Via Motors Gets Green Light From EPA to Sell eREV Range-Extended Electric Vans

Via Motors, the small Utah company fronted by former GM Executive Robert Lutz, has announced that it has received official certification from the U.S. EPA to enable it to start delivering its eREV Van to customers across the U.S. The Via range of plug-in commercial vehicles are factory conversions of the Chevrolet Silvarado pickup truck and Chevrolet Express van, turning them from standard V8 vehicles into range-extended plug-ins.

Based on the Chevrolet Express line of panel vans and minibuses, the Via eREV vans are available in three different guises: a twelve-seat minivan, a full-size panel van, or a utility vehicle with flip-up side doors for quick access to equipment while out and about. Build on a 3/4 Ton chassis, the Via eREV features a 23 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack located between the main chassis rails and a 190 kilowatt electric motor connected to the rear wheels via a shortened prop shaft.

In everyday driving, Via claims the eREV Van will give a range of 35 miles per charge, and can then use its on-board 4.8 litre V8 and attached 100 kilowatt electric generator to provide additional power when the on-board battery pack has been fully depleted.

Unlike the Via eREV VTrux, which is available as a four-wheel drive vehicle, the Via eREV Van is only available as a two-wheel drive vehicle. Like the VTrux however, the Via eREV Van is available with a built-in 14.4 kilowatt on-board inverter, making it possible to provide backup power in an emergency or power 110-volt or 240-volt tools in the field.

At a maximum payload capacity of 2,800 pounds (1,270 kilograms) for the panel van and 2,000 pounds (907 kilograms) for the 12-seat minivan, the Via eREV Van is the first commercial plug-in van to go on sale that can combine the benefits of a plug-in vehicle with the practicality of a medium-duty commercial truck.

At the moment, Via isn’t quoting an official price for its eREV Van on its website. This product is designed for fleet rather than private use.

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