VIA MOTORS ENTERS JOINT VENTURE W/ VOLVO, GEELY

Founded by industry “favorite” Bob Lutz, electric truck-builder Via had big plans. Back in 2015, the company had plans to sell 50,000 new vehicles by 2018– which, I mean, just didn’t happen. As recently as August of last year, in fact, Via was still talking about putting an electric pick up on the road “within two years“. But, before you write Via off completely, consider the following: they just got a massive cash boost from Volvo’s parent company, Geely.

In the near term, Via will get access to Volvo’s advanced Drive-e engines and hybrid batteries, bringing their new trucks that much closer to series production. Geely and Volvo, in exchange, will gain access to Via’s real asset- its proprietary control software designed specifically for commercial vehicle use.

Which- I mean, I guess that’s something?

Geely seems to think it is, anyway. You can check out the official Geely/Via Motors press release, below, then let us know what you think of Lutz’ latest news (and Geely’s judgement) in the comments section at the bottom of the page.

22 January, 2018 – Orem, Utah — In line with Geely’s corporate global vision of producing the safest, most environmentally-friendly and most energy-efficient “New Energy Commercial Vehicles,” VIA Motors International, Inc., a leader of electric and hybrid drive systems offering a range of extended range (eREV) and EV commercial vehicles, today announces that it has completed an exclusive agreement with China based Zhejiang Geely New Energy Vehicle Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Zhejiang Geely Commercial Vehicle Group.
The parties have agreed to co-develop a medium duty extended range electric truck, which incorporates VIA’s industry leading proprietary vehicle software and systems control technology, for launch in China and the Americas in 2019.
Mr. Nathan Yu Ning, Zhejiang Geely Holding Vice President of International Business and Executive Advisor to the Board said “Geely selected VIA Motors due to the company’s advanced commercial vehicle software and control systems technology, specifically developed to meet the demanding duty cycle and performance requirements of commercial vehicles”.
“I believe that range extended hybrid drive systems are a leading technology for the next 5-10 years and the co-developed truck will utilize proven technology such as a Volvo engine for the range extender. VIA Motors provides technology plus an engineering and management team that can support GCV to accelerate to be global leading commercial vehicle company and assist the introduction of GCV Trucks into North and Latin America through our newly formed joint venture,” continued Mr. Yu.
“VIA Motors is honored to partner with Geely Commercial Vehicles. This agreement allows VIA to execute our strategy with the launch of an expanded portfolio of advanced drive systems and vehicles,” commented Peter Guile, CEO of VIA Motors. “We are excited to be working with our new global partners to electrify the future of the world’s working vehicles,” he continued.
“Geely is the ideal strategic partner for VIA Motors, as the fastest growing global vehicle company, with a demonstrated commitment to the electrification of their portfolio of award winning vehicles.” commented Bob Lutz, Chairman of VIA Motors and former Vice-Chairman of GM. “The alliance between Geely and VIA Motors combines technology, access to their industry leading suppliers, and a mutual entrepreneurial spirit dedicated to accelerating the global adoption of extended range electric commercial vehicles.” further commented Mr.Lutz.

Source | Images: Geely, Via Motors.

VIA Motors Plans To Sell 50,000 Hybrid Trucks A Year By 2018

VIA Motors has just begun delivering its first plug-in hybrid vans to customers this week. Deliveries of its hybrid pickup trucks to fleets will begin in February and to individual customers by the end of this year. But already, Chairman Bob Lutz tells Bloomberg he expects the company to be selling 50,000 plug-in hybrid trucks and vans a year by 2018.

Lutz told Bloomberg that FedEx, Pacific Gas & Electric, Duke Energy, and Verizon have already placed orders. Sun Country Highway — which operates a network of electric-car charging stations along Canadian highways — has also signed up for 1,000 pickups and vans, he says. Prices for the hybridized trucks are $65,000 for the pickup and $79,000 for the van. Since they are essentially the same vehicle under the sheetmetal, there is no explanation given for why the van costs a whopping $14,000 more.

