October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix NowOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
CarCodyAdvertise
Service recordThe Garage

Canoo CEO’s Company Bought Bankrupt EV Startup’s Assets After Judge’s Approval

A Delaware judge approved—and the buyer closed—a sale of most of Canoo’s bankruptcy assets to WHS Energy Solutions, controlled by Canoo CEO Anthony Aquila. The transaction was an asset sale, not a purchase of Canoo stock, and the District Court affirmed it in March 2026.
Entry445 Date Time7 min MechanicCarCody Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The sale is no longer merely something Canoo’s CEO “can buy.” It was approved, closed and later affirmed on appeal. Delaware bankruptcy courts approved the transfer of most of Canoo’s assets to WHS Energy Solutions, an entity controlled by Canoo CEO Anthony Aquila. The transaction was an asset sale from Canoo’s Chapter 7 estates—not a purchase of Canoo stock or a confirmed restart of the EV maker.

The sale has already happened. On April 9, 2025, a Delaware bankruptcy judge approved the sale of most of Canoo’s bankruptcy-estate assets to WHS Energy Solutions, an entity controlled by Canoo CEO Anthony Aquila. The transaction closed on April 11, 2025, and the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware affirmed the sale order on March 17, 2026.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This was an asset sale, not a purchase of Canoo’s publicly traded stock and not, by itself, a restart of the Canoo vehicle business. The assets came from Canoo’s Chapter 7 liquidation estates and included equipment, vehicles, intellectual property, contracts, inventory and related property.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What the judge approved

Bankruptcy Judge Brendan Shannon approved an agreement under which WHS Energy Solutions would acquire substantially all of the relevant Canoo estate assets. WHS is controlled by Aquila, who was Canoo’s chief executive officer.

#1 Best Overall
EVDANCE Level 1&2 EV Charger, Electric Vehicle Portable Charger with 25FT Cable, ETL Listed J1772 EVSE for All EVs & PHEVs, 12A 120V/16A 240V(Black, 16A Max | NEMA 5-15&6-20(Standard Home Plug))
  • Flex Level 1 EV Charger - The EVDANCE Level 1 electric car charger is compatible with J1772 electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles (North American Standard). *Tesla requires a SAE J1772 adapter.
  • Convenient to Use - This charger has both NEMA 6-20 plug for 16A 240V charging (3.68kW, 10-12 mi/h) and a NEMA 6-20 to 5-15 plug adapter for 12A 120V charging (1.44kW, 2-5 mi/h). The included bag makes it easier to carry on the go. It also has a 25ft cable length, you can use it flexibly from anywhere in the garage or driveway.
  • Check Your Outlet Type -This charger works with standard 120V NEMA 5-15/5-20 outlets (2-5 mph charging speed) and 240V NEMA 6-20 outlets (10-12 mph) . It's not compatible with NEMA 6-15/10-30/14-30/14-50/6-50 outlets – you'll need a NEMA 14-50/14-30/10-30/6-50 to 6-20 adapter (sold separately) to connect.
  • Compatible EV Models -This EV charger works with most major electric vehicles, including Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Audi, Nissan Ariya, Rivian R1S, Kia, and others. However, it's not compatible with Mini Cooper Electric Hardtop,Toyota Prus Prime/Z4X/RAV4Prime, Porsche Taycan Base/4S/Turbo/Turbo S or Tesla models (Tesla requires a J1772 to Tesla Adapter, sold separately). For a full list of compatible models, check out the Full Compatibility List on our product page.
  • Indication Displays - LED display that can tell you the status as well as indicate errors while charging your electric vehicle.

Reported transaction terms included approximately $4 million in cash. The agreement also addressed approximately $11 million in debt that Canoo owed to an Aquila-controlled financial firm. The asset package covered property associated with Canoo’s former electric-vehicle operations, including:

  • Manufacturing machinery and equipment in Texas, Oklahoma and California;
  • Completed vehicles;
  • Intellectual property;
  • Contracts and related rights;
  • Inventory; and
  • Other assets held by the bankruptcy estates.

