What is VIA Motors? How does it compare to Tesla?

[Iamthecaliflower]

What is VIA Motors? I can't find anything on it. They claim they are producing a truck that can achieve a range of 400miles, that is some sort of hybrid. Any thoughts? I can't find much info other than that Bob Lutz is running the show.

[Robert.Boston]

Hmm, their website is www.viamotors.com. Plenty of info there.

[Iamthecaliflower]

Not funny. I am really hoping for some information not from their website. Anyone know anything about this? How are they planning on achieving range of 400miles?

[EVNow]

Not funny. I am really hoping for some information not from their website. Anyone know anything about this? How are they planning on achieving range of 400miles?

They are converted PHEVs (EREVs) - not EVs. Just 20 or 40 miles in EV and then uses gas engine, like the Volt.

[dsm363]

What is VIA Motors? I can't find anything on it. They claim they are producing a truck that can achieve a range of 400miles, that is some sort of hybrid. Any thoughts? I can't find much info other than that Bob Lutz is running the show.

Do you have the link to the article talking about their 400 mile claim?

[Ardie]

Hmmm.
Tesla's Model S (-160) is using a 40 kWh battery, and will get 160 miles out of it.
VIA's E-REV pickup truck is using a 24 kWh battery, and will get 40 miles out of it.

If I was wearing a Tesla-hater hat, I'd say that Tesla must be wildly optimistic about their range.
If I was wearing a VIA-hater hat, I'd say that their pickup truck must be ridiculously inefficient.
Since I don't wear a hat, I'll say that we should welcome the additional diversity in vehicle choices that will be soon available to us all.

--Ardie

[dsm363]

Hmmm.
Tesla's Model S (-160) is using a 40 kWh battery, and will get 160 miles out of it.
VIA's E-REV pickup truck is using a 24 kWh battery, and will get 40 miles out of it.

If I was wearing a Tesla-hater hat, I'd say that Tesla must be wildly optimistic about their range.
If I was wearing a VIA-hater hat, I'd say that their pickup truck must be ridiculously inefficient.
Since I don't wear a hat, I'll say that we should welcome the additional diversity in vehicle choices that will be soon available to us all.

--Ardie

I don't think anyone was criticizing VIA.

Not funny. I am really hoping for some information not from their website. Anyone know anything about this? How are they planning on achieving range of 400miles?

The range is actually (from their website above):

20 mile Battery Range
340 Mile Extended Range

40 mile Battery Range
360 MileExtended Range

so the range you're talking about includes the added range from the ICE and gas tank.

[TEG]

Seems PG&E has a lot to say about Via motors:
PG&E Currents: PG&E promotes VIA motors
PG&E Currents: PG&E shows off electric pickup
PG&E Currents: Via motors gets red carpet treatment at hollywood event
PG&E Currents: PG&E adding via motors pickups to its' fleet saves gas
PG&E Currents: Electric vehicle displayed at solar event