VIA Motors: Revolutionizing the Electric Vehicle Industry
If you are looking for a cost-effective and sustainable solution for your fleet of commercial vehicles, you might want to check out VIA Motors. VIA Motors is an American company that specializes in developing and manufacturing fully electric vehicles for various applications, such as cargo vans, box trucks, shuttle buses, and more.
VIA Motors was founded in 2010 by a group of investors and engineers who had experience in the automotive industry, especially in plug-in hybrid technology. The company’s chairman is Bob Lutz, a former vice-chairman of GM and a visionary in the electric vehicle field. VIA Motors started out by converting GM vehicles into plug-in hybrids, but soon realized that there was a huge market potential for fully electric commercial vehicles that could offer lower operating costs, zero emissions, and better performance.
VIA Motors has developed its own skateboard platform for Class 2-5 commercial vehicles, which will enter production in 2024. The skateboard platform is highly scalable and adaptable to different drive systems, vehicle types, and sizes. It also features VIA’s proprietary VDRIVE ™ and Software and Controls technology, which deliver a smooth and quiet drive experience. The skateboard platform can accommodate various body styles, such as cab chassis, flatbed, cargo van, step van, etc., and can also offer optional features such as refrigeration and autonomous driving integration.
One of the key advantages of VIA Motors is its optimized engineering approach. VIA Motors works closely with each customer to analyze their specific vehicle requirements, such as route, climate, elevation gains, speed, average payload, etc., and then designs a customized fleet that matches those requirements. VIA Motors uses virtual testing environments to reduce research and development costs and to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
VIA Motors claims that its electric vehicles can offer significant savings in terms of fuel costs, maintenance costs, and environmental impact. According to VIA Motors’ website, its electric vehicles can save up to $15,000 per year per vehicle in fuel costs compared to conventional vehicles. They can also reduce maintenance costs by up to 80% due to fewer moving parts and less wear and tear. Moreover, they can eliminate tailpipe emissions and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional vehicles.
VIA Motors has already delivered some of its electric vehicles to various fleet customers, such as PG&E, Rocky Mountain Power, Verizon Wireless, and others. The company also offers vehicle financing and charging infrastructure solutions to its customers. In 2021, VIA Motors announced that it would be acquired by Ideanomics, a global company that focuses on accelerating the adoption of commercial electric vehicles.
VIA Motors is one of the leading innovators in the electric commercial vehicle industry. With its skateboard platform, optimized engineering approach, and customer-centric solutions, VIA Motors aims to provide the best value proposition for fleet managers who want to transition to electric mobility. If you are interested in learning more about VIA Motors or placing an order for their vehicles, you can visit their website at www.viamotors.com.
FAQs for VIA Motors
What is VIA Motors?
VIA Motors is an American electric vehicle (EV) company that specializes in electrifying traditional gas-guzzling vehicles, such as pickups and vans, to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency.
What types of vehicles does VIA Motors produce?
VIA Motors produces electrified versions of popular American pickup trucks, SUVs, and vans, such as the Chevy Silverado, Tahoe, Express, and Suburban.
How does VIA Motors electrify its vehicles?
VIA Motors uses a proprietary powertrain system that combines a gasoline-powered generator with an electric motor and battery pack. The system allows the vehicle to run primarily on electricity, with the gasoline engine providing backup power when needed.
What is the range of VIA Motors’ vehicles?
VIA Motors’ vehicles have a range of up to 40 miles on electricity alone and up to 400 miles with the gasoline generator.
How much does a VIA Motors vehicle cost?
The cost of a VIA Motors vehicle varies depending on the model and customization options, but they generally start around $80,000.
Where can I buy a VIA Motors vehicle?
VIA Motors sells its vehicles through select dealerships and fleet partners. You can contact VIA Motors directly to find a dealer or partner near you.
What are the environmental benefits of owning a VIA Motors vehicle?
VIA Motors’ electrified vehicles significantly reduce emissions compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles, which can help to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Does VIA Motors offer any financing or leasing options?
Yes, VIA Motors offers financing and leasing options through its partnerships with banks and financial institutions.
How does servicing a VIA Motors vehicle differ from servicing a traditional gas-powered vehicle?
Servicing a VIA Motors vehicle requires specialized training and equipment due to its hybrid-electric powertrain. However, VIA Motors provides service and maintenance through its network of dealerships and service partners.