The documents do not establish that Aquila bought Canoo’s shares. They describe WHS Energy Solutions buying assets from the Chapter 7 estates. That distinction matters: a company’s assets can be sold in bankruptcy even when its former public-company equity is not acquired or revived.

Why Canoo was in Chapter 7

Canoo and several subsidiaries filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on January 17, 2025. Chapter 7 is a liquidation process. Unlike a Chapter 11 restructuring, in which a debtor may continue operating while attempting to reorganize, Canoo had ceased operations and the case centered on a trustee taking control of the estates and liquidating their assets under the Bankruptcy Code.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

That procedural posture is why the transaction should not be described as a conventional acquisition of a going EV company. The trustee—not Canoo’s former management acting as an operating company—controlled the liquidation process and sought to convert the estates’ property into recoveries for creditors.

Rank #2
Sale
2026 Upgraded Level 1&2 EV Charger for ALL J1772 EV, NEMA5-15/6-20Plug
  • [2026 INTELLIGENT CHARGING UPGRADE — PRECISION CONTROL MEETS SMART SCHEDULING] After surveying 100K+ U.S. EV owners, the Raylix R&D team found that nearly all drivers recognized the necessity of adjustable current and scheduled charging. Our upgraded J1772 charger features 4-level adjustable current (8A/10A/12A/16A) and a 1–12 hour smart delay timer. Whether you're charging overnight or during off-peak hours, enjoy smarter energy use, lower costs, and total convenience—on your schedule.
  • [ONE CHARGER, ALL J1772 EVs/PHEVs READY!] Compatible with all SAE J1772 electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids—whether it’s Ford, GM, Nissan, Audi, BMW, Kia, Hyundai, Honda, Chevy, or more. Perfect for home or on-the-road charging, our 16A Level 1 & 2 charger ensures your EV is always powered and ready for any journey.
  • [CHARGE 4× FASTER — NO MORE WAITING] In a rush? Our 16A Level 1 & 2 charger delivers charging speeds up to 4× faster than standard 8A Charger Level 1. Whether it's an early commute, a spontaneous trip, or last-minute errands, your EV will be ready when you are.
  • [LEVEL 1 & 2 PORTABLE CHARGER — CHARGE ANYWHERE, ANYTIME] Designed for maximum flexibility, Raylix Level 1 & 2 EV charger features both 5-15 and 6-20 plug compatibility. Whether you're charging in your garage, at a friend's house, or at a roadside motel. NEMA 6-20 plug for Level 2 ev charging (240V, 16A, 3.68kW, 9-12 miles/hr) and a NEMA 5-15 adapter for Level 1 ev charging (120V, 12A, 1.44kW, 3-5 miles/hr) NOTE: In compliance with North American electrical safety standards, the charger automatically limits current to 12A when using a 5-15 outlet—protecting both your vehicle and your home’s electrical system.
  • [AT-A-GLANCE CHARGING COMMAND: TOTAL CONTROL, INSTANTLY] While most ev chargers solutions confine vital data to in-car screens, the Raylix tesla charger breaks free with its enhanced TFT color display. This Raylix-exclusive feature delivers crystal-clear, real-time updates—voltage, current, power load, AND critical charging temperature—directly on the unit. Just one glance gives you complete charging insight. It’s not just information; it's the empowering peace of mind and satisfying control that transforms every charge into a masterfully managed experience.

Why the insider sale was allowed

The buyer’s relationship with Canoo was central to the objections. Aquila was Canoo’s CEO, and the purchasing entity was controlled by him. The court therefore was not reviewing an ordinary arm’s-length transaction between unrelated companies.

Even so, the bankruptcy court concluded that the trustee had conducted a fair, good-faith sale process and had obtained a significant offer. Contemporaneous reporting indicated that as many as eight potential parties signed nondisclosure agreements and evaluated the assets, but no competing bidder presented a bid at the sale hearing.

