Core Viewpoint - NASA and the United States Postal Service (USPS) have ceased using electric vans from the now-bankrupt EV startup Canoo, citing the company's inability to meet mission requirements and the completion of evaluation processes for the vehicles [2][3]. NASA's Involvement - NASA purchased three electric vans from Canoo in 2023 for astronaut transportation to the Artemis launchpad but has since transitioned to leasing an Airstream-built "Astrovan" from Boeing due to Canoo's failure to meet requirements [2]. USPS's Evaluation - The USPS acquired six Canoo vehicles for evaluation in 2024, but has declared that they are no longer in use following the completion of the evaluation, with no further investments planned [3]. Department of Defense (DOD) Engagement - Canoo provided at least one demonstration vehicle to the DOD prior to its bankruptcy, but the DOD has not confirmed whether it continues to use the vehicle [4]. Bankruptcy and Asset Sale - Canoo filed for bankruptcy in January 2025 after struggling financially and failing to establish a market for its electric vans. Former CEO Tony Aquila made a $4 million bid for the company's assets, motivated by a desire to support government programs [5]. - The bankruptcy judge approved the sale of Canoo's assets to Aquila in April, despite interest from other parties, including a California-based electric trucking company and a U.K. financier [6][8]. Bidding Controversies - Harbinger, a potential bidder, accused Canoo of asset concealment and claimed that the bankruptcy trustee favored Aquila's bid. Another bidder, Garson, expressed willingness to pay up to $20 million but did not formalize his bid in time [9][10].

Group 1: Industry Overview - The electric vehicle sector has experienced significant financial distress over the past two years due to rising costs from inflation and high interest rates, resulting in multiple bankruptcy filings and business closures [1] - Several companies, including Fisker Group Inc. and Ideanomics Inc., have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, with Ideanomics closing all of its EV manufacturing operations [2] - Commercial electric truck manufacturers, such as Nikola Corp. and Bollinger Motors, have also faced severe financial challenges, leading to bankruptcy filings and operational shutdowns [3][6] Group 2: Company-Specific Developments - Fisker Group Inc. began deliveries of its Ocean battery-electric crossover SUV in 2023 but filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on June 17, 2024, and subsequently liquidated its assets [1] - Ideanomics Inc. sought to sell its assets to secured debt lender Tillou Management & Consulting after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on December 4, 2024 [2] - Nikola Corp. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on February 19, 2025, following a costly recall of all its BEV trucks, which incurred $44 million in losses [4][3] - Bollinger Motors ceased operations on November 21, 2024, after missing two payroll payments, and had previously emerged from receivership [6][7]