California last-mile delivery fleet adds electric Workhorse step van
Workhorse Group has announced the first delivery of its W56 step van as part of an ongoing collaboration with NorCal Transports, a last-mile package delivery contractor in Richmond, California.
NorCal has been consistently adopting alternative fuel vehicles for last-mile package delivery. Currently, 80% of NorCal’s fleet consists of alternative fuel vehicles, with a target of achieving 100% by 2025.
“We have been thoroughly impressed with the performance of the Workhorse W56. Its durability, capacity, and range make it a perfect fit for our demanding delivery routes,” Edson A. Costa Jr., CEO of NorCal Transports, said. “Support from the Workhorse team and Kingsburg Truck Sales has been outstanding. They’ve been proactive in ensuring we have everything we need for a smooth transition to electric vehicles.”
The W56 with an extended 208-inch wheelbase joins Workhorse's existing offerings, including the W56 with a 178-inch wheelbase and the W750 step van. These models provide cargo capacities of 1,200, 1,000, and 750 cubic feet, respectively, ensuring comprehensive coverage of various logistics needs.
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“This collaboration with NorCal Transports is a true demonstration of the quality and performance of our products as well as our proactive engagement in California,” Ryan Gaul, president of commercial vehicles at Workhorse, said. “Working together to host ride-and-drive events with our certified dealers, like Kingsburg Truck Sales, has been key. Once drivers experience the W56 for themselves, they see firsthand why it’s the superior choice for delivery fleets.”
In January, Workhorse announced the W56 electric step van had become eligible for California’s Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project. Through HVIP, vehicle purchasers and participating dealers can apply for a base voucher of $85,000 per W56 purchased.
The vehicle will go into service in August with Workhorse and Kingsburg Truck Sales collaborating to ensure smooth delivery and implementation.