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Gateway Fleets orders 200 more Workhorse electric vans

Gateway Fleets has placed a follow-up order for 200 Workhorse W56 electric box vans, building on its earlier purchase of 100 units as commercial EV demand rises.

By Steve James
Workhorse W56 electric box van
Workhorse W56 electric box van ArranFT / CC0

Gateway Fleets has placed a fresh order for 200 medium-duty electric box vans from Workhorse, expanding on its initial purchase of 100 vans earlier in 2026. This move marks a significant commitment to electrifying commercial fleets and signals growing confidence in Workhorse’s electric vehicle technology. The new batch of Workhorse W56 vans is scheduled for deployment to Gateway Fleets' customers beginning in the second half of 2027, with deliveries expected to continue through 2028.

Gateway Fleets Expands Workhorse Electric Van Order

Workhorse W56: Specifications and Design

The Workhorse W56 is designed specifically for commercial applications, with a focus on durability and operational efficiency. It features a 178-inch wheelbase and is powered by a 210 kWh battery pack, which provides a range of up to 150 miles on a single charge, even when carrying a payload of up to 10,000 lbs. The van’s fully integrated composite body is engineered to resist rust, dents, and dings, which is intended to reduce maintenance costs for fleet operators and extend vehicle life. These features make the W56 a practical choice for companies looking to transition to electric vehicles without sacrificing capability.

Workhorse W56 Key Specifications
Wheelbase178 inches
Battery Capacity210 kWh
Range (per charge)Up to 150 miles
Payload CapacityUp to 10,000 lbs
Body MaterialComposite (rust and dent resistant)

Gateway Fleets’ Bundled EV Solution

Gateway Fleets is not just purchasing electric vans; it is offering a comprehensive package to its customers. The company’s bundled EV solution includes the electric trucks themselves, charging infrastructure, fleet support, and access to depots. These services are all provided through flexible financing arrangements, which are designed to lower the barriers to adoption for commercial operators. By handling both the vehicles and the supporting infrastructure, Gateway Fleets aims to make the transition to electric fleets more accessible for businesses of various sizes.

  • Electric trucks (Workhorse W56 vans)
  • Charging infrastructure installation and management
  • Fleet support services
  • Depot access for charging and maintenance
  • Flexible financing options

Drivers of Commercial EV Demand

Workhorse has identified several factors contributing to increased demand for electric commercial vehicles. High and volatile fuel prices are making electric trucks more attractive due to their stable and lower operating costs. Fleet operators are also motivated by the potential for reduced maintenance expenses, thanks in part to the composite body design of the W56, which resists common wear and tear. Additionally, regulatory pressures and corporate sustainability goals are encouraging companies to reduce their carbon footprint by adopting electric vehicles.

The partnership between Gateway Fleets and Workhorse demonstrates how bundled service models can accelerate the adoption of commercial EVs. By addressing both the upfront vehicle cost and the need for charging infrastructure, Gateway Fleets helps businesses overcome two of the main obstacles to electrification. This approach is expected to drive further uptake in the commercial EV sector as more companies seek to modernise their fleets and reduce total cost of ownership.

Timeline and Market Impact

Gateway Fleets placed its first order for 100 Workhorse electric vans earlier in 2026. The new order of 200 vans reflects both satisfaction with the product and anticipation of growing demand among commercial customers. With deliveries scheduled to begin in the latter half of 2027, the deployment of these vans will contribute to the ongoing shift towards electrification in the commercial vehicle sector. The move is likely to encourage other fleet operators to consider similar transitions, especially as more bundled solutions become available in the market.

By expanding its partnership with Workhorse, Gateway Fleets is positioning itself as a leader in providing turnkey electric fleet solutions. The increased order volume also signals Workhorse’s growing presence in the medium-duty EV market, where competition is intensifying as more manufacturers introduce electric models. The success of this collaboration could set a precedent for future deals between vehicle manufacturers and fleet service providers, further accelerating the commercial EV transition.

Looking Ahead

The order from Gateway Fleets highlights the momentum building behind commercial electric vehicles. As more fleet operators seek to lower costs, reduce emissions, and simplify the transition to electric power, comprehensive service models like Gateway Fleets’ are likely to play an increasingly important role. The continuing partnership between Workhorse and Gateway Fleets will be closely watched as a sign of how rapidly the commercial EV market can grow when both product and support infrastructure are addressed together.

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