Workhorse Group Secures Major Order with Gateway Fleets to Advance Electric Fleet Operations

The partnership between Workhorse and Gateway Fleets signifies a critical step in the evolution of commercial delivery systems. Gateway Fleets plans to deploy the 100 W56 step vans across its expanding network of electrified sites, which are designed to enhance access to reliable charging infrastructure in key markets. This initiative is part of Gateway's broader strategy to simplify electric fleet operations by combining purpose-built electric trucks with on-site charging, fleet support, and depot access—all available through flexible financing arrangements.

Scott Griffith, CEO of Workhorse, highlighted the innovative approach taken by Gateway Fleets: “Gateway Fleets understands the challenges fleets are facing right now, and they’ve built a business model designed to solve it,” he stated. By offering a lease structure for the W56 vans, Gateway enables fleet operators to capitalize on the fuel and maintenance savings associated with electric vehicles while alleviating the financial strain of substantial upfront costs.

The W56 step vans, central to this order, come equipped with a Standard Wheelbase of 178 inches and are powered by a 210 kWh battery. These vans provide an impressive 1,000 cubic feet of cargo space, a payload capacity of 10,000 lbs, and a nominal range of 150 miles per charge. Designed for high-cycle last-mile delivery, each van features a fully-integrated composite body and an ergonomic driver environment, ensuring both reliability and comfort.

Jamie Miller, Chief Revenue Officer of Gateway Fleets, underscored the financial benefits of utilizing the W56 model: “Even when factoring in electricity costs, we’ve seen fuel cost savings of up to 65 percent on active delivery routes,” he shared, reflecting on a year-long study conducted at their Riverside, California site. This significant reduction in operational costs is particularly impactful for fleet operators navigating the tight margins typical of the delivery industry.

Workhorse’s commitment to production is evident as all W56 models are manufactured at their commercial-scale facility in Union City, Indiana. This facility has the capacity to produce over 5,000 vehicles annually on a single shift. Having already delivered more than 1,100 vehicles that have collectively traveled over 20 million real-world miles, Workhorse demonstrates its growing footprint in the EV market.

The deployment of these 100 step vans is scheduled for July 2026, strategically timed to coincide with the peak delivery season leading up to the holidays. This timing not only supports Gateway Fleets in meeting the increased demand during this busy period but also positions Workhorse as a key player in the last-mile delivery sector.

As part of this initiative, Kingsburg Truck Center (KTC), a leading California truck dealer and a vital partner in this venture, will play a crucial role. Jerry Smith, President of KTC, emphasized the importance of this 100-unit commitment: “This is a testament to the reliability of the Workhorse W56 and the strength of the partnership we've built with Gateway Fleets.” KTC’s expertise in navigating the complex landscape of grants and incentives further facilitates fleet transitions to electric vehicles, reducing barriers to adoption.

The announcement of Workhorse Group’s order from Gateway Fleets marks a significant milestone in the company's efforts to revolutionize electric fleet operations. With its innovative leasing model and the promising capabilities of the W56 step vans, Workhorse is poised to make a considerable impact on the commercial delivery landscape, offering solutions that not only reduce costs but also promote sustainable practices within the industry. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to surge, partnerships like this one will be crucial in shaping the future of transportation.