Workhorse pushing toward electric van, delivery drone testing

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Updated Nov 8, 2017
N-GEN #2-2017-11-06-16-01

N-Gen electric vanWorkhorse Group Inc., on Tuesday said it is moving forward on agreements to test and operate its new N-Gen electric van in California and Ohio.

The electric N-Gen van features a lightweight composite body and an anticipated range of 100 miles on a single charge. An optional gasoline range extender adds an additional 75 miles. In early on-road testing, Workhorse says the N-Gen has demonstrated a 60-65 MPGe efficiency.

“The new N-Gen platform represents a new day for last-mile delivery,” says Workhorse CEO Stephen Burns.

The N-Gen’s ultra-low, single-step-up 19-inch floor and 105-inch roof height helps maximize cargo space. Standard van options include all-wheel drive, automatic braking and lane centering, and a best-in-class 26-foot turning radius.

Additional configurations, including 700-cubic-foot and 1,000-cubic-foot models, are expected late next year.

The van platform will also feature an optional integrated HorseFly Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Package Delivery System. The carbon-fiber, high-efficiency octocopter drone launches from the roof of a delivery van and delivers a package to its destination within the driver’s line of sight. Workhorse says the patent-pending truck and drone system is compliant with all current FAA regulations and can carry a package weighing up to 10 pounds with a cost of approximately $.03 per mile.

In February, Workhorse successfully completed drone delivery testing with the U.S. Postal Service. Built-in Workhorse Metron telematics system tracks in real time all van and drone parameters to optimize performance and efficiency.

In May, Workhorse and Ryder announced a partnership naming Ryder the primary distributor and provider of service and support for Workhorse light and medium duty range-extended electric vehicles in North America.