Bob Lutz: VIA’s Vehicles Are First Electrics to Save Money From Day One
From Saxton On Cars:
Former General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz believes electric vehicles have the essential “energy security and efficiency” but “batteries have to hold a larger and longer charge” and prices have to come down to be competitive. Lutz believes that “demand drives what is built and right now 95% want gasoline powered cars”.
“The price/value relationship for EVs has to get better”, says Lutz, a board member of VIA Motors, which is showing that electrifying gas guzzling trucks already makes sense.
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Charge It Up
Use a standard outlet, or charge faster with a 240 volt outlet or charging station.
Driving in all-electric mode costs approximately 6 cents a mile. In addition, you can qualify for up to $20,000 in incentives from state and federal governments, depending on where you live.
Or Gas it up
The vehicle only uses gas when you drive beyond the capacity of the batteries. VIA’s new Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E- REV) drives up to 40 miles on batteries then continues up to 300 miles. It generates its own electricity using a small fuel-efficient gas-powered generator or “range extender” when needed.
Exportable power for the work site
An extended-range electric work truck comes with an optional onboard inverter that can be used in place of a tow-behind generator to power the workplace or provide emergency power. Some fleet customers say that with VIA’s E-REV work trucks, its almost like getting a free truck with their mobile generator!
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