Workhorse Group Inc., an American technology company focused on providing sustainable and cost-effective electric vehicles to the last-mile delivery sector, and GreenPower Motor Company Inc., a leading manufacturer, and distributor of zero-emission electric-powered vehicles serving the cargo and delivery, shuttle, transit, and school bus markets, have announced the signing of a multi-year supply agreement to facilitate the manufacturing and delivery of medium-duty Class 4 step vans into the North American market.

Under the terms of the agreement, the companies have confirmed a 21-month schedule during which GreenPower will deliver 1,500 EV Star cab and chassis to Workhorse starting in July 2022. The chassis is to be used in the production of Workhorse’s new Class 4 W750 step van line, which is slated to enter production in Q3 2022. Workhorse will complete the manufacturing process and deliver finished step vans to its customers in the United States and Canada. The agreement includes deposits based on delivery thresholds and also contains a renewal option.

Workhorse will have exclusive rights in the U.S. and Canada to sell Class 4 step vans based on the GreenPower-supplied base vehicle. The finished Class 4 step vans will be available under the Workhorse brand with Workhorse after-sales and support service.

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The W750 will feature up to 150 miles of all-electric range, with a payload capacity of 5,000 lbs., as well as standard 60kW DC fast-charging and optional 60 kW wireless-charging capabilities.

“Workhorse is delivering on our commitment to pioneer the transition to zero-emission commercial vehicles by developing and building safe, reliable, and versatile electric commercial delivery vehicles,” said Workhorse CEO Rick Dauch in a GreenPower news release. “Our partnership with GreenPower is a crucial step in a multi-pronged effort to redefine our product portfolio. The Class 4 W750, alongside our legacy Class 3 C-1000 and W56 platform launching in 2023, will enable Workhorse to address the entire Class 3-6 commercial vehicle market. I am very pleased to have reached this important agreement, and we look forward to working closely with the GreenPower team to make the first truck deliveries from our Union City, Indiana plant later this year.”

Workhorse Group Incorporated was formed in 2015 from AMP Electric Vehicles which was established in 2007 as a developmental-stage vehicle electrification company. The electrification of the Sky Roadster was followed by the creation of electrification packages for the Chevrolet Equinox SUV, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the Mercedes Benz ML350. When the economic benefits of conversion of SUVs became less certain, the company moved away from passenger vehicles and began to focus on electrifying commercial vehicles

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“We are honored to partner with Workhorse to bring their Class 4 step van to market leveraging GreenPower’s EV Star cab and chassis platform,” said GreenPower CEO Fraser Atkinson. “Our technically advanced and proven EV Star line of vehicles that will underpin the new Workhorse vehicle also support our all-electric medium-duty paratransit, micro-transit, executive shuttle, vanpool, and cargo delivery vehicles. Given our depth of experience, we are confident in our ability to meet and exceed Workhorse customer requirements and expectations.”

Kevin Clemens is a Senior Editor with Battery Technology.