What Is A Mini Work Truck?

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Nearly everyone has their ideal work truck: a monster-sized truck with impressive towing capacity, ample cargo space, incredible tool storage, and a massive crew cab to take all your work buddies to lunch with you. Yet you often see those “ideal” commercial vehicle showpieces just sitting in the parking lot because they can’t access bike trails or campus paths or stadium tunnels, or downtown closed-to-vehicle areas, and they’re impractical for use in city parks or storage facilities, apartment complexes, manufacturing plants and other small space / heavy job facilities. Not-so-ideal.

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The world has changed. No one needs the giant gas hogs that used to define the work truck market. In recent years, businesses, farmers, universities, municipalities, and individuals have begun looking for lighter, more versatile platforms to travel to remote places, access tight spaces, carry essential tools and cargo, be dependable every day, and operate less cost than their predecessors.

The answer to this search is found in the smaller mini work truck. They have become increasingly popular for a variety of uses within all types of job sites, from maintenance and operations to catering and cleaning. The small size of these vehicles allows them to maneuver around tight spaces and quickly reach any location on job sites with ease, making them invaluable assets for keeping busy workplaces running smoothly. This adaptable mini work truck can also increase operational efficiency by reducing the time required for certain tasks.

Thus, we have had many long-term clients approach us to solve this need for them. They appreciated the longevity of our parking enforcement vehicles, so they asked us to deliver our legacy of reliability and durability in a mini work truck format.

Enter the MAX-EV LSV mini work truck. Powerful, compact, built to last, and typically half the starting cost of a Ford E-Transit.

When we first envisioned what was possible with a small electric utility truck (EUT) we knew we had to match the needs of clients who needed vehicles that could be used in diverse and compact work environments without the need for a lot of maintenance. 

The MAX-EV electric utility vehicle is an all-new electric-powered, compact, tough work-focused mini work truck that can access narrow paths or areas with limited access, offering more versatility than their wide-bodied, less nimble, CO2-emitting competitors. EUTs provide more flexibility for the diverse needs of companies, universities or government departments.

The MAX-EV is an electric workhorse that is specifically designed to be used in work-site maintenance, vector control, street painting and cleaning, transit, last-mile deliveries and many other work applications.

Is A Mini Work Truck Legal In the US?

It depends on the truck. (Spoiler alert: ours is legal!) Mini trucks, also known as Kei trucks, micro trucks, or white trucks, and have been a popular vehicle option in Japan for decades. They are small, lightweight, and efficient trucks that can easily maneuver through narrow streets and tight spaces. In recent years, the popularity of mini trucks has spread to other parts of the world, including the United States. However, the question remains: are mini trucks legal in the US?

mini work truck

The answer is a bit complicated. Most mini trucks do not typically meet the safety and emissions standards required by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for on-road vehicles. As a result, they cannot be legally registered and operated on public roads in most states.

However, there is a loophole. Some states have exceptions for off-road commercial vehicles, which include mini trucks. In these states, mini trucks can be registered and operated as off-road vehicles. Owners of commercial vehicles can use them for farm work, hunting, and other off-road activities, but they cannot be driven on public roads. Some states also allow mini trucks to be used on public roads as low-speed vehicles (LSVs), but only if they meet certain safety and emissions standards and are registered and licensed accordingly.

The good news for you? The MAX-EV is an emissions-free vehicle and passes all the necessary safety standards for vehicles in its LSV class. Therefore, they can be used and operated on any roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less—common speed limits in small communities and areas that are typically closed to public traffic, such as ski resorts and retirement communities.

What is a Mini Work Truck Called?

Mini trucks go by different names in different parts of the world. In Japan, they are known as Kei trucks, named after the Kei car category they belong to. Kei cars are small vehicles that meet certain size, engine displacement, and power output criteria to qualify for tax and insurance benefits in Japan.

In the United States, a mini work truck is often referred to as micro trucks, mini pickups, or even Asian white trucks due to their early origins. They are also sometimes called utility vehicles or off-road vehicles, depending on how they are sold, registered, and used.

