The truck can be charged from a standard outlet, or charge faster with a 240 volt outlet or charging station. Driving in all-electric mode costs approximately six cents a mile. The vehicle will travel up to 40 miles on electricity, but it can be driven farther after that using gasoline up to a total of about 300 miles. The truck generates its own electricity using a small fuel-efficient gas-powered generator or “range extender” when needed.
The company says the vehicle's 402 hp high torque electric motor provides ample towing capacity and will be available in two-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations.
“VIA Motors has developed the first extended range electric powertrain capable of replacing the V8 engine. It was my great privilege to introduce the Chevy Volt, and it will be a great honor to introduce the world’s first line of eREV Trucks, Vans and SUVs by VIA Motors.”
After retiring from General Motors in 2010, Bob Lutz has continued his vision for extended range electric vehicles in his recent move to join the VIA Motors Board of Directors. Known as both the king of the American “muscle car,” bringing to market iconic cars like the Chevy Camaro and the Dodge Viper, Bob Lutz is also considered the champion of GM’s greenest production vehicle, the Chevy Volt. Mr. Lutz has both a keen eye for what Americans prefer to drive and an understanding of their desire to adopt cleaner, more efficient technologies.
“This new breed of full size utility vehicles can deliver the power and performance of a V8, with better fuel economy than many smaller cars, by driving on electricity for about $2 a day,” adds Alan Perriton, Chief Operations Officer for VIA Motors, and himself a former GM senior executive. “It actually costs less to own and operate a clean VIA electrified truck or SUV than a gas truck,” added Perriton.
In addition to the full size Pickup Truck, VIA will unveil two new eREV vehicles at the North American International Auto Show: a full size, four wheel drive SUV, and a three-quarter-ton, full-size Cargo Van at its booth on the main floor of the show. Like VIA’s eREV truck, all three vehicles can drive 30 to 40 miles on advanced, non-flammable, lithium ion batteries, then up to 400 miles using the onboard generator, averaging up to 100 mpg.
VIA Motors has begun taking orders for 2012 for its extended range electric pickup truck from many of America’s largest fleets. Production of VIA’s eREV pickup is scheduled to begin in 2012, with plans to ramp up production to 20,000 units per year over the next few years including the eREV SUV, Van and other large eREV vehicles.
To learn more, download a PDF brochure with extensive information about the truck.
3 comments:
When all the coal fired electric plants are shut down....where the heck are ya' gonna' charge these things??????
The above respondent seems to think that there is no source of electricity other than coal-fired electric plants. He appears to be greatly misinformed, or perhaps he works in the coal industry. Between solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, natural gas, tidal generation and other sources, there is no need to foul our air with coal smoke in order to have electricity.
Solar chargers, baby!!
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