BMW and Workhorse Group – Latest Developments in Electric Vehicles, Batteries, and Charging Technology
In a significant move towards sustainable transportation, Workhorse, an American technology company, has delivered its W56 electric step van to NorCal Transports Inc. for last-mile package delivery in Richmond, California. The W56 van, purpose-engineered for fleet operators aiming to transition to zero-emission vehicles, offers a robust design and class-leading 10,000-pound payload capacity.
The W56 step van's superiority lies in its warranty, service, range, and payload capacities. Workhorse offers a diverse lineup of electric step vans, including the W56 with 178" and 208" wheelbase, and W750. Each electric step van offers varying cargo capacities, with the W56 offering 1,200 cubic feet, W750 offering 750 cubic feet, and the W56 with 178" wheelbase offering 1,000 cubic feet.
Edson A. Costa Jr., CEO of NorCal Transports, praised the performance and support provided by Workhorse and Kingsburg Truck Sales. The deployment of the W56 step van will aid in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the Richmond area while supporting NorCal Transport's sustainability goals and compliance with California Advanced Clean Fleet Requirements.
Meanwhile, the BMW Group is expanding its production network for the next generation of high-voltage batteries significantly. The German automaker is setting up five facilities on three continents to produce sixth-generation high-voltage batteries. The first Neue Klasse vehicles will be produced at the BMW Group's new plant in Debrecen, Hungary, starting in 2025. From 2026, Neue Klasse vehicles will also be made by BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA) in Shenyang, China.
High-voltage battery and vehicle manufacturing will launch in parallel at the Debrecen plant. At San Luis Potosí in Mexico, additional production capacity is being established for series production of the Neue Klasse to start in 2027. The Neue Klasse will incorporate all-new cylindrical cells, offering improved energy density, charging times, and range.
NorCal Transports aims to have 100% of its fleet consisting of alternate fuel vehicles by 2025. This commitment to sustainability is not unique to NorCal Transports, as more companies are recognising the importance of transitioning to zero-emission vehicles.
Workhorse's W56 electric step van has become eligible for California's Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project ("HVIP"), offering a base voucher of $85,000 per W56 purchased. This incentive further encourages the adoption of zero-emission vehicles in California, contributing to the state's efforts to combat climate change.
In summary, the delivery of Workhorse's W56 electric step van to NorCal Transports marks a significant step towards a greener future. The BMW Group's ambitious plans for high-voltage battery production also indicate a promising future for electric vehicles. As more companies adopt sustainable practices, we can expect to see more electric vehicles on our roads in the coming years.