The accurate takeaway is not that Aquila was unrelated to Canoo. It is that the relationship was disclosed, the trustee negotiated with the insider-controlled buyer, the sale process was examined in court, and Judge Shannon found sufficient grounds to approve the transaction over the objections.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What Harbinger Motors objected to

Harbinger Motors, an electric-truck startup founded by former Canoo employees, challenged the sale. Its principal concern involved a provision in the asset purchase agreement concerning pending trade-secret litigation between Canoo and Harbinger.

Rank #3
Sale
Grasside 2026 New Level 1&2 EV Charger, 8-16Amp, 25FT Cord, J1772 EV/PHEVs
  • Universal J1772 Compatibility: Designed with a standard J1772 connector, this J1772 charger works with most J1772 electric vehicles and PHEVs, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Rivian, Ford, Chevy, Volkswagen, Toyota and more. Note: Tesla vehicles require a J1772 to Tesla adapter (not included)
  • Flexible Outlet Compatibility: This portable EV charger comes with a NEMA 6-20 plug and a NEMA 5-15/5-20 to 6-20 adapter. Supports Level 1 (8–12A) and Level 2 (16A). Max 12A (1.44kW) on 120V NEMA 5-15/5-20 outlets, and full 16A (3.84kW) with a 240V NEMA 6-20 outlet. One charger is designed to cover home, garage, and travel charging needs with reliable performance
  • Adjustable Smart Charging Control: Customize charging safely with adjustable current settings (8A/10A/12A/16A) to match different circuits. The 0–12 hour delay timer helps schedule overnight charging during lower electricity rates. Integrated LCD display shows real-time voltage, current, power, and charging status for clear monitoring without apps. Note: Press 'A' or 'T' for 3s to set and confirm.
  • Home Charging & Travel Backup: For daily home use while remaining fully portable for travel. This level 1 ev charger includes a durable 25FT ev charging cord, providing flexible reach for garage or driveway charging. Charge overnight to take advantage of lower utility rates—potentially saving up to $500 annually on electricity costs. The included carrying case makes storage easy and keeps a dependable backup charger available in your trunk for road trips or visiting friends
  • Engineered For Safety & Durability: Built for dependable daily use, this electric car charger features an IP65 waterproof rating for all weather operation. Equipped with a UL-listed cable, fully rubberized connector, and advanced protection against overcurrent, overheating, and electrical faults. Designed to ensure safe, stable, and long-term charging performance in demanding environments

Harbinger objected to giving the buyer consent rights over a possible settlement of that litigation. Its position was that Aquila’s interests could differ from the interests of the bankruptcy estate and its creditors, potentially creating a conflict over how the litigation should be resolved.

Those were Harbinger’s objections, not findings that the underlying trade-secret allegations were proven. The researched court record establishes that Harbinger raised issues involving alleged trade-secret misappropriation and the agreement’s litigation-related consent rights; it does not establish the merits or final outcome of the underlying claims.

How the court treated the litigation rights

The Bankruptcy Court overruled Harbinger’s objection and approved the agreement. The litigation rights were treated as an estate asset with economic value. Rather than leave that value entirely uncertain while the liquidation continued, the trustee used the transaction to obtain a known recovery while preserving the possibility of additional recovery from the litigation.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

In affirming the sale, the District Court said the trustee had a sound business purpose for selling the litigation rights and other estate assets for a known recovery exceeding $17 million, together with the possibility of further recovery. That figure should not be confused with the reported $4 million cash component of the transaction: the overall recovery analysis included the agreement’s treatment of estate assets and related obligations, not simply a statement that WHS paid $17 million in cash.

