Built on the same Multi-Purpose Platform (MPP) as the LDV 130, the LDV 190 has an expanded cargo capacity of 172 cubic feet (4,870 litres) behind the standard partition, resulting in an increased payload capability (exact figures yet to be released). An add-on step bumper is available for added protection and easier entry to the back cargo space. The front cabin also has the option for additional cargo storage with a single seat layout.
The LDV 190 is equipped with an enhanced suspension system, designed to accommodate the elevated payload specifications for Class 2 vehicles. Despite these changes, Canoo asserts that the LDV 190 maintains the same level of handling and performance as the LDV 130, thanks to the company's proprietary steering-by-wire technology.
The new model preserves the same wheelbase and low center of gravity as the LDV 130. According to Canoo, this guarantees "consistent driving characteristics at all speeds and ensures ease of handling in slow traffic and congested urban environments."
An innovative, patent-pending feature of the LDV 190 is its interchangeable rear cargo compartment. Customers can choose from different door configurations, including barn doors, tambour doors, and a split tailgate that incorporates a loading ramp.
For additional convenience, the vehicle also offers dual 50/50 barn doors with 270-degree hinges, which fold back against the vehicle body, facilitating easy cargo access and loading of large items. Various options like shelving units, storage containers, and a specially designed sliding cargo floor with a 1,000-pound (453 kg) load capacity help optimize cargo space and organization.
Positioned between the existing LDV 130 and the upcoming larger Canoo MPDV, the LDV 190 aims to fill a specific niche in Canoo's lineup.
The company aims to reach a "production readiness level" capable of producing 20,000 vehicles annually by the end of 2023. To achieve this, Canoo is constructing a vehicle manufacturing facility in Oklahoma City and a battery production plant in Pryor, Oklahoma.
Canoo intends to invest over $320 million in both locations, aiming to generate more than 1,360 employment opportunities. The firm has recently concluded incentive agreements with the state of Oklahoma and the Cherokee Nation, worth up to $113 million over a decade. These agreements are tied to job creation and investment milestones that the company is obliged to meet.
Source: Canoo