The deal gives Canadian fleet operators local sales and service for the W56 Class 5-6 electric van, with expansion to Western Canada planned

Workhorse Group has signed an agreement with Tristan Fleet Management to sell and service its electric step vans in Canada, a major step for the Detroit-based technology company inking its first Canadian dealer partnership.

Under the contract, Tristan will offer Workhorse’s full W56 lineup with two battery options: a standard 210 kilowatt-hour pack with a range of up to 240 km, and a less expensive 140 kWh version. Two configurations for the vans – 178-inch or 208-inch wheelbases – offer 1,000 cubic feet and 1,200 cubic feet of cargo space respectively, with payload capacity ranging from 9,000 lbs to 11,000 pounds.

Sales and service

Tristan is primarily known for helping carriers and fleet operators maintain and service heavy trucks and trailers, but they also began to sell transit trailers through partnerships with firms such as Vanguard.

For the past year, Workhorse has been looking to expand its reach to Canadian fleet managers. “When we wanted to scale up operations in Canada, we needed a support system for our products,” said David Bellitto, the country director of Canada for Workhorse, in an interview with Electric Autonomy. “Because the EV market isn’t just about buying a great vehicle, it’s giving drivers the service and support they want.”

He went on to say how Tristan’s track record made it an easy decision for Workhorse. “We wanted a local presence, and they have that local presence in Canada.

“We look forward to growing beyond Ontario towards Western Canada in the coming years, too,” Bellitto added.

Strong business case for electrifying

For Tristan, this partnership built off its commitment to working with more EV manufacturers. “Our customers have been exploring electrification for some time now. With generous incentives from Écocamionnage [Quebec’s electric MHDV rebate program], as well as the current extremely high cost of fuel, the business case for going electric has never been stronger,” Daniel Barbu, Tristan’s vice-president and general manager, said in a press release.

“We’re looking forward to helping Workhorse expand its customer base across Canada and supporting our customers [to] meet their own goals for sustainability and vehicle performance.”

This deal isn’t Workhorse’s first foray into Canada. It has been operating in the country since 2021 through a partnership with Purolator, which also recently placed an additional order for 100 electric vans in March.