Calif. Public Utility to Purchase 500 Plug-In Pickups

The Southern California Public Power Authority (SCPPA) has submitted a letter of intent to Workhorse Group for 500 W-15 plug-in electric pickup trucks.

The Workhorse W-15 light duty platform design is an extension of the E-Gen electric technology used in Workhorse medium-duty delivery trucks. With expected all-electric 80-mile range using Panasonic 18650 Li-ion batteries, the battery pack is expected to cover the vast majority of miles driven in a day by fleet owners of locally driven trucks. The gasoline generator will operate after battery power has been depleted, allowing the driver unlimited range to complete tasks. Once production commences, Workhorse expects the W-15 to have a $52,500 MSRP.

The W-15 will also feature the ability for utility fleets to power equipment directly from the battery power source, allowing a work crew to complete tasks without having the truck running. The trucks' safety features are expected to include an extra large crumple zone, and lower center of gravity while still providing ground clearance. The W-15 is also expected to offer crash mitigation technologies, including automatic braking and lane centering.

The W-15 electric pickup will be unveiled at the ACT EXPO show in May, where it will be available to drive. Workhorse has already received letters of intent from Duke Energy, Portland General Electric, and the City of Orlando.