In a press conference on the steps of the Utah State Capitol today, with a 100-year-old utility fleet truck on one side new electric pick-up truck the other, Utah Governor Gary Herbert announced that Utah would be one of the first states in the nation to demonstrate new electric pick-up trucks by Utah-based VIA Motors, in partnership with the state’s 100-year-old electric utility, Rocky Mountain Power. The announcement came in conjunction with the centennial celebration of Utah’s largest electric utility.

Governor Herbert expressed his pride in Utah’s leadership in clean vehicle technology and in the cooperation between industry and government that can generate innovative technologies like this to reduce emissions while providing clean tech jobs and low cost energy for its citizens.

Richard Walje, President and CEO of Rocky Mountain Power, said, “The introduction of electric vehicles marks a new era for the utility industry, and we expect to play an important role in the electrification of America’s highways beginning with our own working fleet.”

PacifiCorp is one of a select group of utility, government and commercial fleets nationwide, participating in an early evaluation program in coordination with the U.S. Department of Energy, of new electric work trucks developed by VIA Motors.

“Utah is now entering the electric vehicle industry and Rocky Mountain Power will be one of the first fleets in the nation to drive new electric pick-up trucks by VIA Motors,” said VIA Motors President Alan Perrition, a former senior GM executive, now living and working in Utah for VIA Motors.

Rocky Mountain Power, Utah’s largest provider of electricity, has partnered with VIA Motors, a Utah-based electric vehicle manufacturer, to demonstrate the world’s first extended range electric pick-up truck, with an eye to reduce emissions and operating costs.

VIA’s new electric pick-up truck averages over 100 miles per gallon with a daily charge and in zero emissions mode for a majority of fleet driving. Rocky Mountain Power will be driving the truck as part of a nationwide program to evaluate its performance, emissions and fuel economy. This announcement places Utah in the forefront of a growing new industry and demonstrates the state’s commitment, in both the public and private sector, to improve air quality.

VIA works with General Motors to electrify GM trucks, vans and SUVs using VIA’s proprietary powertrain technology. VIA is selling the electrified work trucks initially to fleets early next year, with consumers targeted to follow a year later. VIA’s electric pick-up trucks deliver more power and acceleration than a gas truck, with a 402 hp electric motor standard. Trucks, vans and SUVs will be available with up to 15 kW power export option and an 8-year powertrain warranty.

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About VIA Motors
VIA Motors is a privately held electric vehicle development and manufacturing company. VIA employs a streamlined second stage manufacturing process to integrate its proprietary V-DRIVE™ power train into new OEM vehicles, then sells directly to fleets under the VTRUX™ brand name. VIA VTRUX deliver up to 40-mile battery range and unlimited extended range, averaging over 100 mpg in typical daily driving. More information on VIA Motors may be found at: VIAmotors.com. To see a video on VTRUX with Bob Lutz go to VIAmotors.com/news/press-releases/erev/.

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For more information, please visit VIA Motors