The commercial vehicle electric drive system manufacturer Workhorse Group is currently working on an extended-range electric pickup truck for use in company fleets. We got the scoop on this truck recently by getting a look at some tentative contracts and a long list of specs.
It seems we sat on this on too long (approximately one month) — as a couple of the renders and some info have recently been leaked elsewhere — but we do have some interesting further details to share.
The extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) — depending on which terminology you prefer — is called the LD1500 in the documents. The expected production vehicle launch period is Q4 2018.
The truck shares 80% of the components used in an extended-range electric van which Workhorse Group has been contracted to produce for the USPS — 180,000 of them! (We’re not sure, however, if this contract would be harmed by a Trump presidency.)
The nuts and bolts will be:
- a battery pack utilizing Panasonic’s 18650 lithium-ion battery cells;
- two electric motors (one to each axle);
- V6 towing capabilities;
- 30 mpg fuel economy after battery depletion on the BMW 3 cylinder range extender.
- all-electric range of 80 miles per full charge;
- “7.2 to 14.4kw Power Export module can power a commercial job site or a home;”
- “designed for the future and capable of wireless software updates to enable the vehicle to always have the most efficient, cutting edge Workhorse HCU software available;”
- “2 ½ hour full charge on a 70amp Level II EVSE, 6-hour charge on 30amp;”
- total range of 310 miles;
- seating for up to 5 adults;
- a frunk.
Here’s one more interesting note: “Target price of production 4WD Double Cab Standard Bed version = $50,000.”
Duke Energy and the City of Orlando municipal fleet have expressed interest in purchasing the Workhorse Group vehicles. The City of Orlando also tried for years to get a Via Motors extended-range pickup truck, but Via Motors has been unable to deliver.
The company’s plan seems to only involve fleet sales for the time being. So those of you interested in buying one for yourself are probably out of luck. I wonder how long it will take Tesla to release its all-electric pickup? A decade?
If you have any particular questions about specs, drop us a note in the comments.
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