Workhorse Group and Motiv Electric Trucks announce merger agreement

Combination will create one of the largest medium-duty electric truck OEMs in North America.

(Photo: Motiv Electric Trucks)
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Key Takeaways:

  • Workhorse Group and Motiv Electric Trucks are merging to form one of North America's largest medium-duty electric truck OEMs.
  • The all-stock merger, valued at ~$105 million, is expected to close in Q4 2025, with Motiv's controlling investor holding a majority stake.
  • The combined company aims to leverage both companies' strengths (manufacturing, dealer network, product portfolio) to target the growing $23 billion medium-duty electric truck market.
  • Synergies are projected to reach at least $20 million by 2026, and the merged entity will utilize Workhorse's Union City facility with a capacity of 5,000 trucks annually.
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Workhorse Group and Motiv Electric Trucks are merging, and the combination will create one of the largest medium-duty electric truck OEMs in North America.

Sharonville, Ohio-based Workhorse Group, formerly named AMP Electric Vehicles, makes commercial electric vehicles and telematics software for last-mile delivery. Motiv Electric Trucks is a large manufacturer of medium-duty electric trucks and buses.

The all-stock transaction, announced last week, values the combined company at approximately $105 million and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to Workhorse shareholder approval.

The merger joins Workhorse’s manufacturing capabilities and national dealer network with Motiv’s diverse product portfolio and fleet relationships to serve the growing $23 billion medium-duty truck segment with a full range of Class 4-6 electric vehicles.

“Bringing together two leading OEMs in the medium-duty space strengthens our ability to reduce the cost of electric trucks and make the total cost of ownership even more compelling,” said Scott Griffith, CEO of Motiv, who will lead the combined company. “We believe this is a coming-of-age moment—not just for Motiv and Workhorse, but for the industry as a whole.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Motiv’s controlling investor will become the majority owner with approximately 62.5% of the combined company, while Workhorse shareholders will maintain a significant equity stake of approximately 26.5%.

The companies anticipate achieving at least $20 million in cost synergies by the end of 2026 through R&D, G&A, and facility cost reductions. Workhorse’s Union City facility has the capacity to eventually produce up to 5,000 trucks per year, a significant manufacturing scale for the merged operation.

“This transaction represents a significant milestone for Workhorse, our customers, our stakeholders and our shareholders,” said Rick Dauch, CEO of Workhorse, who will serve as an advisor to the combined company. “We believe Motiv is the right partner to support the advancement of our combined product roadmap and capture new growth opportunities.”

The transaction includes a $20 million sale-leaseback of Workhorse’s Union City manufacturing facility and a $5 million convertible note financing, both completed with entities affiliated with Motiv’s controlling investor to provide near-term liquidity through closing.

Together, the companies have already served 10 of the largest medium-duty fleets in North America, as they seek to expand existing relationships with likely early adopters of commercial EVs.

Thomas Wasson

Based in Chattanooga TN, Thomas is an Enterprise Trucking Analyst at FreightWaves with a focus on news commentary, analysis and trucking insights. Before that, he worked at a digital trucking startup aifleet, Arrive Logistics, and U.S. Xpress Enterprises with an emphasis on fleet management, load planning, freight analysis, and truckload network design. He hosts two podcasts and newsletters at FreightWaves — Loaded and Rolling and Truck Tech.