Via Motors to Assemble Electric Trucks in Auburn Hills
Posted on: October 2, 2012
Posted by – Steve Cohen, Director of Community Development
Utah-based Via Motors recently announced that the company will begin converting pickup trucks into plug-in hybrid electric vehicles right here in the City of Auburn Hills. In early Y2013, the vehicles will be assembled in partnership with Concorde Manufacturing, which is based at 4200 N. Atlantic Boulevard. The company plans to initially sell the vehicles directly to business fleets under the VTRUX™ brand name, then later to the general public.
To start, VIA Motors will purchase GM trucks and then add electric-drive powertrains to them. The modified trucks will run on both battery packs and gas, with the original 4.3-liter V-6 gasoline engine being retained. The trucks will drive the first 40 miles in all-electric mode with near zero emissions, and a full range of 400 miles on a single fill-up. For most drivers, this means over 100 mpg in typical local daily driving.
The City of Auburn Hills has been a leader in preparing for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. So, it’s exciting to see new ventures like this opening up in our town.
