All-Electric Delivery Van Has a Built-in Drone
Your next package delivery could come from an all-electric van with a drone on its roof.
The Workhorse Group has unveiled its N-Gen electric van, featuring a lightweight composite body that helps it return an anticipated range of 100 miles on a single charge. The company plans on offering an optional gasoline range extender that will add an additional 75 miles of range and according to Workhorse, early on-road testing shows a 60 to 65 MPGe efficiency.
Standard van options for the N-Gen include all-wheel drive, automatic braking and lane centering, a best-in-class 26-foot turning radius, and superior handling for maximum versatility. It boasts an ultra-low 19-inch floor and 105-inch roof height, helping maximize cargo space while reducing knee injuries.
SEE ALSO: Workhorse Group Plans a PHEV Pickup Truck With 80-Mile Electric Range
Workhorse says its built-in Workhorse Metron telematics system tracks in real time and additional configurations including 700-cubic-foot and 1,000-cubic-foot models are expected to arrive late next year.
Helping make the N-Gen electric van more unique is an optional integrated HorseFly Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Package Delivery System, which is just a fancy name for a drone. It’s a carbon fiber octocopter drone that launches from the roof of the delivery van, carrying the package to its destination within the driver’s line of sight. It is capable of carrying packages weighing up to 10 pounds and is compliant with all current FAA regulations.
“The new N-Gen platform represents a new day for last-mile delivery,” said 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.”
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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