The vehicles VIA offers are based on the standard Chevrolet Silverado full size pickup truck and the Express cargo van. VIA adds its own proprietary hybrid powertrain that allows both vehicles to have a combined fuel economy rating of 100 MPGe.  Electric only range for the pickup truck is 40 miles; for the van it is 35 miles.

That’s assuming drivers actually remember to plug in once in a while. Fleet experience with the Chevy Volt has been dismal, since most fleet drivers can’t be bothered to recharge their vehicles and just continue to drive as long as there is gas in the tank. There is no word if Chairman Lutz is planning to ride along to make sure proper recharging procedures are followed. Unless the vehicles are plugged in, their real world fuel economy will be no different than the donor vehicles, which cost half as much to buy.

Bob Lutz is a legend in the automobile manufacturing business, of course, but will his hybrid trucks actually hit the 50,000 a year target he has set for 2018? Hybrid trucks have found it tough going in the marketplace. The road to hybrid heaven is littered with failures, from Boulder Electric to Echo Automotive. Ford and Chevy have both backed away from this market after playing with prototypes for years.

The reason, of couse, is the high cost of these beasts. It takes a massive battery to move a big, heavy vehicle and batteries are expensive. Some observers suggest that the battery in the Tesla Model S accounts for 40% of its purchase price. With gas prices plummeting, individuals may still want to have a high efficiency car to help save the environment, but the steely eyed accountants at the nation’s major corporations are unlikely to be swayed by such appeals to ecology. It’s the bottom line, baby. That’s all that matters.

If I were Mr. Lutz, I wouldn’t bet my entire personal fortune on the success of this VIA Motors adventure.

VIA Motors Begins Production Of Plug-In Hybrid Pickup

Bob Lutz isn’t the kind of man to sit around without anything to keep him busy, and his latest venture is VIA Motors, which converts GM pickups into versatile plug-in hybrids. Last week Lutz announced that VIA Motors had begun production of its plug-in hybrid pickups, and delivery of the first 40 was already underway.

In addition to those 40 pickups, VIA is also delivering the first 200 VTRUX plug-in hybrid vans, as well as beginning production in their state-of-the-art manufacturing center in Mexico. With a 2,000 pound payload capacity and the ability to deliver up to 240-volts of juice as an on-site power generator, the first VTRUX are being sold to fleet customers like General Electric, and Verizon Wireless to test their usefulness in the field. According to Lutz, plug-in hybrid pickups should have come before cars anyways.

Relegated only to fleet customers at the moment, the $79,000 starting price is still about twice the cost of the average new truck these days, but VIA claims its plug-in vehicles can get up to 100 MPG in daily driving with a 40-mile electric driving range . The fuel savings start adding up after just 12,000 miles of driving, and VIA’s production facility can convert up to 10,000 GM trucks and vans per year into plug-in hybrid.

Still interested despite the high cost? After fulfilling its initial batch of orders, Lutz says VIA plans to open sales to individuals wanting a vehicle Detroit has thus far refused to build. With a highest cost than the Tesla Model S though, will buyers pony-up for a plug-in pickup?

Via Motors EV Truck Manufacturing Plant Opened In Mexico

VIA Motors, makers of the VTRUX brand of extended-range plug-in trucks, just launched its first high-volume electric vehicle assembly plant this week, located in a new facility in San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

The facility — which is strategically placed in a free-trade zone, and also near a number of important automakers and suppliers — will now serve as the site where new vehicles sent from the General Motors production facility in Silao are transformed into electric vehicles, a transformation that is accomplished via the integration of VIA’s proprietary extended range electric power train.

Image Credit: Via Motors

Green Car Congress provides further details:

The facility employs a conveyor-scissor lift system that moves conventional vehicles through 8 assembly stations where technicians raise or lower the vehicle at each station to install electric and other components.

