Ulrich Kranz: The Father of BMW i and Canoo

Ulrich Kranz is the engineering visionary who bridged the gap between German luxury and Silicon Valley innovation. After leading BMW's revolutionary "Project i" and launching the i3 and i8, he co-founded Canoo to reinvent the American van, before being recruited by Apple for its secretive automotive ambitions.

The Man Who Electrified BMW

Long before electric cars were mainstream, Ulrich Kranz was tasked with a secret mission deep inside BMW: reinvent the ultimate driving machine for a carbon-neutral future. As the head of "Project i," he led the development of the BMW i3 and the supercar i8. He pioneered the use of carbon fiber mass production to offset battery weight, proving that an EV could be lightweight and agile.

Reinventing the Van at Canoo

After 30 years at BMW, Kranz moved to California to join the startup revolution. Following a brief, chaotic stint at Faraday Future, he co-founded Canoo with Stefan Krause. While Krause handled the money, Kranz handled the machine. He utilized the "skateboard" chassis to create a vehicle with no engine hood, maximizing interior space. The resulting Canoo Lifestyle Vehicle looked like a loft on wheels, challenging every convention of automotive design.

The Apple Call

Kranz's ability to ship complex vehicles attracted the biggest player of all. In 2021, he was hired by Apple to help lead their secretive "Project Titan." While the tech giant's car plans have been shrouded in mystery and setbacks, hiring Kranz was seen as a clear signal that they needed someone who knew how to actually build a car, not just code software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Ulrich Kranz and what is his legacy in the electric vehicle industry?

<p><strong>Ulrich Kranz</strong> is a high-profile German automotive engineer and executive who spent over 30 years at <strong>BMW</strong> before becoming a central figure in the California <abbr title="Electric Vehicle">EV</abbr> startup scene. He is best known as the "Father of the BMW i3," having led the revolutionary <strong>Project i</strong> division. In 2026, he is recognized for his work at <strong>Canoo</strong> and his influential role within <strong>Apple’s</strong> secretive automotive efforts, bridging the gap between traditional German precision and Silicon Valley innovation.</p>

What was Ulrich Kranz’s role in developing the BMW i3 and i8?

<p>Kranz was the senior vice president in charge of <strong>Project i</strong>, BMW’s elite think-tank for electric mobility. He oversaw the development of the <strong>BMW i3</strong>, the first mass-produced car with a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (<abbr title="Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic">CFRP</abbr>) passenger cell, and the <strong>BMW i8</strong> plug-in hybrid supercar. His leadership proved that luxury brands could embrace radical sustainability without sacrificing performance or brand identity.</p>

How did Ulrich Kranz contribute to the founding of Canoo?

<p>In 2017, Ulrich Kranz co-founded the <abbr title="Electric Vehicle">EV</abbr> startup <strong>Canoo</strong> (originally Evelozcity) alongside Stefan Krause. As the CTO and later CEO, Kranz engineered the company’s proprietary <strong>skateboard platform</strong>. This modular design allowed for maximized interior space and "steer-by-wire" technology, pioneering a future where vehicle cabins are completely decoupled from the chassis for ultimate design flexibility.</p>

What is the "Project Titan" connection for Ulrich Kranz at Apple?

<p>In 2021, Ulrich Kranz was hired by <strong>Apple</strong> to play a key leadership role in its automotive division, often referred to as <strong>Project Titan</strong>. Bringing decades of experience in mass-producing complex electric architectures, Kranz was brought in to provide the engineering "rigor" necessary to transform a tech concept into a road-legal, autonomous reality. His move to Apple signaled a major shift in the industry, as tech giants began recruiting the world’s top automotive hardware experts.</p>

Did Ulrich Kranz work at Faraday Future?

<p>Yes, before co-founding Canoo, Ulrich Kranz served as the <strong>Chief Technology Officer</strong> at <strong>Faraday Future</strong>. During his tenure, he was responsible for overseeing the engineering development of the <strong>FF 91</strong>. Although his stay was brief due to the company's financial restructuring, he was instrumental in finalizing the high-performance powertrain and multi-motor setup that defined the FF 91’s competitive specs in the USA luxury market.</p>

What is the "Skateboard Platform" architecture pioneered by Kranz?

<p>Ulrich Kranz is a vocal advocate for the <strong>skateboard architecture</strong>, a flat chassis that houses the batteries, motors, and suspension. This layout eliminates the traditional engine bay, allowing for "loft-like" interiors. Kranz’s engineering at Canoo utilized this to create vehicles with the footprint of a compact car but the interior volume of a large <abbr title="Sport Utility Vehicle">SUV</abbr>, a concept now widely adopted by 2026 electric truck manufacturers.</p>

Why is Ulrich Kranz considered an expert in Carbon Fiber manufacturing?

<p>Through the <strong>BMW i3</strong> project, Kranz mastered the challenges of mass-producing <strong>carbon fiber</strong> components. He successfully implemented a production cycle that brought carbon fiber—traditionally reserved for Formula 1 and aerospace—into a vehicle priced for the upper-middle class. This expertise in lightweight materials remains a cornerstone of 2026 <abbr title="Electric Vehicle">EV</abbr> engineering, where reducing weight is critical for maximizing battery range.</p>

What was Kranz’s vision for vehicle subscription models?

<p>While at Canoo, Kranz pushed for a <strong>subscription-only business model</strong>. He argued that as vehicles become "computers on wheels," ownership becomes less practical than access. He envisioned a world where users pay a monthly fee that includes maintenance and insurance, reflecting his belief that the <strong>User Experience (UX)</strong> and software updates are the true future of the automotive industry in the USA.</p>

What is Ulrich Kranz’s engineering philosophy?

<p>Kranz follows a philosophy of <strong>"reduction to the essence."</strong> Whether it was the minimalist interior of the i3 or the "pod-like" design of the Canoo lifestyle vehicle, he consistently removes unnecessary complexity to improve efficiency and cabin space. He is known for challenging his teams to rethink every component, from the <strong>hvac</strong> system to the seat frames, to be lighter and more integrated.</p>

Where is Ulrich Kranz today in the 2026 automotive landscape?

<p>In 2026, Ulrich Kranz is regarded as an <strong>"Engineering Legend"</strong> who successfully transitioned from the boardrooms of Munich to the innovation labs of California. He continues to influence the <strong>autonomous vehicle</strong> sector, advising on the integration of hardware and software. His career serves as a bridge between 100 years of internal combustion history and the fully electric, software-defined future of the 21<sup>st</sup> century.</p>