Canoo to Shuttle NASA Astronauts to Launchpad
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Canoo to Shuttle NASA Astronauts to Launchpad
A Canoo might be NASA's official astronaut transport vehicle. Not the boat, but the battery-powered vehicle. The US General Services Administration has given the bubbly EV company a contract to create a vehicle that will transport astronauts to the launchpad as part of NASA's Artemis program.
This comparison isn't for a showy $1 Corvette like the astronauts of yesteryear had. It's actually intended for Canoo to develop a huge people mover capable of transporting up to eight passengers along sections of public roadway—something Canoo is very convinced it'll be able to do soon enough.
Canoo teased this pickup truck last year but no word since.
Canoo will get $147,855 as part of its contract to produce at least one vehicle for NASA, dubbed the Artemis Crew Transport Vehicle (CTV), by June 2023. The CTV's official mission will be to travel roughly 10 miles from the Operations and Checkout Building (O&C) to Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center. And if the launch fails, it will be held accountable for bringing them back.
According to NASA's technical specifications, the CTV must be a zero-emissions vehicle—either a battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, or fuel cell electric vehicle. It must also seat eight people, including a driver and four fully-suited NASA flight crew members, and have approximately 60 cubic feet of storage space—roughly the same as a Mazda CX-5 with its rear seats folded down.
It must have a range of 50 miles and be able to sustain an eight-hour duty day while using heat or, more critically in the hot Florida environment, air conditioning. Finally, and maybe most importantly, it must have a sick NASA wrap or paint job that "inspire(s) the NASA agency and the public for future Artemis missions."
Having said that, Canoo still has some issues to sort out if it wants to continue its streak of success. The US Securities and Exchange Commission launched a "fact-finding probe" into Canoo's SPAC merger in 2021. Furthermore, two high-ranking vice presidents recently left Canoo, including the company's VP of production and VP of investor relations, in February. Not long ago, two co-founders, the chief technology officer and the chief marketing officer, also left the startup. Now that's a lot of exits and not the good kind.
Should You Buy an Electric Car?
As electric vehicles become more common, you might be contemplating whether you should get one. If you are still uncertain about life with an electric vehicle, this article presents reasons you should switch to electric vehicles today.
Spend less to ‘fuel’ your car
Electric vehicles use electricity stored in the battery to operate instead of burning hydrocarbon fuel in the internal combustion engine. Due to this difference, electric vehicles plug into the grid to charge the battery.
Since electricity is cheaper than gas in most places, it is cheaper to fuel an electric car than its ICE counterpart. Also, because you can charge your electric vehicle at home, you can further reduce your charging cost by installing solar panels.
Spend less on maintenance
Fueling is not the only aspect of using an electric vehicle where you can save money. Electric vehicles do not break down as much as ICE cars, and this is because the former contains fewer moving parts that could wear out or break. This means you will pay fewer visits to the repair mechanic. Also you do not even need to change the oil and your brakes also last longer because of regenerative braking.
For fleet operators, this means fewer downtimes due to repair. You will also have the opportunity of starting the day with a full battery as the vehicles would be plugged in overnight.
Electric vehicles are better for the planet
Would you like to save the planet? You can contribute to cleaner skies by driving an electric car. Since they do not produce carbon emissions, electric vehicles help to prevent environmental pollution. This is why many governments are promoting electric vehicles by offering incentives and building out charging infrastructure to help overcome range anxiety.
领英推荐
There is a trend among EV makers to use environmentally sustainable materials. By choosing an electric car, you are helping to reduce carbon pollution.
Experience convenient ownership experience
Owning an electric vehicle is very convenient as you can charge at home at your convenience and for how long you want. If you can install a Level 2 charger, you will enjoy your EV more.
Electric vehicles are fun to drive. They are capable of fast acceleration and work noiselessly, allowing you to enjoy the ride or your music. Electric cars are also easier to handle around corners and curves due to the extra weight of the battery providing a lower center of gravity and superior balance.
Conclusion
There are enough reasons to want to buy an electric vehicle today without even including the recent spike in gas prices. With many new models coming from different manufacturers, you can find an electric car that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Video of the Day
Tata Motors has showcased its latest concept electric vehicle (EV) SUV - Concept Curvv. Tata Motors says it is possible to achieve a range of up to 500 kms when Concept Curvv hits production lines in the next couple of years.
5 Nuggets
Consider yourself 80% charged. Why 80%? Well, according to legend, charging your battery to 100% repeatedly will degrade it faster than normal. See ya tomorrow!
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Written by?Riz Nwosu
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