EV Startup Canoo Folds, Leaving NASA and Walmart in the Lurch

Canoo, an electric vehicle (EV) startup based in Justin, Texas, has called it quits. The company, known for its unusual-looking electric vans and trucks, announced it was filing for bankruptcy and immediately ceasing operations. This news came as a shock, especially considering Canoo's high-profile partnerships with NASA and Walmart. Canoo had big plans. In 2024, it moved its headquarters from California to Justin, Texas, where its production operations were based. Unfortunately, the company hit a rough patch and had to furlough employees and idle its factories in Oklahoma. Despite efforts to secure funding, Canoo couldn't get the support it needed from the U. S. Department of Energy or foreign investors. The board made the tough decision to file for insolvency. This means Canoo's assets will be sold off to pay back its creditors. It's a sad end for a company that had some success with its fleet vehicles. Canoo partnered with NASA to transport astronauts for the upcoming Artemis II mission. It also had a deal with Walmart to supply 4, 500 vehicles for last-mile delivery. What happens to these partnerships now? That's the big question. Canoo's bankruptcy could disrupt plans for both NASA's moon mission and Walmart's delivery service. It's a reminder that even with big-name partnerships, success isn't guaranteed.