The Workhorse W56 is a line of class 5 and 6 commercial battery electric vehicles designed and built by Workhorse Group starting in 2023, succeeding the firm's earlier C-Series. It is available with a step van body with a nominal 1,000 cu ft (28 m3) of cargo volume, intended for last mile delivery, or as a stripped chassis or chassis cab configuration intended for completion by coachbuilders with custom bodies.
| Workhorse W56 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Workhorse Group |
| Production | 2023–present |
| Model years | 2024–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | Step van |
| Layout | RR |
| Powertrain | |
| Propulsion | single traction motor |
| Battery | 210 kW, 690 V LFP[1] |
| Electric range | 150 mi (240 km)[1] |
| Plug-in charging |
|
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 4,521.2 mm (178 in)[1] |
| Length | 8,356.6 mm (329 in)[1] |
| Width | 2,438.4 mm (96 in)[1] |
| Height | 3,175.0 mm (125 in)[1] |
| Curb weight | 5,897 kg (13,000 lb)[1] |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Workhorse C-Series |
History edit
In 2022, after recalling all 41 C-1000 commercial vans that were completed in 2021, Workhorse announced they would pause nearly all manufacturing activities for the first half of the year while they continued to develop a replacement, the W56.[2] The W56 was unveiled at the NTEA Work Truck Show in March 2023.[3] Production of the W56 began in September 2023.[4]
Design edit
The driven beam axle is provided by Linamar, which brands it the eAxle system, claimed to have superior performance and efficiency.[5] It has a 690 V motor.[6]
A prototype truck exhibited at ACT Expo in May 2023 was equipped with a 210 kW-hr lithium iron phosphate battery.[6] The estimated efficiency is 26.4–30.8 mpg‑e (128–109 kW⋅h/100 mi),[6] and the estimated range is 150 mi (240 km).[3]
The curb weight of the step van prototype is 13,000 lb (5,900 kg) with the standard battery, offering a maximum estimated cargo capacity of 10,000 lb (4,500 kg), given a GVWR of 23,000 lb (10,000 kg).[6] The cargo box measures 209 in (5,300 mm) long, 90 in (2,300 mm) wide, and 86 in (2,200 mm) high, yielding a volume of 940 cu ft (27 m3).[1] To save weight, body panels are made of foam core board with a layer of thermoplastic bonded to each side, supported by an aluminum frame. The frame uses cross-members that have a cylindrical cross-section for traction battery protection, which also improves torsional rigidity.[6]
Alternative styles are planned to be available, including a stripped chassis and chassis cab.[7] There will be three models: 158, 178, and 208, apparently referring to the length of the wheelbase, in inches.[6]
Sales edit
The first fleet order for the W56 was placed by Mission Linen Supply for 15 trucks, in December 2023;[8] a second fleet order of 15 trucks was placed through the same dealer in January 2024 to an undisclosed client. Delivery of both orders is scheduled to be complete in 2024.[9]
References edit
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Workhorse W56: Vehicle Specifications and Technical Data" (PDF). Workhorse Group. May 2023. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
- ^ Adler, Alan (March 1, 2022). "Workhorse will build no trucks in 1H22 amid reset to new platforms". Freight Waves. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
- ^ a b "Workhorse Group unveils W56 step van at WTW23" (Press release). Work Truck Week. March 8, 2023. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
- ^ "Workhorse Begins Production of W56 Chassis". Workhorse Group, Inc. (Press release). 2023-09-07. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
- ^ "Linamar to supply Commercial Vehicle eAxle program to Workhorse Group" (PDF) (Press release).
- ^ a b c d e f Park, Jim (May 23, 2023). "Driving the Workhorse W56 Electric Walk-In Van". Heavy Duty Trucking. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
- ^ "Q2 2022 Earnings Call - Page 7" (PDF).
- ^ "Workhorse Group Receives First Fleet Order for W56 Step Van" (Press release). Workhorse. December 20, 2023. Retrieved 17 January 2024.
- ^ "Workhorse Group Receives Second Fleet Order for W56 Step Van" (Press release). Workhorse. January 11, 2024. Retrieved 17 January 2024.