McAbee Trucking, Inc., a pioneer in the operation of alternative fuel trucks on Star Carrier Mail Contractor Routes, has taken a step forward in sustainable transportation by acquiring a new all-electric W4 CC box truck from Workhorse.

Also, Workhorse Group Inc. recently announced a strategic collaboration with Kingsburg Truck Sales, its certified dealer based in Kingsburg, California, and the completion of the previously disclosed divestiture of its Aero business. Workhorse said these developments highlight its ongoing efforts to address the needs of California's commercial truck and small fleet owners amid the enforcement of California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations.

McAbee Trucking Acquires Workhorse’s W4 CC to Transport U.S. Mail

This purchase marks McAbee Trucking’s first addition of an electric vehicle to their fleet, following a successful demonstration period that showcased the capabilities and benefits of Workhorse’s W4 CC. The decision to acquire a W4 CC was driven by the impressive performance observed during the demo, validating the reliability and efficiency of the Workhorse electric trucks in real-world operations.

The W4 CC electric box truck is equipped to perform a 120-mile daily round trip mail route between Blacksburg, South Carolina, and Shelby, North Carolina. This addition underscores McAbee Trucking’s commitment to lowering emissions while maintaining their impressive reliability record and an on-time dispatch rating of over 99% by the U.S. Postal Service.

Lisa McAbee, owner of McAbee Trucking, expressed her enthusiasm for this sustainable upgrade: “We are thrilled to incorporate the Workhorse W4 CC into our fleet. This zero-emission vehicle aligns with our mission to adopt greener technologies while ensuring the high level of service that our customers, including the USPS, expect from us.”

Greg Reed, Executive Director of the National Star Route Mail Contractors Association, also commented on this significant development: “The National Star Route Mail Contractors Association is committed to supporting the adoption of alternative fuels, including battery-electric solutions like McAbee Trucking’s Workhorse truck. This step is in line with the Postal Service’s commitment to reducing harmful emissions by transitioning to alternative fuel trucking fleets.”

Kingsburg Collaboration on Zero-Emission Truck Adoption

An integral part of the collaboration is Kingsburg's commitment to purchase 141 units of the Workhorse W4 CC Class 4 battery-electric cab chassis trucks which are expected to be delivered in 2024.

Workhorse said the order, which is subject to significant terms and conditions, including the receipt of California's Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) vouchers, demonstrates Kingsburg's confidence that Advanced Clean Fleet (ACF) regulations are changing the market for work trucks in California and beyond.

By expanding its inventory with a notable number of W4 CC trucks, Kingsburg will be better equipped to serve customers seeking reliable, zero-emission work vehicles that comply with California’s ACF regulations.

"We're thrilled to offer a solution that helps work truck owners in California meet ACF regulations," said Jerry Smith, president of Kingsburg Truck Sales. "The Workhorse W4 CC is a practical, reliable electric truck that replaces traditional ICE models without sacrificing performance. With a range of up to 150 miles, compatibility with Level 2 and Level 3 charging, and numerous approved upfit options, the W4 CC is perfect for local delivery routes. It helps our customers stay compliant with ACF rules and lowers their fleet operating costs."

Kingsburg Honored as Workhorse’s 2023 Dealer of the Year

In December 2022, Kingsburg became Workhorse's first certified electric vehicle (EV) dealer in California. Since then, Kingsburg has facilitated multiple purchase orders for Workhorse vehicles, earning recognition as Workhorse’s 2023 dealer of the year.

"Kingsburg Truck Sales has been an excellent partner and their commitment to purchase a large quantity of our W4 CC trucks underscores the quality and versatility of our electric work trucks. We’re confident that customers will appreciate the wide range of body options and upfit configurations available for the W4 CC, making it an ideal solution for various industries and trades," Workhorse CEO Rick Dauch said.

Upfit Options Available Through Kingsburg Truck Center

Workhorse's extensive network of commercial vehicle upfit partners and approved upfits enables the W4 CC to be customized for a wide array of applications, from refrigerated and dry box trucks to utility work and landscaping. This versatility, combined with the W4 CC's reliable performance, positions Workhorse and its dealers to meet the growing demand for electric work trucks across various industries.

Through a limited promotion, Kingsburg Truck Center is offering the Workhorse W4 CC with three popular body options:

• Flatbed

• Utility bed

• Landscape body

The promotion is available while supplies last and HVIP vouchers remain available.

Workhorse said it expects the W4 CC to qualify for up to $60,000 in incentives through California’s HVIP, which is intended to offset the cost of clean vehicle purchases for eligible customers. Additional state and federal incentives may also be available to qualified buyers.

Aero Divestiture Enhances Workhorse’s Focus on Commercial EVs

To further streamline its operations and focus on core strengths, Workhorse has completed the previously disclosed divestiture of its Aero business to an affiliate of ATW Partners. This divestiture is expected to provide monthly cost savings of approximately $375,000 and Workhorse said this enhances its ability to concentrate on its commercial EV truck business. Under the agreement’s earn-out provisions, Workhorse will receive a portion of the proceeds if the Aero business realizes revenues from certain contingent sources.

“This divestiture narrows our focus and provides Workhorse with additional financial flexibility to advance our commercial EV product roadmap and execute our strategic plans. We are confident we will capture the opportunities ahead by continuing to deliver EV trucks to new customers and expanding our commercial dealer network, ultimately driving value for our stockholders,” Dauch said.

Workhorse said as it continues to innovate and expand its offerings in the electric last-mile delivery vehicle market, strategic partnerships with dealerships like Kingsburg Truck Sales, along with focused business initiatives like the Aero divestiture, will play a crucial role in driving adoption and accelerating the transition to zero-emission commercial vehicles.