Electric vehicle startup Workhorse announced that it had started production Sept. 7 of the chassis for its new medium-duty W56 electric vehicle at the company's Union City, Indiana, manufacturing facility.
The W56 is Workhorse’s first fully designed, purpose-built Classes 5-6 model platform built from the ground up, the company said in a release. It was unveiled March 8 with some fanfare at NTEA’s Work Truck Week in Indianapolis.
See also: Workhorse expects up to $85M in 2023 revenue
“With the first W56 chassis rolling off the line in Union City, we have reached an important milestone along our product roadmap,” Workhorse CEO Rick Dauch said in the release. “The W56 has advanced technology and features that will be a significant growth driver for us as we work to accelerate the transition to commercial EVs. We have strong customer interest in the W56, and we are confident in our ability to secure firm purchase orders in the fourth quarter and beyond.”
The zero-emission delivery work van supports benchmark payload capacity of up to about 10,000 lb. with 150 miles of range. The W56 step van also offers a large 1,000-plus-cubic-ft. cargo box with lowered step-in and wide cabin door for easier entry and exit, according to Workhorse. The cabin has been ergonomically designed while still providing safety and comfort during even the longest shifts.
Workhorse said it expects to begin production of full W56 step vans later in September and to have production quality demo units delivered to major fleets early in the fourth quarter.