VIA employs a streamlined second stage manufacturing process to integrate its proprietary V-DRIVE™ power train into new OEM vehicles, then sells directly to fleets under the VTRUX brand name. VIA VTRUX deliver up to 40-mile battery range and unlimited extended range, averaging more than 100 mpg in typical daily driving.

Commenting on the production capabilities of the new facility, Pablo Acedo, president of VIA Motors Latin America (VMLM), stated: “VIA’s unique assembly system will be able to output two electric vehicles per hour and 10,000 vehicles per year.”

In related news — among the many useful qualities/features of the VTRUX is its recently unveiled capacity to serve as an emergency power generator. The VTRUX is apparently able to utilize its 150-kilowatt generator to potentially power whole work sites or disaster relief camps.

Source: EV Obsession

VIA Motors EREV Van Passes Crash Tests; Goes On Sale This Fall

VIA Motors EREV Van

VIA Motors has announced that it recently finished crash testing on its new extended-range cargo van.

VIA Van First to Come to Market and First to Pass Independent Crash Tests

VIA Motors president, Alan Perriton, chimed in on the crash-test milestone, stating:

“We were very pleased with the results of the crash testing of our electric cargo van. The engineering work done to integrate the VIA’s electric technology has been exceptional and the vehicles have exceeded our expectations in all tests that were performed. We are now moving on to complete certification and begin mass production.”

The electron-sipping workhorse should go on sale this fall according to VIA.

But wait…there’s more.

In a recent social media post, VIA indicated that “they’ll soon be rolling in droves in Southern California.”

As for the EREV truck, VIA just posted this on its Facebook page:

“the VTRUX is currently in production focusing on fleet orders. VIA is taking pre-orders for the general public for its 402HP extended-range electric trucks for early 2014 delivery.”

With VIA saying that its EREV vehicles can save owner upwards of $36,000 on gas in an eight-year period, let’s hope VIA stays on track and delivers as promised.

VIA Van Specifications

Via Motors VTRUX plug-in hybrid truck stands ready to power your block

Via Motors says its extended-range plug-in trucks can provide power generation for something a little more essential than a tailgate party or a camping trip. The company, which notably has former General Motors executive Bob Lutz as a pitchman, showed off one of its VTRUX pickups at San Francisco's Plug-in Electric Vehicle Collaborative event sponsored by PG&E late last month and said the truck could double as an emergency power generator, Plug In Cars reports.

The VTRUX is based on the Chevrolet Silverado and was displayed at the event alongside models such as the Ford C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid and a Chevrolet Volt extended-range plug-in. The big truck has some options those don't, though, like 120- and 240-volt power outlets that can be used by workmen. With its 300-kilowatt motor and a 150-kilowatt generator, the VTRUX can also serve as an temporary emergency power source, even for utility companies looking to get darkened neighborhoods back up and running.

Via first showed off its pickup (and SUV and van models with similar powertrains) at the Detroit Auto Showin early 2012, and added its heavier-duty XTRUX line earlier this year. At the time, Lutz said the beasts could achieve fuel efficiency levels of more than 100 miles per gallon.

News Source: Plug In Cars

VIA Motors Joins With PG&E On Neighborhood-Powering Pickup

Events like Hurricane Sandy have shown just how fragile our power grid has become. Deploying fuel-intensive diesel generators can be all but impossible when roads are impassable, but green truck builder VIA is teaming up with energy company PG&E to test pickup trucks with the potential to power entire neighborhoods with their huge battery packs.

VIA Motors is banking big bucks on its plug-in hybrid technology that it claims offers fleet owners much better fuel economy and job site performance than conventional, gas-powered pickups. To demonstrate the usefulness of their hybrid trucks, VIA teamed with Northern California’s PG&E to demonstrate a vehicle that can carry a crew, tools, and up to 125 kW of power from an on-board generator.

