Workhorse Group (WKHS) has announced that it's new W56 208 extended wheelbase EV step van is the latest addition to the fleet of Minneapolis, Minnesota-based NorthStar Courier's fleet, a FedEx Ground Contract Service Provider.
The manufacturer adds that the vehicles will be delivered via Ziegler Truck Group, one of its certified dealers.
[Related: Workhorse Group adds Ziegler Truck Group]
The W56 extended wheelbase, which joins its W56 178" wheelbase sibling in the Workhorse lineup, offers almost 1,200 cubic feet of cargo capacity, making it an ideal choice for high-volume deliveries. The standard version has 1,000 cubic feet of cargo space and a 17'4" box while the extended wheelbase 208" provides 1,200 cubic feet and a 22' box.
NorthStar opted for the W56 208 after experiencing successful operations with the base W56 EV step van during the holiday peak season last year. The battery-electric vans tackled harsh winter, sub-zero weather conditions, managing to cover nearly a thousand miles worth of deliveries.
“We are thrilled that NorthStar Courier has chosen to expand its fleet by adding a W56 extended wheelbase EV step van,” said Kelly Kiger, Vice President of Sales at Workhorse. “NorthStar Courier’s continued trust in our vehicles and in Ziegler as its dealer underscores the reliability and efficiency of the W56, and the excellent service and support network that we offer through dealers like Ziegler. We are proud to support NorthStar Courier’s efforts in electrification and help it achieve lower overall operating costs with high-quality, robust electric work trucks like the W56.”
[Related: W.W. Williams to support Workhorse EVs]
NorthStar confirms this latest vehicle purchase received support from state grants, offered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), which help promote fleet electrification for medium-duty commercial trucks, like the W56. The goal is to eventually phase-out aging fossil fuel-powered vehicles.
The W56 vans are manufactured at the Workhorse Ranch in Union City, Indiana, and come with pre-configured upfit options specifically for parcel delivery. Some standard features include a 210 kWh battery capacity and a range of up to 150 miles on a single charge.
