Workhorse Group Inc. (NASDAQ: WKHS) and California dealer Kingsburg Truck Center have secured a 100-unit purchase order for the W56 fully-electric step van from Gateway Fleets, a California provider of bundled EV and charging solutions for commercial delivery operators. Gateway plans to deploy the trucks across its network of electrified depots, with first vehicles expected to arrive in July 2026 ahead of the holiday delivery peak.
Highlights
- 100 W56 standard-wheelbase step vans ordered for deployment beginning July 2026
- Each unit features a 210 kWh battery, 1,000 cubic feet of cargo space, 10,000 lb. payload, and 150-mile nominal range
- Gateway reports up to 65 percent fuel cost savings on active routes, based on a year-long Riverside, California case study
- Trucks built at Workhorse’s Union City, Indiana plant, capable of producing 5,000+ vehicles annually on a single shift
Bundled Lease Model Targets Capex Barrier
Gateway Fleets pairs purpose-built electric trucks with on-site charging infrastructure, fleet support, and depot access through a single bundled package. By offering the W56 through a lease structure rather than outright sale, the company allows operators to capture the fuel and maintenance savings of electric vehicles without large upfront capital outlays.
Gateway currently runs depots across Southern California and is preparing to launch additional locations in the coming months. The model is aimed at small and mid-sized last-mile operators who have historically faced two intersecting barriers to electrification: vehicle cost and depot-charging buildout.
W56 Specifications
The trucks heading to Gateway are the standard 178-inch wheelbase configuration. Each van offers:
- Battery: 210 kWh
- Range: 150 miles per charge (nominal)
- Cargo volume: 1,000 cubic feet
- Payload: 10,000 lbs.
- Body: Fully integrated composite construction
The platform is engineered for high-cycle last-mile delivery and includes regenerative braking and an ergonomic driver environment. Workhorse said it has now delivered more than 1,100 vehicles across customer fleets, accumulating over 20 million real-world miles.
Executive Commentary
“Gateway Fleets understands the challenges fleets are facing right now, and they’ve built a business model designed to solve it,” said Scott Griffith, Chief Executive Officer of Workhorse. “On top of the overall reduced costs of operating electric trucks, fleet electrification offers a counterweight to the current exorbitant costs and volatility of fossil fuels. Gateway’s bundled model enables fleets to seamlessly add electric trucks to their fleet by handling every aspect of electrification. We’re proud to support their vision.”
Jamie Miller, Chief Revenue Officer of Gateway Fleets, pointed to operational data from the company’s Riverside site. “Even when factoring in electricity costs, we’ve seen fuel cost savings of up to 65 percent on active delivery routes, based on a year-long, real-world case study at our Riverside, California site. That’s real impact for operators managing tight margins. Vehicles like the W56 are performing reliably in last-mile operations, and through close coordination with partners like Workhorse and Kingsburg Truck Center, we’re delivering a more complete solution for operators.”
Kingsburg Truck Center President Jerry Smith framed the deal around the dealer’s role in navigating California’s incentive landscape. “At Kingsburg Truck Center, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of the commercial transportation shift toward zero-emissions. This 100-unit commitment is a testament to the reliability of the Workhorse W56 and the strength of the partnership we’ve built with Gateway Fleets. By combining Workhorse’s quality engineering with our extensive experience in navigating the complex grant and incentive landscape, we are removing the traditional financial barriers to EV adoption and making it easier than ever for fleets to scale efficiently.”
Production and Deployment Timing
All W56 models are produced at Workhorse’s Union City, Indiana facility. The company recently introduced a lower-cost 140 kWh W56 variant starting at $169,000, and earlier this month reduced pricing on its 210 kWh configuration by up to $61,000 — moves the company has tied to synergies from its December 2025 merger with Motiv Electric Trucks.
Gateway said its deployment will scale ahead of the holiday peak season, when last-mile delivery volumes spike. Fleet operators interested in leasing the W56 through Gateway can contact the company directly at gatewayfleets.com.
Sign up for our popular weekly email to catch all the latest EV news!
