Output is set for two EVs per hour and 10,000 per year

VIA Motors has opened its first "high-volume" electric vehicle (EV) assembly line in a new facility in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, according to a company statement. VIA president Alan Perriton said, "VIA is here because of our alliance with Grupo Geurra [GEG] and because the area is well known for high-quality automobile production and a robust supply network." VIA will convert vehicles from General Motors' (GM) Silao facility from conventional to electric propulsion, using VIA's proprietary extended rate electric powertrain. VIA says output is set for two EVs per hour and 10,000 per year; the site allows proximity to GM as well as to the Kansas City Southern Rail line for easy access to transportation to US and Canada. Separately, VIA has won a USD20 million contract from the US Department of Energy to supply vehicles to fleets; it will build and deliver EV pick-up trucks and vans to more than 50 participating DOE fleets. The DOE contract is administered by the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
 

Significance: Privately held VIA modifies trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) into extended-range EVs, and former GM product czar Bob Lutz serves as chairman, making the company's choice to begin by converting GM vehicles logical. VIA buys the basic vehicle from GM and replaces the powertrain. The first trucks, introduced at the NAIAS in 2012, are expected to be delivered in 2013. The DOE contract is consistent with efforts to move to government vehicles powered by alternative powertrains as well as government efforts to subsidise expanded availability of electric vehicles.

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