In an emergency situation, the VTRUX plug-in hybrid trucks could be deployed to powerless neighborhoods and plugged into the grid, providing at least a temporary solution to the lack of electricity. It’s a novel idea, one that could make dealing with future outages a lot easier. The design also saves fuel, allowing the first 40 miles of driving to rely on battery power, with another 400 miles to go once the on-board generator takes over. VIA is also reportedly working on a production version of their 800 horsepower XTRUX, boasting twice as much power as the current model.

Other ideas have included mobile pedal bikes hooked up to generators, mobile solar panels, and used Volt batteries to provide temporary relief.  And if freak weather events like Hurricane Sandy become more commonplace, as many climatologists fear, we’ll need all the good ideas we can get.

Source: Plug-In Cars

Bob Lutz says Via Motors' X-Truck makes Prius look like a 'gas guzzler'

No one's ever accused Bob Lutz of underselling his products, and the former General Motors Vice Chairman – a key development force for the Chevrolet Volt – is at it again with Via Motors. Via, which will present three new full-size extended-range plug-ins at Detroit's North American Auto Show next week, will show off a truck that will have, as Lutz puts it in a one-minute video, "the torque of a monster truck" and "the fuel economy that makes a Prius looks like a gas guzzler." Ah, that's the subtle Lutz we know and love.

In case you were curious, Via Motors announced on Facebook it will keep the subtle theme going at the press conference next week in Detroit thanks to ... a hologram of Thomas Edison. You can see a preview video below and then imaging "the ground breaking life-size hologram conversation between Thomas Edison and father of the Chevy Volt, VIA's Bob Lutz." We cannot wait.

The Via X-Truck will have fuel economy of up to 100 miles per gallon, according to the company. Via will also show off what Lutz calls a Cadillac Escalade-class SUV that will get fuel economy of more than 100 miles per gallon. You can watch the video below.

Source: Autoblog Green

Via Motors Bringing 800 HP Hybrid “X-Truck” To Detroit Auto Show

While no major automaker has taken the plunge yet, there is an immense amount of potential in the plug-in hybrid pickup market. Via Motors hopes to tap into that market with an expanding line of hybrid pickups, and at this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit Via Motors will showcase three new vehicles, including the high-performance “X-Truck”.

Currently Via Motors offers hybrid modifications to Chevrolet/GMC pickups and vans which can cost around $80,000 per vehicle. That is more than twice what most companies spend on a pickup, but the ability to drive 40 miles on electricity only could mean huge fuel savings for some companies.

Via Motors seems to want to expand beyond fleet customers though, with two of its three new concepts designed to titillate and inspire. One hand in Detroit will be a plug-in hybrid luxury SUV, most likely based on the Chevy Suburban for the discerning livery service operator. Then there will also be an 800-horsepower four-wheel drive “X-Truck” to appeal to the performance enthusiast.

The final concept will be a plug-in hybrid passenger van, which could see duty as an airport shuttle, among other uses. All well and good, but Via’s high cost of entry could prove to be a deterrent among early adopters, Federal tax credit or not. If fuel prices continue to fall, the case Via tries to make will be harder and harder, though first hand experience suggests that there are great vehicles with a lot of potential…if only they can make that sale.

Source: Green Car Reports

VIA Motors to Unveil Three New Full Size Electric Vehicles at the North American International Auto Show

PRESS RELEASE

ANN ARBOR, MI--(Marketwire - Dec 20, 2012) - VIA Motors announced today that Bob Lutz, father of the Chevy Volt and automotive industry icon, plans to unveil three new full size electric vehicles by VIA Motors at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 14, 2013. The ground-breaking extended range (eREV) electric vehicles to be unveiled include a high-performance 4WD pick-up truck with an 800 horse-power option called the "X-Truck," a technology-packed, luxury class 4WD SUV, and the first-ever extended range electric 12-passenger van, for ride-share and shuttle applications. Earlier this year, VIA introduced the world's first extended range electric (eREV) pick-up truck, and cargo van that will begin production in 2013 for fleet sales.

