Workhorse Group Inc., an Ohio-based technology company focused on providing electric mobility solutions to the commercial transportation sector, announced it has commenced implementation of agreements to test and operate its new N-Gen electric delivery van.
“The new N-Gen platform represents a new day for last-mile delivery,” says Stephen Burns, CEO of Workhorse. “With agreements now in place to test and operate N-Gen vehicles in several cities across the United States, Workhorse continues to be on the front edge of transformative innovation in the commercial transportation sector.”
Workhorse says the electric N-Gen van, with lightweight composite body, will provide an anticipated range of 100 miles on a single charge. An optional gasoline range extender will add an additional 75 miles. In early on-road testing, the N-Gen has demonstrated a 60-65 MPGe efficiency.
According to the company, N-Gen’s ultra-low 19-inch floor and 105-inch roof height maximize cargo space, reduce knee injuries and enhance driver ease of operation. Standard van options include all-wheel drive, automatic braking and lane centering, a 26-foot turning radius and superior handling for maximum versatility.
Workhorse adds the N-Gen platform will also feature an optional integrated HorseFly unmanned aerial vehicle package delivery system. The carbon-fiber octocopter drone launches from the roof of a delivery van and delivers a package to its destination within the driver’s line of sight. The patent-pending HorseFly system is compliant with all current FAA regulations and can carry a package weighing up to 10 pounds with a cost of approximately $0.03 per mile, according to the company.
N-Gen’s built-in Workhorse Metron telematics system will track in real time all van and drone parameters to optimize performance and efficiency, the company adds. Additional configurations of N-Gen for telecomm service/municipal use, as well as 700-cubic-foot and 1,000-cubic-foot models, are expected in late 2018.
Workhorse and Ryder System Inc. in May announced a partnership that made Ryder – a provider of commercial fleet management, dedicated transportation, and supply chain solutions – the primary distributor and provider of service and support for Workhorse light- and medium-duty all-electric and range-extended electric vehicles in North America. Workhorse says its E-100 all-electric and E-GEN range-extended electric medium-duty trucks are already being used today by major package delivery companies.