Gateway Fleets Orders 200 Workhorse W56 Electric Step Vans
Gateway Fleets has placed a follow-on order for 200 Workhorse W56 electric step vans for its truck-as-a-service model.
Gateway Fleets has placed a follow-on order for 200 Workhorse W56 electric step vans. The California-based provider will lease the trucks to independent last-mile delivery providers through its truck-as-a-service model, with deliveries starting in late 2027.
The vehicles will be purchased through Kingsburg Truck Center, a California dealer. Gateway Fleets bundles purpose-built electric trucks with charging infrastructure, fleet support, and depot access through flexible financing arrangements. This model targets third-party logistics companies aiming to stay asset-light.
Vehicle specs and deployment timeline support regional rollout
The W56 step vans ordered are Standard Wheelbase configurations. They are designed specifically for last-mile delivery work.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 210 kWh |
| Estimated Range | 150 miles |
| Payload Capacity | 10,000 lbs |
| Cargo Space | 1,000 cubic feet |
| Body Type | Purpose-built composite |
The composite body resists rust, dents, and dings. An ergonomic driver environment is intended to reduce the physical toll of high-cycle delivery routes.
Deployments to Gateway Fleets' customers are expected to begin in the second half of 2027. They will continue through 2028.
Workhorse production capacity and Gateway’s existing infrastructure enable scale
All W56 models are produced at Workhorse's manufacturing facility in Union City, Indiana. This facility can build up to 5,000 vehicles per year on a standard shift. Workhorse has delivered more than 1,100 vehicles to date.
Gateway Fleets currently operates depots in Southern California. Kingsburg Truck Center, whose owner is Jerry Smith, will provide consultative sales, incentive processing, and service support for this order.
Model addresses cost and infrastructure barriers for small fleet adoption
The truck-as-a-service approach is a direct response to key adoption barriers. It eliminates the higher upfront cost of the electric vehicle itself. It also removes the added capital required to build out charging infrastructure.
This is key as record fuel prices impact last-mile delivery operators. Simultaneously, the rapid expansion of online shopping has increased demand for delivery contractors. Gateway Fleets is doubling down on its initial investment in vehicles, infrastructure, and support to meet this demand.
Jamie Miller, Chief Revenue Officer of Gateway Fleets, highlighted the comprehensive support needed. "Getting the truck on the road is only the beginning," Miller said. "Keeping operators moving takes the right combination of infrastructure, service, and support."
Order builds on prior Workhorse partnerships and expands customer base
This order follows two earlier purchases by Gateway Fleets this year. The company previously ordered 100 and then 200 medium-duty electric box vans from Workhorse.
With this latest step van order, Gateway joins an existing Workhorse customer base that includes Aramark, Cintas, FedEx, and Canadian shipping giant Purolator. Workhorse is a company that has operated in the commercial EV industry for a decade. Its CEO is Scott Griffith.
Deliveries of the 200 W56 step vans are expected to begin in the second half of 2027 and continue through 2028, supporting Gateway Fleets’ expansion of its truck-as-a-service model in Southern California.