Mini trucks, and models such as the MAX-EV LSV mini work truck, provide a versatile and efficient production platform for businesses that require mobility and agility. Mini trucks can be used for a wide range of industries and services, from landscaping and pressure washing to locksmiths and auto detailing.

Is An All-Electric MAX-EV More Reliable Than Gas-Powered Vehicles?

The United States Postal Service and Amazon Prime are both developing and producing electric vans to meet their customers’ daily operational needs, with Amazon ordering 100,000 units. Clearly, the companies and customers needing daily workhorses already know there is value in fewer moving parts.

The reliability of electric transit vehicles is unparalleled, and our own company loves hearing from many clients who still have units in constant daily use after two decades! There are simply hundreds fewer parts with electric motors when comparing to ICE drivetrains.

For the many organizations that don’t need massive payload capacity and don’t want the bulky size of delivery vans and other common e-vehicles, the lighter, more nimble platform of Westward Industries‘ MAX-EV is exactly what they are looking for.

And, we’re proud that Westward Industries’ reliability is based on uncompromising attention to detail with automotive-grade components for braking, suspension, electrical and more. Westward also offers remote diagnostic services and support with granted access to our customer’s Wi-Fi. The MAX-EV is built to last from the ground up. We don’t sell upgraded golf carts.

What Is An LSV?

A Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) is a street-legal, four-wheeled electric vehicle with a top speed of 25mph and a gross vehicle weight rating of fewer than 3000 lbs. Most States allow LSVs to be driven on roads marked 35 mph or less. Our MAX-EV is an LSV approved for public roads and streets in most USA states and the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Quebec, and Ontario.

The MAX-EV is a twin-passenger green fleet workhorse LSV. It is limited to 25 mph on-road, with superior payload capacity and many add-ons available for various work tasks.

Why Should I Use An Electric Cargo Van For My Business?

Unlike combustion engine vehicles, electric automobiles are efficient in reducing the amount of heat in their engines. EVs may have an impact as you consider reducing your fleet’s carbon footprint to meet social and economic goals.

Electric vans allow fleets to minimize downtime without compromising safety capabilities. These vehicles are also less noisy and smelly to operate than traditional gas guzzlers, quietly operating through congested cities or tight pathways with ease, delivering goods to nearly any destination.

mini work truck

Safety is A Priority With the MAX-EV Mini Work Truck

Safety is another area where MAX-EV electric cargo vans truly shine. Their light weight makes them easier to handle even in windy conditions. Their enclosed cabs help keep personnel safe from possible job site hazards such as flying debris or malfunctioning equipment. The vehicle comes standard with a powder-coated 2.5-inch tubular welded chassis, built tough and built to last.

Additionally, they can safely transport hazardous or sensitive cargo, such as fuel tanks or emergency medical supplies, without transferring them onto another form of transportation.

A Westward Industries MAX-EV Doubles As A Mini Work Truck And Cargo Van

Electric vehicles are more energy-efficient than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and produce zero emissions while driving and idling. As many technology companies and mobile services are looking to reduce their carbon footprint as part of their company or bigger Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, EVs will likely be your company or mobile fleet’s path to supporting a healthy planet.

With an electric cargo van, fleets, businesses, and customers can reduce downtime without compromising safety features. And we have a dedicated team that will assist you with up-fitting and customization, optimizing space and comfort features, creating storage options and more.

Which Businesses Typically Use The Mini Work Truck?

Electric cargo vans are used by professionals across a variety of industries for services such as last-mile package delivery services, contractors, and more. The benefits of using electric cargo transit vans are nearly endless for these types of businesses and services.

With advantages like home or overnight depot charging, predetermined routes, reduced maintenance, and no risk of breaking city idle laws, fleet drivers can focus on their routes and make more deliveries in a day.

mini work truck

Airports

Airports are investing heavily in electric vehicles. The FAA is taking giant strides towards a sustainable future with the recent award of $20.4 million in grants to electrify airports across America! This grant assists airports in transitioning their fleets to all-electric vehicles. Electric cargo vans like the MAX-EV do not emit fumes, increasing work air quality and helping our nation’s aviation hubs to become shining examples to the world of lower emissions and cleaner air quality. World renown airports such as SFO use Westward Vehicles.

