Workhorse W-15 Electric Pickup Truck
The Workhorse W-15 electric pickup truck is a plug-in hybrid work vehicle delivering 460 horsepower across all four wheels, a 2,200-pound bed capacity, and a commercial-grade 30-amp power outlet for connecting tools on site. With an 80-mile all-electric range and a combined fuel economy of 80 MPGe, the W-15 was designed from the ground up as a fleet-ready, lower-cost alternative to conventional gas-powered work trucks.
What Makes the W-15 Different From a Standard Electric Pickup?
Most electric vehicles of 2017 were passenger cars. The W-15 targeted the commercial fleet market, where fuel costs, maintenance schedules, and total cost of ownership matter far more than 0-60 times. Workhorse designed it with two electric motors, one at the front axle and one at the rear, providing all-wheel drive and the 460 hp combined output. A BMW petrol range extender engine carries the truck beyond its electric range, providing a total of around 310 miles on a full charge and tank. The payload capacity of 2,200 lbs places it in direct competition with the Ford F-150, which Workhorse cited as a cost comparison benchmark.
Performance and Powertrain Specifications
The 60 kWh battery pack (45 kWh usable, to protect long-term capacity) powers both motors in pure-electric mode. The W-15 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds, quick for a full-size work truck. The 7.2 kW onboard charger (30-amp outlet) handles both vehicle charging and tool power on the job site, making the W-15 useful as a mobile power station in addition to its transport role. A lane departure warning system and advanced sensor suite were also included, unusual specifications for a work vehicle in 2017.
Interior and Utility
The W-15's interior takes a clean, purposeful approach: a large LCD control screen dominates the dashboard, a central console knob handles gear selection, and the steering wheel stays uncluttered. The extended cab configuration provides significant storage, and the absence of a large combustion engine block frees up additional front-end luggage space. Workhorse positioned this additional room as a practical asset for fleet operators who carry tools and equipment on every trip.
Market Context and Commercial Focus
The W-15 was priced at $52,500 and had 4,650 pre-orders at reveal, with a ten-year distribution partnership signed with Ryder. The commercial fleet argument was straightforward: lower fuel costs, lower maintenance (electric drivetrains have fewer moving parts), and a power outlet that generates value on every job. While the consumer electric pickup market has since expanded considerably, the W-15 was an early demonstration that the utility case for electrification could be made on hard economics rather than environmental positioning alone. For further context, Electrek's original reveal coverage and Green Car Reports' technical breakdown remain the primary sources.
Electric Vehicles at TheArsenale
TheArsenale's electric collection spans from compact urban machines to high-performance sports cars. Explore the TheArsenale Electric collection, including the Apex AP-1 Electric Sports Car and the Charge Electric Mustang. The full TheArsenale cars collection covers the breadth of what is available across performance, luxury, and utility categories.
