A123 Systems to supply Li-ion battery packs to VIA Motors for extended-range electric trucks
05 January 2012
Li-ion developer and manufacturer A123 Systems will supply complete lithium-ion battery packs to VIA Motors, an electric vehicle company building next-generation electrified trucks, vans and SUVs. To be integrated into VIA’s Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV) Powertrain (earlier post), A123’s 24 kWh battery packs combine with a 300 kW electric motor and an onboard generator to deliver an expected all-electric driving range of up to 40 miles.
At the North American International Auto Show next week, VIA Motors will showcase its full size E-REV Pickup Truck and introduce two new E-REV vehicles to its VTRUX line: a full size, four-wheel drive SUV, and a three-quarter-ton, full-size Cargo Van. All the VTRUX vehicles are equipped with the E-REV Powertrain and can drive 30 to 40 miles on lithium-ion batteries, then up to 400 miles using the onboard generator.
A123’s lithium-ion battery systems are also designed to provide exportable power capabilities that can be used externally.
A123 has already begun producing the battery packs at its Livonia, Mich. facility as VIA has started delivering trucks to commercial fleet customers.
VIA plans to ramp up production significantly over the next three years to satisfy demand for clean, fuel-efficient full-size trucks and SUVs, and A123’s battery systems deliver the high power, safety and long life necessary to power our vehicles. A123’s lithium ion chemistry and packaging allows us to minimize the size and weight of the battery packs while maximizing range and fuel economy of our trucks.
—Kraig Higginson, CEO of VIA Motors
We think that commercial and government fleets represent a tremendous opportunity for vehicle electrification, and we look forward to working with VIA Motors to design eREV trucks, vans and SUVs that meet fleet customers’ specific range and operational requirements.
—Jason Forcier, vice president of A123’s Automotive Solutions Group
This may be one of the best short term (10 years or so) solution to reduce current very high fuel consumption common with that type of vehicle. In-city delivery trucks (mail etc) could be excellent candidates.
Posted by: HarveyD | 05 January 2012 at 06:53 AM
It's surprising mail EV's aren't mandated, at least in flat, urban locale. It would seem this fixed, start/stop application couldn't help but cost less with modern EV's than ICE in the long run.
Posted by: kelly | 05 January 2012 at 08:11 AM
The could have converted that RV factory in Indiana to producing EV USPS vehicles, saved jobs, saved fuel and maybe the post office would not be broke now.
Posted by: SJC | 05 January 2012 at 09:41 AM
The USPS bought a number of different types of EVs during the oil-shock years. I have seen a number of ex-USPS vehicles in private hands since then.
Posted by: Engineer-Poet | 05 January 2012 at 04:11 PM
When Iran, whoever..: closes the Straits of Hormuz or 'golden' RPG's the right refinery/off-shore facility/pipeline or a oil sheikh needs a harem update and oil prices double - all the naysayers will declare the obvious EV success.
Posted by: kelly | 05 January 2012 at 04:34 PM
E-P...many EU countries have ordered 10,000+ EVs for mail services. Those orders could go well above 50,000 within one or two years.
Posted by: HarveyD | 06 January 2012 at 02:13 PM
If you want to save the post office, stop Saturday delivery, double the price for bulk mail and provide hybrid vehicles.
Posted by: SJC | 07 January 2012 at 09:25 AM