Oklahoma is getting an electric car factory after all, but it’s not the one the state initially tried to get.

Governor Kevin Stitt’s office announced Thursday that Canoo, a startup electric car company, will be building its first mega microfactory in Oklahoma.

The factory will bring 2,000 jobs to the state, according to Governor Stitt.

The factory will be located at the MidAmerica Industrial Park in Pryor.

“Oklahoma has always been a pioneer in the energy industry, and this partnership with Canoo shows that our state is an innovation leader in electric vehicle technology,” Governor Stitt said. “We are thrilled to partner with Canoo and Chairman and CEO Tony Aquila to provide high-paying jobs for Oklahomans and position America as the global leader for vehicle manufacturing for decades to come.”

Canoo Chairman and CEO Tony Aquila said Oklahoma came out on top in a search for a location to build its new factory.

“We ran a multi-state competition and invested millions of dollars to find the right manufacturing facility,” said Aquila. “Oklahoma was a head and shoulders above the other contenders because of its leadership, energy forward initiatives, strategic location and the hardworking ethic of its people. We would like to congratulate Governor Stitt and his team who competed to have Canoo in their state – and we pledge our commitment to bring more clean energy to the great State. Our investment in this manufacturing and technology center means we will deliver vehicles faster at scale – and fulfill our mission to bring affordable, purpose - built EVs to Everyone. We’re proud to be American made and to bring more than 2,000 jobs to Oklahoma.”

Canoo’s mega microfactory is targeted to open in 2023 and will include a full commercialization facility with a paint, body shop and general assembly plant. The campus will also include a low-volume industrialization facility. MidAmerica Industrial Park is a 9,000-acre industrial complex in Pryor, Okla., strategically located near some of the nation’s most highly traveled thoroughfares.

“At MidAmerica Industrial Park, we have been preparing for our next mega-employer for more than 10 years. We have made significant capital investments in speed-to-market capability by building new infrastructure, expanding shovel-ready sites, and strengthening workforce training, recruitment and retention,” said MidAmerica CEO David Stewart. “As the largest industrial park in the Central United States, with abundant renewable resources in power and water, Canoo’s selection of MidAmerica as the site for its inaugural production facility is testament to our competitiveness for new jobs.”

Canoo is scheduled to bring its first vehicle to market in Q4 2022 by partnering with VDL Nedcar while the Oklahoma facility is built.

According to its website, Canoo is a Los Angeles-based company formed in 2017.

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