Workhorse expands W56 platform with Utilimaster body
Zero-emission commercial vehicle specialist Workhorse Group Inc. has reported the availability of the Utilimaster Aeromaster body for its all-electric W56 Class 5/6 step van.
Workhorse has completed integration, testing and validation of the industry-standard aluminum Aeromaster walk-in body from Utilimaster, according to the company. The new configuration expands the W56 product line, giving fleets a familiar, time-tested body design, now paired with the zero-emission performance of the W56.
“We’re proud to work with Workhorse to bring the Aeromaster body to the W56 electric chassis,” said Amanda Pickett, director of marketing, North America at Aebi Schmidt. “The W56 is a high-quality, purpose-built EV platform, and adding our well-known, industry-standard body allows fleets to combine the trusted durability and versatility of Utilimaster with the benefits of zero tailpipe emissions.”
The Utilimaster body brings added flexibility to the W56 platform, offering durable aluminum construction, wide steps and low step height for driver safety, and highly modular interiors that can be configured for parcel delivery, service, or specialty applications. Designed for efficiency, the Aeromaster supports a wide range of upfit options—such as shelving, partitions, lighting, HVAC, and multiple door configurations—while being fully backed by Utilimaster’s national parts, service, and upfit network.
“For many large fleets, operational consistency is key,” said Kelly Kiger, vice president of sales at Workhorse. “By offering the Utilimaster body on our W56 chassis, Workhorse can deliver the performance and reliability of its all-electric step van in the traditional form factor that fleet operators already know and trust—allowing them to maintain their established vehicle setups, shelving, partitions, lighting, HVAC, and door configurations without disruption.”
Built at the Workhorse Ranch in Union City, Indiana, the W56 is a 100% electric Class 5–6 step van designed and engineered for last-mile delivery applications. With a range of up to 150 miles or more on a single charge, zero tailpipe emissions, and up to 1,200 cubic feet of cargo space, the W56 also offers enhanced visibility, advanced safety features, and integrated telematics that make it a ready-to-work choice for fleets transitioning to electric operations.