market while we build our Phase 2 factory in Oklahoma. It also strongly positions us for geographic expansion in Europe and builds a lasting relationship with VDL Groep of companies. Our investment will help us scale quickly and fulfill our mission to bring affordable, purpose-built EVs to Everyone.”
