Canoo unveils military-based American Bulldog electric pickup

EV start-up Canoo has unveiled a new model based on its Multi-Purpose platform: the American Bulldog, a rugged-looking electric pickup truck based on the Screaming Eagle built for the US Army in 2022. But the question remains whether Canoo will live long enough to produce the model.

Canoo has had its fair share of uncertainty. In Europe, it dropped a deal with Dutch production facility VDL Nedcar back in late 2021, with the Born-based plant now operating on a skeleton crew, hoping to find a new partner after BMW’s exit.

In the meantime, Canoo did deliver some vehicles to the US Army and NASA in 2022 and 2021. Still, it had to settle with the SEC for allegedly misleading investors regarding revenue projections. Funding is still needed to kick off the production of its electric vans and pickup trucks, with the company hemorrhaging money without any vehicles being produced for customers this year.

USA! USA! USA!

To entice private customers, Canoo has unveiled the American Bulldog, a tough-looking vehicle loosely based on the Screaming Eagle delivered to the US Army in 2022. The marketing for the model relies heavily on the US-built nature of the model.

“Like the American Bulldog, this vehicle is loyal and courageous. It’s woven into the American spirit and reflects this country’s innovation,” said Tony Aquila, Executive Chairman and CEO of Canoo. “When we say ‘Made in America,’ we mean it.”

200+ mile range?

Technical details remain sparse, but Canoo previously spoke of a 500+ horsepower drivetrain, a payload capacity of up to 1 800 lbs (816 kg), and a 200+ mile range for its pickup truck. Compared to the original concept, changes include a crew cab rather than an extended cab and a flat deck instead of an expandable bed.

Rear and all-wheel drive is possible, while the American Bulldog uses steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire systems for precise control. No word yet of a possible launch date, but any promises made now would be worthless without secured funding and a set roadmap to production.