U.S. Company Canoo to Introduce Electric Vehicles in the UK Market

In a significant move towards global expansion, Canoo, the American automotive tech company specialising in electric cargo vehicles, has announced the opening of its future operations in Europe at Bicester Motion. The UK-based location, set to open in October, will serve as Canoo's activation center, customer hub, and a testament to the company's commitment to innovation and sustainability.

The selection of Bicester Motion as Canoo's UK base is strategic. Situated in Oxfordshire, the location boasts a rich history in automotive innovation and is home to more than 50 automotive brands, making it an ideal hub for Canoo's commercial operations. The proximity to these established players in the industry will allow Canoo to leverage local expertise and strengthen its commercial footing in this high-potential market.

Canoo's entry into the UK market comes at a time when the country's regulatory framework for electric vehicle (EV) adoption is among the most ambitious in the world. The UK government has set ambitious goals, aiming for 80% of new vehicles and 70% of new vans to be zero-emission by 2030, increasing to 100% by 2035. This ambitious regulatory framework, combined with the growing demand for EVs in the UK, presents an ideal environment for Canoo to introduce its groundbreaking commercial electric vehicle solutions.

Tony Aquila, Investor, Executive Chairman, and CEO of Canoo, expressed his excitement about the UK activation center at Bicester Motion. He believes that this move will allow Canoo to capitalise on the local expertise and strengthen its commercial operations in this high-potential market.

Canoo's vehicles are designed with steer-by-wire technology and a modular platform for maximum interior space, allowing for customisation to support a wide range of business and government applications. The company's customer-centric approach, pilots, and direct collaboration with customers to create custom solutions further underscore its commitment to meeting the unique needs of each customer.

The UK market has shown significant growth in the LCV sector, with the small van market particularly strong. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the UK has seen 17 consecutive months of growth in the LCV market in 2024, with the small van market up 42.0% year-to-date.

Daniel Geoghegan, CEO of Bicester Motion, welcomed Canoo as a technology pioneer and shared the company's vision for the future of mobility. He expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that Canoo's presence at Bicester Motion would further cement the site's position as a leading automotive campus in the UK.

Canoo's expansion into the UK is a significant step in the company's global expansion strategy. With teams located in California, Michigan, Oklahoma, and world-class vehicle and battery facilities in Oklahoma City, Canoo is poised to make a significant impact in the UK market and beyond.

As Canoo Technologies UK Limited officially opens its doors in Bicester Motion in the fourth quarter of 2023, it symbolises not only a new chapter for Canoo but also a strengthening of the long-standing partnership between the United States and the United Kingdom. Bicester Motion, a former WWII Royal Air Force base, continues to serve as a symbol of this partnership, now standing as a testament to the future of mobility and the exciting times ahead for Canoo in the UK.