"These three new offerings demonstrate VIA's commitment to electrify the top-selling vehicles that use the most gas and can therefore benefit the most from converting to low-cost electric fuel, while at the same time, reducing more emissions to benefit the communities they serve," said VIA's president Alan Perriton.

VIA works with OEM partners to build electric versions of popular vehicles using VIA's technology, enabling full-size trucks, vans & SUVs to drive like the top selling Chevy Volt, allowing them to perform the same duty as a conventional vehicle, while capturing huge operational savings that can pay for the vehicle over time.

An EV That Hauls A$$ AND Hauls Cargo? Via Is Here

Photo of GM’s Bob Lutz with VIA Courtesy of VIA Motors

I’ve test driven a handful of electric cars, and the VIA is by far the most powerful I’ve ever been in. It has to be, to carry 5,500 lbs plus however many tons of stuff you plan to haul to the jobsite. Tomorrow I’ll be test driving the Fisker Karma, but today the 402hp VIA truck blew my mind. At Charged, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group’s EV Symposium, this bad boy was available for the ride and drive, as well as a few other EV’s. Day One’s report is here. Sadly, I wasn’t able to feel that power beneath my own lead foot, as the truck VIA was able to bring to the Silicon Valley EV Symposium was PG&E’s truck. And you know how men are about letting someone else drive their truck, especially their work truck. So VIA’s Regional Sales Director Gabriel Hern took me for a spin on the same test route I’d just been on behind the wheel of a BMW Active E and a Toyota Fuel Cell Highlander. The big guy (Bob Lutz) even wants one. Or at least is interested enough in the company to let them dive deep into Chevy’s parts bin.

The VIA made the BMW feel like a toy, and made the Highlander utterly forgettable. The day before, I’d had my first sighting of one of those freaky Lamborghini “trucks” cruising up Page Mill Road. I can only imagine this feels kinda like driving that. The 300 ft-lbs of torque was more monstrous than any other EV I’ve been in. Gabriel explained they’d had to work closely withRemy, their powertrain developer, to map the engine for a slower power delivery, as they kept burning through tires. It still felt amazingly fast. Even better, the truck will be equipped with a 4.3L V6 Chevy to recharge the batteries.

Yes, it’s gas-assist like the Chevy Volt, but this is a vehicle most likely to see well over 40 miles before she gets to sleep for the night. They say the 14 gallon gas tank can keep her charged up enough to go 400 miles on a tank. No Sleep TillInfineon! I’m excited because it’s the perfect vehicle (well, the van, really) for transporting electric race bikes to the track. For now. Yes, it’s also got a gas-powered generator, and only 40 miles of range from the 24kwh A123 battery pack. More about the specs here. Unfortunately Gabriel couldn’t tell me how many gallons of gas it would take to fully recharge those batteries, only that it would take 37 minutes to fully recharge the batteries from the point where they’re low enough to kick in the generator. It helps to think of it as a gas-powered generator, not a motor, because it’s not linked to the driveshaft, just the batteries.

Photo Courtesy of VIA Motors

Here is the ultimate TTXGP racer van. As an avid motorcyclist, my only interest in cars is- Will it get my bike to the track? Period. This truck, or the van they also plan to produce, will totally do that. The Toyota FCEV Highlander? Not so much. In fact, as far as I was able to find out, none of the major EV’s even recommend installing a tow package. The VIA doesn’t even need one. Just load the bikes in the back, zoom off to your favorite racetrack, and when you’re there and need a generator for those tire warmers, just plug in here:

Where on the car is that handy outlet, you ask? Here:

The website has a handy life cycle savings calculator, key for any EV manufacturer even though Ray Lane told us at the conference that he thinks consumers can’t be taught to think about full ownership cost. Please prove him wrong and go play with it, then go play with Tesla’s and whatever other cost estimate tools you can find for EV’s. Then tell your friends to try them out too! I like this one because it gives you a side-by-side comparison of the vehicle it’s meant to replace, and a nice bold graphic bar chart showing your total savings. This is for a leased vehicle, but they do say they intend to sell these trucks at $79,000.

