Via Motors today introduced three electrified light trucks at the North American International Auto Show.
The year-old, Orem, Utah-based company plans to sell up to 2,000 of the plug-in electric light trucks to fleet customers in 2012. Via’s truck has a range of up to 40 miles on a charge and, with additional power generated by a gasoline V-6, a total range of up to 500 miles.
Bob Lutz, board member of VIA Motors, watches a promotional video at the VIA Motor unveiling. (Robin Buckson / The Detroit News)
The Via system currently utilizes a General Motors 4.6-liter six and a single-speed transmission. Power to the wheels is fully electric all the time.
Riding in a full-size GM pickup, van or SUV, the Via acts as a mobile power unit, with the capacity to export power once at a work or recreation site. This increases its versatility as a work truck, the company said.
Spokesman Jim Spellman said the basic pickup will be priced at around $79,000 its first year on the market.
A Via Motors truck carries a powertrain warranty of 8 years, the company said.
The company will market its products as VTRUX from Via Motors.
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