Rank #4
Sale
bokman Portable Level 1&2 EV Charger, 16A 20ft, NEMA 6-20P/5-15 Adapter
  • Road-Trip Ready & Apartment-Friendly: Comes with a 20ft heavy-duty cable that easily spans a standard parking space, plus a NEMA 5-15 adapter for plug and play convenience. Whether you're charging at home or hitting the highway, this portable EV Charger is your ultimate travel companion for weekend getaways and camping trips
  • Delay Timer & Adjustable Current: Use the built-in timer to delay your start by 1-12 hours and easily harvest off-peak energy savings. Then pick from 6/8/10/12/16A (Level 2) to match your garage grid. It automatically locks in your favorite setting and never forces you to re-adjust. No complicated apps or Wi-Fi needed, just straightforward, reliable control
  • Tactile Buttons & LED Screen: No glitchy smartphone apps or finicky touchscreens that lag, freeze, and misfire in winter. Our EV charger is engineered with a high-definition LED display that tracks critical real-time data, including live voltage and current. Tactile buttons deliver direct, satisfying click feedback that remains highly responsive even when wearing heavy winter gloves or operating in torrential downpours—conditions where standard touchscreens completely fail
  • ETL Certified Safety & IP65 All-Weather Shield: ETL certified to meet US safety standards for charging. Engineered with a certified IP65 dust-and-waterproof enclosure and a heavy-duty TPE cable that operates reliably across a wide -22°F to 130°F range. An intelligent multi-protection defense system (GFCI, over-voltage, over-current, surge, short-circuit, and over-temp) keeps a 24/7 watch for 100% safe, unattended overnight charging in any weather
  • J1772 Compatible + Dual-Level Charging: Works with all J1772 EVs (Tesla requires a separate J1772 adapter). Level 2: built-in NEMA 6-20 plug. Level 1: included NEMA 5-15 adapter fits any standard outlet. Please confirm your outlet is NEMA 6-20 or 5-15 before purchase

The sale closed—and the appeal failed

The transaction closed April 11, 2025. The sale order treated WHS as a good-faith purchaser and extended the protections associated with Section 363(m) of the Bankruptcy Code. In general terms, those protections are intended to preserve the finality of a qualifying bankruptcy sale for a good-faith purchaser, subject to the statute and the specific order.

Harbinger appealed the sale order. On March 17, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware affirmed the Bankruptcy Court’s decision. The District Court concluded that the Bankruptcy Court had not erred in approving the agreement and accepted the trustee’s business justification for converting uncertain litigation and other asset value into a known recovery with potential additional upside.

What this means for Canoo

  • Canoo’s assets changed hands: WHS acquired assets from the bankruptcy estates after court approval and closing.
  • The public company was not bought back: The transaction was not a purchase of Canoo stock.
  • The sale did not prove an operational restart: The available record does not confirm that Aquila resumed Canoo production, restarted the former company or preserved particular customer programs.
  • The insider relationship did not automatically block the sale: The court evaluated the disclosed relationship alongside the trustee’s process, competing-bid history, objections and expected recovery.
  • The Harbinger appeal did not overturn the transaction: The District Court affirmed the sale order in March 2026.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What remains unresolved

The approval, closing and District Court affirmance resolve the reported challenge to the sale itself. They do not, on the available record, resolve every issue connected with the former Canoo estates.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

In particular, the supplied court record does not establish whether a later order changed the status of the underlying Harbinger litigation or whether a later distribution was made to creditors after March 17, 2026. It is therefore too broad to say that every related dispute has ended or that all creditors have received a final recovery.