Here’s what I’d save over 8 years with the coolest race van ever. Click the photo to try it for yourself.

Source: Gas2.0

Rocky Mountain Power begins VIA Motors truck test

In Utah, the state’s largest utility provider, Rocky Mountain Power is embarking on a new truck test. It has acquired two of the GM-based extended-range electric pickups from VIA motors, using the vehicles to determine if they will save enough in fuel costs and prove durable enough and help the company’s bottom line. If the test proves successful it could pave the way for a full-scale fleet order.

Orem-based VIA Motors officially introduced its line of extended-range pickups vans and SUVs back at the North American International Auto Show in January. And with Bob Lutz appointed to its board of directors, VIA has essentially the ideal spokesman for promoting its eREV vehicles.



Using a 650-volt drive system specifically engineered for full-size pickups, the eREV GM-based trucks are capable of traveling a distance of 30-40 miles on electric power alone and up to 400 miles using the on-board gasoline generator to replenish the vehicle’s “non flammable” lithium-ion battery pack. According to information released by VIA Motors, this enables fuel economy figures of up to 100 miles per gallon. As for charging, the truck can have the battery replenished in four hours using a 240-volt outlet, 11 with a standard 120-volt household unit.

“We’re excited to take this truck on an extended test drive,” said Rocky Mountain Power’s President and CEO Richard Walje.

Walje says the utility company plans to press the eREV pickups into regular fleet use, which will include “loading them up with lots of equipment, towing things with them and validating how they will actually work as a replacement for the fleet we have.”
Although it’s far too early to tell how effective the pickups will prove in service, it’s going to be interesting to see how they perform.




VIA Motors’ President Alan Perriton, believes that electric fleet vehicles could, down the road, not only help utilities save on fuel costs and reduce emissions but also perform other functions, such as supplying power to neighborhoods, while crews work to fix power outages, “a sort of traveling power station, he said.”

Back in January at NAIAS, VIA Motors said it planned to begin manufacturing the trucks in 2012, with actual fleet deliveries scheduled to commence sometime in 2013. Given this week’s announcement, there’s every indication the company is on track to make good on those projections.


Source: GM-Volt.com

VIA Motors and Verizon to Develop Innovative Electric Vehicles for Verizon's Fleet

PRESS RELEASE

Verizon and VIA Motors announced today, that they will collaborate to develop and demonstrate plug-in electric work vehicles using VIA's proprietary eREV (extended range electric vehicle) technology and evaluate the technology for possible wide scale application into Verizon's fleet.

The announcement was made at a press conference held today at the National Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, Indiana, where VIA demonstrated an "electrified" pick-up truck and cargo van, two of the most widely used vehicles in Verizon's fleet, and provided test drives for the media and the public at the show.

Both models use VIA's proprietary eREV power train technology, enabling them to drive a majority of their daily work routes emission-free and entirely on electric power. The vehicles have up to 40 miles of all-electric range using advanced technology lithium ion batteries, with the added capability to drive unlimited additional miles using VIA's onboard electric generator or "range extender." Both vehicles can be charged from a typical 110V household outlet overnight for as little as $1 a day in some states.

In independent testing, VIA's eREV pick-up trucks have demonstrated up to 100 mpg in typical fleet driving. VIA anticipates the Verizon electrified work vehicles should improve fleet fuel economy up to 300% while cutting emissions in half or more.

