Workhorse Group Inc., an American technology company focused on providing electric mobility solutions to the commercial transportation sector, announced it will test and operate its new N-Gen electric van.

“The new N-Gen platform represents a new day for last-mile delivery,” said Stephen Burns, CEO of Workhorse. “With an agreement 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.”

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.

The N-Gen’s ultra low 19-in. floor and 105-in. 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 best-in-class 26-ft. turning radius and superior handling for maximum versatility. The built-in Workhorse Metron telematics system tracks in real time all van and drone parameters to optimize performance and efficiency. Additional configurations for telecomm service/municipal use, as well as 700-cubic-ft. and 1,000-cubic-ft. models, are expected in late 2018.

HorseFly drone delivery system compliant with FAA

It will also feature an optional integrated HorseFly Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Package Delivery System. The carbon-fiber, high-efficiency 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 truck and drone HorseFly system is compliant with all current FAA regulations, and can carry a package weighing up to 10 lbs. with a cost of approximately $.03 per mile.  

Workhorse and Ryder System, Inc. in May announced a partnership that made Ryder —a commercial fleet management company dedicated to transportation and supply chain solutions — the primary distributor and provider of service and support for Workhorse light and medium duty range-extended electric vehicles in North America.

Building on more than 1 million miles of real-world experience with fleet customers operating electric medium-duty trucks, N-Gen continues Workhorse’s legacy of innovation in electric transportation, says the company. Workhorse’s E-GEN electric, range-extended medium-duty truck, is being used today by major package delivery companies, chosen for its low total cost of ownership.