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Oklahoma Receives First Three Made-In-State EVs – NGT News

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Oklahoma Receives First Three Made-In-State EVs – NGT News


The state of Oklahoma has received its first three made-in-Oklahoma electric vehicles from Canoo as an innovative part of the state’s ongoing fleet modernization initiative.

At a combined cost of $119,850, these three Lifestyle Delivery Vehicles (LDVs) are the first of their kind in the state fleet, with one each assigned to the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, the Department of Transportation and the Department of Corrections.

“For the first time in 17 years, vehicle manufacturing is back in Oklahoma,” says Oklahoma Gov. J. Kevin Stitt. “As we find new efficiencies within the fleet, Canoo’s new Oklahoma-made electric vehicles align perfectly with our fleet modernization goals, and I couldn’t be more excited to see them on the roads. I’m grateful for the team at OMES (the Office of Management and Enterprise Services) who are working hard to deliver taxpayers more for their money while finding ambitious new ways to improve our fleet.”

Fleet modernization is one of the governor’s current top initiatives to realize efficiencies statewide. Following his executive order, the OMES Fleet Management has worked closely with agencies to identify underutilized vehicles, downsize the state’s overall fleet and explore ways to advance central fleet operations. In 2023 alone, agencies have voluntarily turned in a total of 917 vehicles that have been auctioned through State Surplus, saving Oklahoma taxpayers an estimated $11.7 million.

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While pushing hard to reduce waste, executive leaders have also sought ways to modernize vehicles within the fleet to drive better value and long-term returns on investment. One of these modernizations includes replacing outdated vehicles that are costly to maintain with environmentally friendly electric vehicles made in Oklahoma.

“Oklahoma is hub for the creation of new and innovative technologies, and Canoo is a global leader in electric vehicle development,” adds Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, secretary of Workforce and Economic Development. “Beyond innovation, Canoo is creating over 1,300 jobs in Oklahoma, marking a significant economic impact for the state. I look forward to our continued partnership and am excited to welcome these new vehicles to the state.”

The LDVs delivered to Oklahoma are the first commercial motor vehicles built in-state since 2006 and the first to come out of Canoo’s new assembly facility in Oklahoma City. Paired with the company’s battery module manufacturing plant in Pryor, Okla., Canoo is establishing roots in the “Sooner State,” opening the door for greater economic development and employment opportunities for Oklahomans.

“Canoo is proud to bring motor vehicle manufacturing back to Oklahoma and create high-paying jobs,” says Tony Aquila, investor, chairman and CEO of Canoo. “Our innovative LDV 130 delivery vehicles will work for Oklahomans and help state agencies improve fleet efficiency. Our vehicles are perfect for how the state uses vehicles today, and our advanced telematics and lower overall cost of ownership will continue to pay dividends down the road.”

As the three Canoo LDVs are integrated into the government fleet pool, state leaders will continue to evaluate how the vehicles can best support agency missions and citizen services going forward.

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Does Drew Mestemaker Have Path to Heisman at Oklahoma State?

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Does Drew Mestemaker Have Path to Heisman at Oklahoma State?


Oklahoma State hasn’t had a Heisman winner since 1988, but it might have a candidate next season.

Throughout OSU football history, there have been some iconic players to roll through Stillwater and plenty more iconic college football seasons. Most recently, Ollie Gordon’s 2023 campaign sent shockwaves through the college football landscape as he broke out to become the nation’s leading rusher and led OSU to a Big 12 Championship appearance and a 10-win season.

Of course, that would be the final big season of the Mike Gundy era. After that 10-4 campaign that saw OSU reach heights no one could have expected, the Cowboys fell off a cliff, winning only four games since.

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With Gundy now out at OSU, Eric Morris is looking to bring another era of success to Stillwater, and it might all start with a bang with Drew Mestemaker running the show under center in 2026. Last season, Mestemaker was the starting quarterback for Morris’ North Texas squad and established himself as one of the top passers in the country.

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While OSU has seen guys like Brandon Weeden, Mason Rudolph and Zac Robinson over the years, it’s been a while since the Cowboys have had an elite gunslinger, which Mestemaker could soon be in Stillwater. With the Mean Green in 2025, Mestemaker finished with 4,379 yards, 34 touchdowns and nine interceptions, marks which would make him the talk of college football if he can repeat that against Big 12 competition.

Of course, any Heisman campaign for Mestemaker will be about much more than his impressive numbers on the field. OSU has managed to win only two games against FBS teams in the past two years and is riding a 19-game Big 12 losing streak.

Anything Mestemaker can do in the stat sheet is great, but his real impact that would catch Heisman-like attention is how his play changes the Cowboys’ fate. If OSU can climb back into the Big 12 title picture in just one season after a 1-11 record in 2025, Mestemaker will almost certainly be at the front of that story. After Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman run at Indiana, the stage is clearly set for players like Mestemaker to use immense team success to their advantage in the Heisman race. 

Perhaps putting Mestemaker in any sort of Heisman talks is premature, but considering his year at North Texas and how quickly turnarounds can happen in this era of college football, don’t be shocked if a Cowboy is at the Heisman ceremony in December.

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Two arrested on murder complaints following fatal NW OKC sledding crash

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Two arrested on murder complaints following fatal NW OKC sledding crash


OKLAHOMA CITY –

Two people were arrested on murder complaints following a deadly sledding crash in northwest Oklahoma City Sunday night, according to police.

Police said the crash happened near Northwest 81st Street and Northwest Walker Avenue.

According to police, Makayla Mitchell, 31, was on a sled being pulled by a car driven by Angel Walzier, 22. Police said the rope connecting the sled to the car broke, and caused Mitchell to stop in the street.

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Police said James Kirk, 24, was in a separate car and hit Mitchell.

Mitchell was pronounced dead on the scene, police said.

Kirk and Walzier were both evaluated by a Drug Recognition Officer, who believed they both showed signs of impairment.

Police said blood draw warrants were completed for Kirk and Walzier.

Kirk was arrested on multiple complaints, including murder II, aggravated DUI, child endangerment, and causing fatality collision w/o a license.

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Walzier was arrested on complaints of murder II and aggravated DUI.





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ODOT warns Oklahomans of black ice forming overnight Sunday

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ODOT warns Oklahomans of black ice forming overnight Sunday


OKLAHOMA –

Oklahoma Department of Transportation is warning travelers of black ice throughout the state, discouraging any travel overnight Sunday.

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Black ice is defined as a dangerous hazard that blends in with the dark road where it appears wet, but is a thin layer of ice that can cause cars to slide while driving.

Agency officials say they are continuing the roadway treatments and plowing statewide, with minor improvements in West and North/Central Oklahoma roadways.

ODOT says there are still various interstates and highways that can remain slick and snow-covered, including some in OKC and Tulsa.

If travel is necessary, drive with extreme caution.

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You can find traffic advisories through the official ODOT portal here.

Live blog tracking Oklahoma traffic impacts, snow totals, and closures in Oklahoma City and surrounding areas.

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