Best Value
AIXINE Level 1&2 EV Charger,12/16 Amp 6-20P/5-15 Adapter,25ft for J1772 EVs
  • 【Delay Timer - Adjustable Current】Ev charger can adjust the current (8A/10A/12A/16A) through the physical button of level 1 ev charger. Charging power can reach up to 3.68KW (240V/16A). One-touch switch for ev charger operation. Built-in 2–8 hour delay timer for off-peak charging to save on electricity bills.
  • 【NEMA 6-20 Plug & NEMA 5-15 Adapter】Nema 6-20 plug for 240V outlets and 5-15 adapter for standard 120V realize plug-and-charge (With 5-15 adapter, need to adjust the current to 12A or below, otherwise the charger may be demeged). Overall length of ev charger level 2 is 27FT, providing enough charging distance across garages at home or outdoor. Portable storage bag supports you take portable EV Charger during travel, business trip, electric vehicle charging stations anywhere.
  • 【ETL/FCC and IP67 Safety】J1772 charger is equipped with advanced safety functions such as overvoltage, overheating, and short-circuit automatic shutdown. IP67 waterproof and dustproof, extreme temperature protection level for withstanding harsh weather conditions from -40°F to 131°F in sunny, rain, snow and sandstorm. Electric car charger has ETL certified, FCC listed, meets UL safety standards. Industrial-grade construction with high-strength TPU-coated cables and 99.95% oxygen-free copper cores.
  • 【J1772 Connector】J1772 charger works for all J1772 standard electric vehicles, Ford, GM, Nissan, Audi, Kia, Honda, BMW, Hyundai, Gmc, Chevy, Mercedes, and all PHEV/BEV. [Not fits Tesla cars/Nacs connector]
  • 【One-Touch Charging Operation】16A electric car charger supports plug-and-charge functionality and features one-touch scheduled charging and current adjustment. Its intuitive and user-friendly operation allows flexible customization of personalized charging plans. Level 1 ev charger automatically shuts off when your car is fully charged.

Bottom line

Anthony Aquila’s company, WHS Energy Solutions, was permitted to buy most of Canoo’s bankruptcy assets despite Aquila’s position as Canoo’s CEO. The sale was approved after the trustee’s process and the objections were considered, closed in April 2025, and survived Harbinger’s appeal in March 2026. It was a court-approved liquidation asset sale—not a purchase of Canoo’s stock and not verified evidence that Canoo’s EV production business has been revived.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Anthony Aquila buy Canoo?

No. The verified transaction was a sale of assets from Canoo’s Chapter 7 bankruptcy estates to WHS Energy Solutions. It was not a purchase of Canoo’s publicly traded shares.

How much did WHS Energy Solutions pay for Canoo’s assets?

The sale included approximately $4 million in cash, along with treatment of approximately $11 million in debt Canoo owed to an Aquila-controlled financial firm. The overall recovery analysis later described by the District Court exceeded $17 million and also preserved the possibility of additional recovery.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

When did the Canoo asset sale close?

The Bankruptcy Court approved the sale on April 9, 2025, and it closed on April 11, 2025. The U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware affirmed the sale order on March 17, 2026.

Did the sale restart Canoo’s EV business?

The available record does not verify that Canoo resumed production, restarted as an operating public company or preserved particular customer contracts. The established event is the sale of bankruptcy-estate assets.

Why did Harbinger Motors oppose the sale?

Harbinger Motors objected to provisions involving consent rights over a possible settlement of pending trade-secret litigation. The courts rejected the objection to the sale, but the supplied record does not establish the merits or final resolution of the underlying litigation.

The Bottom Line

Bottom line: WHS Energy Solutions, controlled by former Canoo CEO Anthony Aquila, bought substantially all of the relevant Canoo bankruptcy-estate assets after a Delaware court approved the insider transaction. The sale closed April 11, 2025, and was affirmed on appeal March 17, 2026. It did not constitute a purchase of Canoo’s public shares or establish that vehicle production restarted.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

More from the Garage

  1. Entry001Date09 OCT 26Time3 minWhich Brake Pad Should You Buy From RockAuto or Elsewhere?Section: Blog
  2. Entry002Date09 OCT 26Time5 minThe Pros and Cons of Touchless Car Wash SystemsSection: Blog
  3. Entry003Date09 OCT 26Time3 minCan a Trickle Charger or Battery Tender Properly Charge a Car Battery?Section: Blog

Thanks for visiting Carcody

Carcody.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.