The MAX-EV also has a low overhead clearance and a small footprint, meaning the vehicle can easily maneuver through busy airport runways and be stored out of the way when not in use.

Transport and Delivery

The MAX-EV line includes both a 3-wheeled and 4-wheeled edition, with advantages to both, depending on customer needs. The MAX-EV 4 is a street-legal LSV (low-speed vehicle) designed specifically for micro-distribution and last-mile delivery applications. It was built with productivity in mind, boasting 66 cubic feet of cargo space with an optional 1500 lb payload.

The industrial-grade build with the cargo van body—ask about its refrigerated option!—is the perfect small work van for the last leg of goods transportation, such as mail, packages, equipment, catering, food, beverage, groceries, and ready-made food. Read more about the cargo can body.

Governments, Municipalities, and Universities

Governments, municipalities, and universities are finding that their complex maintenance needs are best served by a durable, street-legal vehicle rather than a modified golf cart. The MAX-EV can be customized with more than 20 accessories for specific tasks, such as nerf bars, toolbox, ladder rack, tow hitch, van box, snow plow, and tilt deck. Plus, they are available with comforts to keep workers happy and productive all day, such as Bluetooth radio, heading, and air conditioning.  The lovely and sprawling campus of UNCC Charlotte has deployed nearly 40 MAX-EVs to support all sorts of daily functions needed by such a bustling campus. For maintenance, landscaping, cargo, or passenger mobility, the MAX-EV is an electric fleet workhorse.

A Smarter Delivery Solution With A Mini Work Truck

Delivery vehicles—typically vans and smaller trucks—are much easier to transition to electric than heavy trucks. The typical duty cycle works well with electric vehicles: most duty cycles feature a short length of operation, the ability to return to a central base, and frequent stops and starts that work well with regenerative braking.

In addition, long-lasting lithium-ion batteries provide enough range for many routes with plenty of charging time overnight. For example, for a 20kwh battery with a range of up to 120 miles, the estimated Level II charging requires, on average, between six to eight hours.

EV Delivery Focus With A Mini Work Truck

UPS, Amazon, and DHL are replacing gas-fueled units with electric versions to boost profits, fight climate change and decrease urban pollution. According to their official statement, FedEx’s entire parcel pickup and its delivery fleet will be zero-emission electric vehicles by 2040. Electric vehicles have high operational efficiency and performance and are cheaper to operate.

A Mini Work Truck Is Cheaper To Operate And Maintain Than ICE Engines

Small electric vehicles such as the MAX-EV can be deployed to any task, indoor & outdoor, with no tail-pipe emissions. The factory-set speed settings help ensure more safety for those walking and biking on college campuses.

At only 57 inches wide, the MAX-EV can fit down narrow paths, yet operators feel safe on-road with its robust 2.5 steel tubular powder-coated chassis protecting its occupants. Additionally, it comes standard with a standard engine-emulating sound generator at low speeds to notify pedestrians of its approach.

Which Businesses Typically Use Mini Electric Cargo Vans?

Electric cargo vans are used by many professionals across many sectors, such as maintenance, construction, and cargo. These types of companies have incredibly good reasons to use electric cargo vehicles. With advantages such as home or overnight depot charges, predefined routes, and less maintenance, these cargo van drivers have fewer distractions and less risk of not abiding by city idle laws. They are positioned in a convenient location for drivers. Companies such as FEDEX, DHL, and Canada Post proudly use MAX-EVs at some of their destinations.

Why Are Mini Electric Cargo Vans Smaller Than Other Vans?

In short: fuel-driven engines take up space. Unlike combustion engine vehicles, electric automobiles are efficient in reducing the amount of space needed and heat emitted from their drive trains. Therefore, space is reduced by a lack of components designed to deal with engine heat.  Additionally, fewer parts are needed to convert fuel to energy.

Where Were Mini Work Trucks First Popularized?

