Greentech Lead America: Verizon and VIA Motors will
associate to develop and demonstrate plug-in electric work vehicles using VIA’s
eREV technology and evaluate the usage of the new technology into Verizon’s
fleet.
At a press meet, VIA demonstrated an electrified pickup
truck and cargo van, two of the most widely used vehicles in Verizon’s fleet,
and provided test drives for the media and the public at the show.
Both vehicles use VIA’s eREV power train technology,
enabling them to drive a majority of their daily work routes emission-free and
entirely on electric power.
According to a press release, the vehicles have up to 40
miles of all-electric range, using advanced technology lithium ion batteries.
The company claims that both vehicles can be charged from
a typical 110-volt household outlet overnight for as little as $1 a day in some
states.
In independent testing, VIA’s eREV pickup trucks have
demonstrated up to 100 miles per gallon in typical fleet driving. VIA
anticipates the Verizon electrified work vehicles should improve fleet fuel
economy up to 300 percent while cutting emissions in half or
more.
“At Verizon, we’re in the business of breaking down
old technology barriers to drive innovation. By collaborating with VIA on this
extended-range technology, we hope to create a game-changing opportunity not
just for Verizon, but for other companies and industries as well, to reduce
emissions and cut maintenance costs without having to wait years for
large-scale, electric-charging infrastructure,” said Verizon’s Chief
Sustainability Officer, James Gowen.
Verizon anticipates utilizing the vehicles’ onboard
generator and power export option to power work tools or even provide power to
Verizon’s network in an emergency. Work vehicles can save significantly
more money than lighter vehicles by shifting to electricity that costs just 50
cents per equivalent gallon in many states.
“We anticipate that by demonstrating substantial
operational savings through this project, Verizon will lead the way for many
other fleets, demonstrating that going green actually saves money,” said
Kraig Higginson, CEO, VIA Motors.