Workhorse W56

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 1000 ft3 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.

History
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. The W56 was unveiled at the NTEA Work Truck Show in March 2023. Production of the W56 began in September 2023.

Design
The driven beam axle is provided by Linamar, which brands it the eAxle system, claimed to have superior performance and efficiency. It has a 690 V motor.

A prototype truck exhibited at ACT Expo in May 2023 was equipped with a 210 kW-hr lithium iron phosphate battery. The estimated efficiency is 26.4–30.8 mpge, and the estimated range is 150 mi.

The curb weight of the step van prototype is 13000 lb with the standard battery, offering a maximum estimated cargo capacity of 10000 lb, given a GVWR of 23000 lb. The cargo box measures 209 in long, 90 in wide, and 86 in high, yielding a volume of undefined ft3. 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.

Alternative styles are planned to be available, including a stripped chassis and chassis cab. There will be three models: 158, 178, and 208, apparently referring to the length of the wheelbase, in inches.

Sales
The first fleet order for the W56 was placed by Mission Linen Supply for 15 trucks, in December 2023; 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.