Mini trucks have been a popular vehicle option for service in Japan for decades. Mini work trucks, also known as Kei trucks or micro trucks, are small, lightweight, and efficient trucks that can easily maneuver through narrow streets and tight spaces. However, in the United States, mini trucks are not typically street legal due to safety features and emissions standards required by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

On the other hand, the MAX-EV mini work truck is an all-electric vehicle designed to be street-legal, making it a convenient and practical choice for mobile service businesses.

The MAX-EV mini work truck is an all-electric powered, compact, tough work-focused vehicle that can access narrow paths or areas with limited access, offering more versatility than their wide-bodied, less nimble, CO2-emitting competitors. EUTs provide more flexibility for the diverse needs of companies, universities, or government departments.

The MAX-EV is an electric workhorse specifically designed for work-site maintenance, vector control, street painting and cleaning, last-mile deliveries, and many other work applications..

EVs may have an impact as you consider reducing your fleet’s carbon footprint to meet social and economic goals. Electric vans allow fleets to minimize downtime without compromising safety capabilities.

The MAX-EV mini work truck is an emissions-free vehicle and passes all the necessary safety standards for vehicles in its class. Therefore, they can be used and operated on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less, common limits in small communities and areas typically closed to public traffic, such as ski resorts and retirement communities.

The MAX-EV mini work truck is built to last and typically costs half the price of a Ford E-Transit. It can be used for a wide range of industries, from landscaping and pressure washing to locksmithing and auto detailing. Companies and individuals are looking for lighter, more versatile platforms that can travel to remote places, access tight spaces, carry essential tools and cargo, be dependable every day, and operate at less cost than their predecessors. The MAX-EV mini work truck meets all these requirements, making it the right trend in the business world.

Financing For The MAX-EV  Mini Work Truck

In addition to their practical features, Westward Industries vehicles also come with financing packages via the dealer network, making it easier for businesses to acquire them. Customers can contact a dealer for pricing and financing options. The company has a strong focus on customer service, ensuring that business owners have access to the support they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly.

mini work truck

Reliability and Durability

One of the biggest benefits of the MAX-EV mini work truck is its electric motor, which provides more reliability than gas-powered vehicles. The reliability of electric vehicles is unparalleled, and many companies have already realized the value of fewer moving parts. In fact, the United States Postal Service and Amazon Prime are both developing and producing electric vans to meet their daily operational needs, with Amazon ordering 100,000 units. Our own company has heard from many clients who still have units in constant demand for daily use after two decades!

The MAX-EV mini work truck is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a mini work truck that provides cargo space, safety features, and convenient features for devices like mobile devices and phone packages. Dealers and other business owners can contact Westward Industries for more information on pricing, financing, dealer inventory, and the production process. The MAX-EV mini work truck is the perfect solution for frequent deliveries, mobile service businesses like mobile hair salons and pizza deliveries, or any job that requires a compact and reliable vehicle.

In today’s world, all-electric vehicle sales are increasing, and for good reason. The benefits of electric vehicles are vast, and they are not just limited to cars. Businesses, especially those requiring frequent deliveries and cargo space, are increasingly turning to electric vans and trucks.

Westward Industries Leads the Way For The Mini Work Truck!

Our company has always been at the forefront of this movement, producing electric vans and trucks that customers find to be convenient, mobile, and perfect for mobile businesses. These vehicles have features like electric motors, lower cost of ownership, and a range of safety features that make them a popular choice for companies and services that focus on sales and delivering goods or customer services directly to customers.

For example, the Westward Industries chassis cab and cargo van models offer plenty of cargo space, making them ideal for companies that need to transport equipment or inventory. And because these vehicles are mobile and can fit into a standard parking space, they are perfect for companies that need to deliver goods and services in urban areas.

Additionally, since they are all-electric, they have a range that is comparable to traditional gas-powered trucks and vans. This means that owners can deliver goods and services without worrying about running out of charge and can replace their current fleet of gas-powered vehicles with more efficient and environmentally friendly ones.

Businesses requiring cargo space and mobile vehicles equipped to deliver goods or services should consider investing in electric vans and the mini work truck from Westward Industries. With their practical features, financing options, and excellent customer service, these vehicles are a great choice for companies that want to stay ahead of the curve in terms of technology and sustainability. We’ll help you get there.

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