"At Verizon, we're in the business of breaking down old technology barriers to drive innovation," said Verizon's Chief Sustainability Officer James Gowen. "By collaborating with VIA on this extended range technology we hope to create a game-changing opportunity for Verizon and other industries to reduce emissions and cut maintenance costs without having to wait years for large-scale electric charging infrastructure."

In addition to significant fuel savings, Verizon anticipates utilizing the vehicles onboard generator and power export option to power work tools or even provide power to their network in an emergency. Work vehicles, which typically carry thousands of pounds of equipment and cargo, can save significantly more money than lighter vehicles by shifting to electricity that costs just 50 cents per equivalent gallon in many states.

Cargo vans and pick-up trucks are widely used by Verizon and many other large fleets from communications to delivery fleets and contractors. Electrifying these work vehicles could have a significant impact on reducing emissions and oil consumption nationwide.

"We are impressed with Verizon's leadership and commitment to the environment and look forward to helping them electrify their large fleet. We anticipate that by demonstrating substantial operational savings through this project, Verizon will lead the way for many other fleets, demonstrating that going green actually saves money," said Kraig Higginson, CEO, VIA Motors.

About VIA Motors

VIA Motors is a privately held electric vehicle development and manufacturing company. VIA has developed a proprietary 650-volt eREV drive system technology designed for full size trucks and SUVs called the VIA V-Drive™. VIA employs a streamlined second stage manufacturing process to integrate its proprietary eREV power train into new OEM vehicles then sells directly to fleets under the VTRUX™ brand name. VIA VTRUX deliver up to 40-mile EV range and up to 400-mile extended range, averaging over 100 mpg in typical daily driving. Initially, VIA plans to sell directly to fleets, then later to consumers. VIA plans to scale its technology to many other vehicles and will ramp up production to 30,000 units per year over the next few years adding additional models and sizes. More information on VIA Motors may be found at: VIAmotors.com. To see a video on VTRUX with Bob Lutz go to VIAmotors.com/naias-promo.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, with nearly 108 million total connections nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers in more than 150 countries, including all of the Fortune 500. A Dow 30 company with $111 billion in 2011 revenues, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of nearly 194,000. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

What Should You Pay For a 100 mpg Chevy Pickup?

This is a perfectly serious question.

A basic 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 full-size pickup truck starts around $23,000, and the rear-wheel drive XFE model is rated by the EPA at 18 mpg combined.

The Silverado Hybrid model, a 1500 twin-cab, starts at around $40,000, and the RWD model is rated at 21 mpg.

So how much would you pay for a 100-mpg Silverado pickup?

Detroit debut

Via Motors, a company that plans to convert GM pickup trucks, full-size sport-utility vehicles, and vans to plug-in hybrid powertrains, has a number in mind.

The company debuted its products, sold under the Vtrux model name, at the Detroit Auto Show 10 days ago.

Bob Lutz, not only a Via board member and industry eminence grise but also a plug-in vehicle convert, shared presenting duties with Via COO Alan Perriton.

The company has arranged to buy "glider" trucks from Chevrolet, which it will then fit with a range-extended electric powertrain.

Via eREV range-extended electric pickup

400 horsepower

The wheels are powered by a rear-mounted 300-kilowatt (402-hp) electric motor, powered by a liquid-cooled 24-kilowatt-hour battery pack that sits between the frame rails and contains lithium-ion cells provided by A123 Systems.

This gives the pickup an electric range of up to 40 miles using no gasoline at all. Once the pack is depleted, a 4.3-liter V-6 engine kicks in to power a generator that feeds electricity to the drive motor for an additional 400 miles of range.

100 mpg for 60-70 miles

That 100 mpg, by the way, assumes daily use of no more than, say, 60 or 70 miles: 40 on electric, the other 20 or 30 miles covered using 1 gallon of gas. More gas-fueled miles lowers the effective mileage.

That electric traction motor, incidentally, weighs only 108 pounds, leading to photos of Via executives holding it in front of them to show just how compact it is.

