The automotive world witnessed a unique approach to electric vehicles with Canoo, often described as an electric minibus resembling a toaster. Despite its innovative design and promising vision, Canoo has faced bankruptcy. While the detailed financial intricacies are well-covered elsewhere, it’s crucial to reflect on the design philosophy that made Canoo Electric Vehicles stand out, even as the company faced challenges. Canoo dared to rethink vehicle design from the ground up, and that deserves recognition.
Canoo electric vehicle front view emphasizing its unique design
The Revolutionary “Skateboard” Foundation of Canoo Electric Vehicles
Richard Kim, the design lead at Canoo, envisioned their vehicles as a “loft on wheels” back in 2020. This wasn’t just marketing jargon; it represented a fundamental shift in automotive design thinking. Instead of adhering to traditional car aesthetics, Canoo prioritized user needs and spatial efficiency. This led to the development of the “skateboard” platform, a concept championed years prior, where the core components – batteries and motors – are integrated into a flat, modular base.
Canoo skateboard platform showcasing the integration of batteries and motors
Canoo took this concept further with “steer-by-wire” technology. By eliminating the mechanical linkage between the steering wheel and the wheels, they achieved weight reduction and opened up unprecedented design flexibility for the cabin. This system promised a more responsive and smoother driving experience, while also paving the way for future autonomous driving capabilities. The steer-by-wire system perfectly complements the skateboard chassis, maximizing interior space and user experience in Canoo electric vehicles.
Canoo steer-by-wire system demonstration in the vehicle interior
Design Philosophy: Prioritizing Function and User Experience
One of the most appreciated design aspects of Canoo electric vehicles was the exceptional visibility. The low front window, combined with an array of cameras, radars, and sensors, aimed to enhance safety, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists in urban environments. This focus on practical visibility demonstrates Canoo’s commitment to real-world usability in their electric vehicle designs.
Canoo electric minibus emphasizing spacious interior and visibility
This design philosophy extended to the versatility of the Canoo lineup. Echoing the modular approach of the Volkswagen Beetle and Bus, Canoo developed a pickup truck variant simply by altering the body on top of the shared skateboard platform. This adaptability showcased the inherent efficiency of their design approach.
Canoo electric pickup truck side view highlighting its unique cab-forward design
The Canoo pickup truck, with its cab-forward design, maximized cargo space within a compact footprint. Its payload capacity rivaled that of classic trucks like the Volkswagen pickup, proving that efficient design could deliver practical utility.
Vintage Volkswagen pickup truck for design comparison
A Design Rooted in First Principles
Canoo’s design ethos can be traced back to visionary thinkers like Buckminster Fuller, whose Dymaxion car challenged conventional automotive design in the 1930s. By designing “from first principles,” Canoo prioritized function and efficiency over established aesthetic norms. This resulted in vehicles that maximized interior space and utility while minimizing overall vehicle length, a stark contrast to the trend of ever-larger vehicles.
Buckminster Fuller's Dymaxion Car, an example of innovative vehicle design
However, this radical departure from traditional car design may have been a hurdle for wider public acceptance. In a market often influenced by “skeuomorphism,” where new designs mimic familiar forms, Canoo’s unique aesthetic might have been perceived as unconventional or even “ugly” by some.
Front perspective of Canoo electric vehicle highlighting its distinctive styling
Despite potential aesthetic reservations, the core design philosophy of Canoo electric vehicles was commendable. It prioritized function, user experience, and efficient use of space, echoing design principles seen in the Volkswagen bus and the broader “skateboard” concept.
Side profile of Canoo electric vehicle showcasing its functional and space-efficient design
A Lost Opportunity in the Electric Vehicle Market?
The bankruptcy of Canoo is undoubtedly a setback for automotive innovation. It raises questions about market acceptance of radical designs and the challenges faced by new EV manufacturers. While the future of Canoo remains uncertain, its design legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of rethinking conventions and prioritizing functional, user-centric design in the evolving electric vehicle landscape. The “brave little toaster” may be gone, but its innovative spirit should continue to inspire automotive designers.
