With the North American International Auto Show to kick off next week, VIA Motors, a manufacturer of electric trucks has chosen its lithium-ion battery supplier ahead of showcasing its vehicles at the event.
The 24kWh battery packs will come from A123Systems and will be integrated into the extended range electric vehicle powertrain from VIA Motors. They combine a 300kW electric motor with an onboard generator and deliver an expected all-electric driving range of up to 40miles.
VIA Motors will showcase its full-size E-REV Pickup Truck at the event; as well as introducing two new E-REV vehicles: a full-size four wheel SUV; and a three-quarter ton full-size cargo van. All of the vehicles will feature the electric vehicle powertrain and drive from 30-40miles on charge from their lithium-ion batteries alone; and then a further 400miles using the onboard generator.
A123Systems is already producing the battery packs at its facility in Livonia, Michigan. They are designed to provide exportable power capabilities that can be used externally.
Over the next three years, Kraig Higginson, the CEO of VIA Motors, predicts that the company will ramp up production significantly in order to satisfy increasing demand. He believes the packs from A123Systems will allow it to minimise the size and weight of the battery packs while maximising range and fuel economy.
