Via Motors to make a solar tonneau for its plug-in pickup — video — update

Credit: Via Motors/Charged EVs

Think GM Volt: electric vehicle (EV) with an internal combustion engine (ICE) connected to a generator to provide power to the electric motor when the battery is flat. 100+ mpg (US) overall (better than 120 mpg UK, 2.35 litres/100 km).

Via Motors thought Volt too. Backed by Bob Lutz (driving force behind GM's Volt), they took a big GM V6 pickup, removed the tailshaft & added 800 horsepower of electric motors. Result: a large GM pickup with all of the advantages of an EV drivetrain, (including stump pulling torque — perfect for moving heavy loads & really shines in poor traction conditions) that gives 100+ mpg (US). Just like a Volt.

In a power outage, it can power an entire suburban street.

Have you ever thought, "Electric vehicle — put some photovoltaic (PV) solar cells on the roof, sun shines on roof, PVs make electricity, charge battery, battery drives electric motor, drive for free. Easy!

A lot of people have had the same thought.

Unfortunately, it's not that easy. Problem is, the surface area of a car isn't big enough, the angle to the Sun is less than optimal, & the curved roof of a car makes fitting PVs difficult & expensive.

Things are just a little better with a big pickup. Fit a tonneau cover over the load space & you have a surface which reduces most of the problems of fitting PVs to the roof of a car. That's what the folks at Via Motors thought:

http://chargedevs.com/newswire/via-motors-presents-solar-tonneau-for-its-plug-in-pickup/

Jay Leno, Bob Lutz & Via Motors VTRUX
/ solar panel technical details surface area insolation voltage levels level vehicle design produce energy cost effective Via Motors VTrux commercial market fleet operators but buying stylish looks environment environmental statement demonstrable fuel savings Bob Lutz company’s company new solar tonneau pay for itself bed full size full-size pickup ute utility vehicle surface area soak up the sun run power tools VTrux power outlet remote construction sites site additional source of energy tonneau improve improves fuel economy aerodynamic drag reducing wind resistance roof of a vehicle Jeffrey Esfeld reporter reporters LA Auto Show industrial grade industrial-grade solar panels rigid hinged bed cover handle a fair amount of abuse new solar tonneau 400 800 Watt versions version VIA says add up to six ten miles of range release released price solar tonneau taking orders Vtrux pickup starting at $79,000 /