Detroit, MI – Electric truck maker VIA Motors, a new name in the auto industry, made history this week, literally, at the Detroit Auto Show by introducing three new full size electric vehicles, highlighted by encouraging words from the father of the electric car, Thomas Edison himself, portrayed in a holographic, life-like conversation with modern auto icon Bob Lutz.
In the presentation, the holographic Edison noted that great innovations take persistence, sighting his own 10,000 attempts to harness electric light, encouraging our generation to use the same “stick-to-it-ivness.” regarding electric vehicles. Edison presented Lutz with an early Edison light bulb stating “now it’s your turn to share the light.”
With the Edison light bulb shining at the podium, Lutz introduced three new full-size electric vehicles by VIA Motors, beginning with VIA’s new electric X-TRUX, the world’s first high performance electric concept truck, designed to accommodate up to 800 hp of electric torque “with the gas fuel economy of a Prius,” said Lutz, father of the Chevy Volt. The powerful 4WD electric truck is based on a Chevy Silverado, with body styling inspired by Lutz himself, and an advanced extended range electric power train by VIA Motors.
Lutz then unveiled the world’s first full-size electric, 4WD luxury SUV by VIA Motors called the “Presidential” with the help of Greg Pruett, Executive V.P. Pacific Gas & Electric, an early adopting fleet partner. PG&E expects to “save over $10 million a year on fuel” with VIA’s technology, cited Pruett. As the sleek, black, 100 mpg SUV drove onto the stage, Lutz noted that the vehicle fills a huge demand for full-size utility and comfort, without compromising fuel economy or the environment.
Lutz then introduced the World’s first extended range electric (eREV) cargo van, joined by Verizon V.P. of Feet Operations, Ken Jack. Verizon operates one of the largest fleets in the nation and will be the first to deploy the ultra clean electric cargo vans. Both Verizon and PG&E added that the onboard mobile power generation capability provided by VIA’s fleet vehicles, will be extremely valuable in responding to outages or emergencies like Hurricane Sandy.
The press conference was concluded by VIA President, Alan Perriton, himself a former GM executive. Perriton added that “large fleets such as Verizon, PG&E who want to improve service and reduce emissions in the communities they serve, can meet these goals and save money using VIA’s technology by cutting gas consumption by up to 80%.”
VIA works with OEM partners to provide customers with an electric version of popular full size vehicles using VIA’s technology, enabling trucks, vans & SUVs to drive like a Chevy Volt, with the first 35 to 40 miles in EV mode, then unlimited extended driving in hybrid mode.
About VIA Motors
VIA Motors is a privately held electric vehicle development and manufacturing company. VIA employs a streamlined second stage manufacturing process to integrate its proprietary V-DRIVE™ electric 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 up to 100 mpg in typical daily driving. For more information visit: VIAmotors.com. To see a video with Bob Lutz introducing VIA’s VTRUX go to http://viamotors.com/erev.
