Fleets are asking smart questions about the W56 and making the switch to electric. In this post, we’re answering the ones we hear most—straight from the field.
When it comes to switching to electric, many fleet operators have the same mindset: “We’re open to it—but only if it actually works for the job.”
We get that. Workhorse doesn’t make show trucks. We make electric work trucks. And we’ve spent a lot of time listening—on the road, at trade shows, on calls with dealers and fleet managers—hearing exactly what folks want to know before putting EVs to work.
Here are the top questions we get, and how we answer them.
Q: “What’s the real range when the truck is fully loaded?”
A: This is usually the first question we get. The W56 has a stated range of 150+ miles per charge under real-world delivery conditions—fully loaded, lots of stops, city traffic. Regenerative braking helps add energy back to the battery along the way, especially on dense urban routes.
In practice? Many operators are seeing even better results. Based on conditions and training, some are regularly exceeding 160 miles per charge. Those with shorter routes tell us they only need to recharge two or three times a week.
On a recent delivery in California, the W56 took on a 260-mile drive through the Grapevine corridor—a stretch of I-5 that climbs the Tehachapi Mountains and descends into the Inland Empire. After one stop to recharge, the truck continued 159 miles to its destination with 16% state of charge remaining, projecting a total range of around 190 miles under those conditions.
As you can see, range depends on terrain, payload, and driving habits—but you can count on at least 150 miles per charge in demanding conditions, and often more.
Q: “Where do I charge—and how long does it take?”
A: If you’re running last-mile delivery routes, a Level 2 charger is usually all you need. Most fleets plug in overnight, and the W56 is ready to roll in the morning—full charge in about 10 hours.
Need a quicker turnaround or flexibility on longer routes? The truck also supports Level 3 DC fast charging (CCS1). That will typically get you to 80% in about an hour at any compatible public charger.
One of our W56 trucks recently logged over 2,400 miles from Ohio to California, relying solely on the public fast charging network the entire way. It handled real routes, varied terrain, and changing weather, showing that Workhorse vehicles don’t just meet the moment—they perform day in and day out, wherever the job takes them.
We work with customers to figure out the right charging strategy based on their routes, schedules, and infrastructure. No guesswork.
Q: “How do you handle service?”
A: We know that a truck off the road is a problem, so we’ve built a support system to keep you rolling. Workhorse has a nationwide network of trained service partners, including W.W. Williams, Zeem, and Job Site Repair. We also use remote diagnostics to catch issues early—sometimes before the driver even notices.
Bottom line: We’re not waiting around for something to break. We provide support from day one.
Q: “Can I test it first?”
A: Absolutely. We wouldn’t expect you to buy a truck without driving it. That’s why we offer on-site demos and ride-and-drive events. See it. Drive it. Decide if it fits your operation.
Q: “Is this just a compliance thing, or are you serious about building trucks?”
A: We’re all in. The W56 isn’t a retrofit. It’s a purpose-built, fully electric step van designed from the ground up for last-mile commercial delivery—engineered, built, and supported right here in the U.S. at our Union City, Indiana factory.
We believe the W56 is the best electric step van in its class—and we’re not stopping there. We’ve expanded the platform to include a new extended wheelbase version with 1,200 cu. ft. of cargo space. We’ve also introduced a reduced-range battery option designed for shorter routes. It lowers upfront cost and increases payload capacity, making it a smart choice for urban delivery or depot-to-door applications.
We’re in this to build real trucks for real fleets—designed to perform, priced to scale, and supported for the long haul.
Q: “How do I get my team up to speed?”
A: Every delivery includes training for drivers and techs. We provide walk-throughs, digital manuals, and hands-on training to make the transition smooth. Our team is also available during early deployments to help answer questions and troubleshoot in real time.
We keep it simple, practical, and focused on your day-to-day needs.
Your Questions Shape What We Build
We’ve learned a lot by listening to fleet customers across the country—and we’re still listening. If you’ve got questions about going electric, we’re ready to talk.
Want to see the W56 in action or bring a demo to your depot? Get in touch with us. We’ll bring the truck—and the answers.