What’s Happening: Canoo Inc., an advanced mobility company, has signed a long-term lease agreement with an affiliate of AFV Partners for a recently announced vehicle manufacturing facility in Oklahoma City. The facility will initially occupy about 500,000 square feet, with room for expansion. Canoo anticipates employing over 500 people in the first phase, with plans to scale up teams in the coming months.
Why It Matters: The establishment of Canoo’s manufacturing facility in Oklahoma City will boost local employment and contribute to the growing electric vehicle (EV) market. Oklahoma’s skilled workforce and experience in various industries, including aviation and aero defense, make it an attractive location for the EV manufacturer.
Key Points:
- Canoo’s Oklahoma City facility will support a full general and final vehicle assembly line, robotics, body and paint shops, automated paint lines, quality control, vehicle testing, and validation.
- The 120-acre commercial site offers room for expansion, and is well-situated for supply chains and manufacturing with easy access to road, rail, and waterways.
- The facility will be powered by OG&E, with the flexibility to incorporate renewable energy sources. Canoo’s recently announced Pryor facility will be powered by renewable energy from GRDA.
- Canoo Chairman and CEO Tony Aquila thanked Oklahoma City’s mayor, Secretary of Commerce, and Terex leadership for their support in bringing the manufacturing facility to the city.
Bottom Line: Canoo’s new Oklahoma City facility strengthens the company’s presence in the growing EV market and underscores its commitment to creating sustainable, cutting-edge vehicles. By tapping into Oklahoma’s skilled workforce and leveraging the region’s manufacturing resources, Canoo is positioning itself for further expansion and innovation in the EV space.