Total added weight of the entire drivetrain is about 300 pounds over an equivalent gas-engined truck.

Via eREV range-extended electric pickup

Power takeoffs appealing

One added feature of the Via electric conversions is a set of 110-Volt power takeoffs provided as standard.

These allow workers to run electric tools, light work sites, and even export 15 kilowatts of power to a house if the utility grid is down.

Electric, water, gas, telephone, and cable-TV utilities, Via said, find it appealing that they won't have to use a gasoline-fueled generator or keep a diesel truck running--removing a source of customer irritation.

Military too

Another potential customer: the various branches of the U.S. military, which is working hard to reduce its fuel consumption with prototype plug-in tanks, development of a clandestine extended-range vehicle, and even a hybrid Humvee.

Via's first vehicle will be an extended-cab pickup truck, set to begin production this summer. A large sport-utility based on the Chevy Tahoe (or Suburban) is to follow, with full-size vans after that.

'Revenge of the Electric Car' premiere: Bob Lutz arrives in a Chevy Volt

So far, Lutz said, the company has built seven prototype trucks.

Via is targeting production of 20,000 conversions a year once it's up and running, meaning it may well offer the first plug-in pickup truck to go into (low-volume) production.

All about fleets

"We're getting lots of orders from the nation's largest vehicle fleets," Lutz said in his presentation. Those are not only utilities, but also businesses that make routine light deliveries, including Verizon, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Frito-Lay.

Source: Green Car Reports

Via Motors to Use A123 Lithium Ion Batteries in Pickup Conversions

Via Motors, the extended-range electric truck conversion company with GM legend Bob Lutz on its board, announced today that it would use lithium-ion cells from A123 Systems in its battery packs.

The startup company will show its full lineup of electric-drive pickup trucks at next week's Detroit Auto Show.

The contract adds another low-volume entry to the list of electric vehicles using A123 cells. Others include the 2012 Fisker Karma, the upcoming Chevrolet Spark EV minicar, and the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 and upcoming ActiveHybrid 3.

Via plans to take new Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks (in standard, extended, and crew cab models) and convert them from V-8 gasoline power to range-extended electric drive.

The company says its trucks will have all-electric range of up to 40 miles, after which a 4.3-liter V-6 range-extending engine switches on to generate electricity that powers the 300-kilowatt (400-horsepower) electric motor driving the rear wheels. Total range is as much as 400 miles.

The liquid-cooled battery packs, slung between the truck's frame rails where a driveshaft would normally sit, contain 24 kilowatt-hours of energy, about the same as that pack in a Nissan Leaf electric car. They are also designed to provide power takeoffs to recharge power tools, for auxiliary lighting, and in other uses on job sites.

Via says it will sell up to 20,000 converted trucks per year, not only Silverado pickups but also Chevy Tahoe full-size sport-utility vehicles and Express vans.

Via eREV range-extended electric pickup

The battery packs are being built in Livonia, Michigan, where A123 [NSDQ:AONE] has opened an assembly plant. The company also plans to increase U.S.-based production of its lithium-ion cells, presently made mostly in China.

Pack assembly has already started, as Via says it has delivered its first trucks to commercial customers.

Analysts say that commercial trucks and vans may provide a substantial market for electric and range-extended electric technology, since fleet buyers look only at total cost of ownership (unlike less rational retail car buyers, who typically overweight initial purchase price).

The far lower cost-per-mile of running on electricity versus gasoline or diesel fuel often gives an electric-drive commercial vehicle a noticeable payback over its many years of life, even if its initial cost is substantially higher. Via's website quotes a projected selling price of $79,000 if sufficient orders are received.

“We think that commercial and government fleets represent a tremendous opportunity for vehicle electrification," said A123 vice president Jason Forcier. "We look forward to working with VIA Motors to design eREV trucks, vans and SUVs that meet fleet customers’ specific range and operational requirements.”

Source: Green Car Reports