The company behind the world's first subscription-based electric vehicle says it's so good, it will lead to a 'post-SUV era'

Canoo is a Los Angeles-based company that creates the eponymous electric vehicles.

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The company unveiled its flagship vehicle on Tuesday.

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The Canoo is the world’s first subscription-only electric vehicle, the company says.

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“We believe that the potential of EV architecture can enable a post-SUV era that addresses the ever-growing desire for space and value,” said Ulrich Kranz, the company's CEO said.

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“We promised a truly different approach for EVs, and our Canoo proves that we can deliver on that vision.”

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Canoo aims to “free its customers from the burden of ownership” by making the subscription a one-month payment that has no set end date, according to the company.

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Subscription prices include registration, maintenance, insurance, and charging.

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The car is “perfect” for city dwellers, according to the company.

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It can seat up to seven people.

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The company describes the car as an “urban loft on wheels” with seats that look more like furniture, like a sofa, than traditional car seats.

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There is one permanent magnet synchronous electric motor.

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The vehicle has a 300 horsepower.

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The 80 kWh battery gives the Canoo a 250-mile range.

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The car has an electronically limited top speed of 125 mph.

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It can charge up to 80% in 28 minutes using a DC fast charger.

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Canoo can use the heat generated by the powertrain to heat the cabin.

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“We implemented the Bauhaus philosophy, which is centered around minimalism and functionality, and started with the reduction to the absolute minimal need,” Canoo’s head of design Richard Kim said in a prepared statement.

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“Cars always have been designed to convey a certain image and emotion; however, we chose to completely rethink car design and focus on what future users will actually need. Thus, we came up with this loft-inspired vehicle.”

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Non-driving amenities, such as navigation, music, and heating, can be controlled by the user’s smartphone.

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Canoo created a “skateboard” architecture for the car that holds the batteries and electric drivetrain under the car’s cabin, which the company claims allows for more efficient production, costs, and interior space.

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There are seven cameras, five radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors that allow the car to use “deep learning algorithms” and sensor data to improve safety and help with actions such as parking.

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The car doesn’t have any hardware connection between the steering wheel and the road wheels.

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Instead, the car steers by electric signals, allowing for the future potential of autonomous driving.

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“In my 30 years experience, I have never seen so many quality achievements in such a short time," Kranz said.

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Canoo plans on launching its flagship car by 2021.

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