New Electric Delivery Van Solution Features Integrated Drone

By Mike Ball / 08 Nov 2017
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Horsefly delivery octocopter drone

Workhorse Group, a provider of electric mobility solutions to the commercial transportation sector, has announced that it has commenced implementation of agreements to test and operate its new N-Gen electric van, which features an optional integrated HorseFly Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Package Delivery System.

The electric N-Gen van, with lightweight composite body, will provide an anticipated range of 100 miles on a single charge. An optional gasoline range extender will add an additional 75 miles. In early on-road testing, the N-Gen has demonstrated a 60-65 MPGe efficiency.

The carbon-fiber, high-efficiency octocopter Horsefly drone launches from the roof of the delivery van and delivers a package to its destination within the driver’s line of sight. The patent-pending truck and drone HorseFly system is compliant with all current FAA regulations, and can carry a package weighing up to 10 pounds with a cost of approximately $.03 per mile.

“The new N-Gen platform represents a new day for last-mile delivery,” said Stephen Burns, CEO of Workhorse. “With agreements now in place to test and operate N-Gen vehicles in several cities across the United States, Workhorse continues to be on the front edge of transformative innovation in the commercial transportation sector.”

The N-Gen’s 19-inch floor and 105-inch roof height maximize cargo space, reduce knee injuries and enhance driver ease of operation. Standard van options include all-wheel drive, automatic braking and lane centering, a best-in-class 26-foot turning radius and superior handling for maximum versatility. The built-in Workhorse Metron telematics system tracks in real time all van and drone parameters to optimize performance and efficiency. Additional configurations for telecomm service/municipal use, as well as 700-cubic-foot and 1,000-cubic-foot models, are expected in late 2018.

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact