Canoo and Axopar
MOVEMENT: TRACKING NOTABLE MOVEMENTS IN MOBILITY
March saw Canoo float another entry in the E.V. pickup space. The bivouac looks closer at Axopar’s 22-foot Spyder, and Lucid Motors introduces Surreal Sound, featuring Dolby Atmos System technology.
Originally published: March 30, 2021
Canoo Debuts User-Focused Electric Pickup,
Pivots to Target Fleet Sales
This month, Canoo debuted a second vehicle based on its modular electric skateboard platform. This time, the company revealed its take on the pickup truck format. While many commented on the distinctive profile of the vehicle, some covering the release referred to vehicles from the past that share a similar silhouette, including the venerable Mercedes-Benz Unimog and the Volkswagen flatbed transporter.
That said, Canoo’s design included several thoughtful features. A wide range of interior storage and power provisions are included, making working with power tools, stowing the weekend gear, or tailgating at your favorite team’s location a breeze. In witnessing recent tailgate wars between Detroit’s big three (GM’s Multipro Tailgate, Ram’s Multifunction Split Tailgate, and Ford’s Multifunction entry), Canoo’s slide-out bed extender deserves special mention.
It remains to be seen whether Canoo can deliver on its vision overall. Canoo’s range of around 200 miles might limit the vehicle’s appeal in certain segments. For example, many escaping the city for a weekend will put that amount of mileage in on a one-way trip to the trailhead. Many following the EV segment agree that electric vehicles in the pipeline today should aim for a minimum range of 300 miles or more. This is especially true if they target recreational use like the Rivian pickup, Tesla’s Cybertruck, or GM’s Hummer EV, where charging provisions in rural areas may be hard to come by.
It will also be interesting to see how the company transitions from creating compelling concept vehicles and visuals to actual vehicle production. The last few years have proven that great design is not enough. Deep funding, long-term planning, extensive industry knowledge, and battery supply chain or manufacturing know-how are needed these days to produce vehicles. Companies like NIO, Faraday Future, and Nikola have learned hard lessons in that regard. Even Tesla experienced “production hell” as it struggled initially to produce its successful Model 3 vehicle in significant volume.
On a late-breaking related note, Canoo CEO Tony Aquila has announced that the partnership with Hyundai appears to have fallen through. Aquila said Canoo will now focus on building and selling its vehicles to commercial fleets and small businesses. This may be a tough pivot for the company to pull off, given that many of the notable attributes of the vehicles debuted thus far have been focused on individual tradespeople or outdoor enthusiasts.
Overall, the company’s customizable platform play is compelling. Let’s hope Canoo hasn’t missed the boat when it comes to actually getting their vehicles to market.
Axopar Premiers
22 Foot Spyder
In December 2020, Axopar premiered one of the most important boats in its lineup, and reviews now appear online. The Axopar 22 Spyder is an entry-level offering to introduce a new generation to boating and the Axopar brand. The company has worked hard to infuse the new Spyder entry with all the things Axopar boats are known for.
The stepped keel, which introduces air turbidity into the water below the boat to reduce friction and improve fuel efficiency, is evident. Due to its wide rear and self-draining architecture, the boat exhibits the kind of inherent stability Axopar boats are known for. Characteristic flat handling is also on offer despite the smaller size of this vessel. Deep insets on the exterior side surfaces of the Spyder bring an updated and dynamic feel to the boat as well, making it appear more agile in the water. Railings surround the inner walkways but are now tucked just below the sight lines, adding an even cleaner look to this model.
For 2021, Axopar has partnered with Jobe, a well-known watercraft accessory company in Europe, to create a special edition of the 22-foot boat. The Axopar x Jobe edition is rendered in the signature Jobe teal color; its layout is tuned for water sports, especially when fitted with the maximum storage layout. Axopar is no stranger to partnering with complementary brands, as they have done so with Brabus on larger boats in their lineup.
Several available layouts allow customization of the Axopar 22 to meet various customer needs. In addition to the aforementioned active Jobe water sports edition, a version with a forward-facing rear bench seat is available. A rear surround seating configuration is also available. Underfloor storage is available on all models in the rear and front areas of the boat. In addition, a massive storage area below the control area is available. An optional manual or electric toilet and wash basin can be fitted if one opts for the freshwater supply. A rear hand wand shower also comes with that package.
With this entry, Axopar aims to reach those new to boating through this more accessible form factor. Suitable for towing, it is sure to have broad appeal to those keen to hit the water in something charting new directions of innovation in the boating industry through thoughtful and technologically innovative design.
The Axopar 22 lists a starting price of 25,900 euros. It can carry seven passengers, has a fuel capacity of 60 gallons, and weighs 2,650 lbs.
Check out the Axopar 22 Spyer launch event >
MORE MOVEMENT
More Evidence of
The End of the I.C.E Age
The 2021 Ram 1500 TRX has left as large an impression on vehicle enthusiasts as it does on the environment. The vehicle with the 001 VIN sold at a recent Barrett Jackson auction for $410,000. Perhaps this is evidence that internal combustion engine enthusiasts and vehicle investors feel we have reached peak fossil fuel-based horsepower.
Another more obvious sign of the I.C.E age drawing to a close is that many major OEMs have dramatically shifted their focus toward developing next-generation EVs instead of investing in future traditional petrol engines.
Perhaps those fans of the environment can take heart in the fact that a GMC Hummer EV pickup with VIN 001 sold for $2.5 million. That and the fact that the Ram TRX and Hummer EV seem to be headed for a similar fate as that of the TREX from the end of the Mesozoic Era.
Jeep and Electrify America
Charge Up the Trailhead
As another indicator of the momentum that vehicle electrification is gaining, as part of the 2021 Easter Jeep Safari, Jeep announced the new Jeep 4xe Charging Network. It will be rolled out at trailhead locations or close to them. Early locations identified for deployment over the coming year include Jeep Badge of Honor trails. In partnership with Electrify America, the company said the stations will be directly connected to the power grid or use solar power to generate electricity and feature Level 2 (240-volt) chargers.
While this is an incremental step towards extending the reach of electric vehicles, it is welcomed by many. With Level 2 charging, the 17-kilowatt-hour battery pack in the Jeep Wrangler 4xe can be fully recharged in about two hours, delivering up to 21 miles of electric range. Recharge times will be shorter for Wrangler 4xe owners looking to top off the battery pack before heading out on the trail.
Lucid Motors Introduces
Surreal Sound Dolby Atmos System
Lucid Motors announced it will feature Dolby’s Atmos immersive sound technology in its upcoming Lucid Air. The impressive technology empowers creatives to work with sound three-dimensionally, giving compositions more acoustic directionality.
Lucid also plans to utilize the directional aspects to convey vehicle status updates more intuitively. Should a seat belt warning relate to the rear right passenger seat, for example, an audible alert can be emitted from that area of the vehicle. While some vehicle manufacturers have been striving to do this with previous systems, the Dolby Atmos system provides deeper abilities to move sound forward, rearward, and vertically throughout the cabin in less intrusive ways.
This announcement reinforces how Lucid distinguishes its offerings from other next-generation electric vehicles that will launch within the year by including high-end technology focused on the user experience.
Take a closer look at Dolby ATMOS technology or experience their demonstration.
Image credits: Canoo, Axopar, GM, Stellantis