VIA Motors has received official certification from the EPA for its eREV van, and has begun delivering vehicles to fleet customers. According to the company, 23 vans have already been delivered, with three more in transit and more on the way.

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Based on a Chevrolet Express, the eREV van features VIA’s proprietary V-DRIVE plug-in powertrain, which consists of a 4.8-liter V8, 175 kW electric motor, and 22 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. According to the company, electric range is up to 40 miles, and fuel economy averages over 100 mpg. The van also features a 110-volt power takeoff for tools and other electrical devices.

“This all-important EPA certification validates our concept of integrating VIA’s proprietary powertrain into OEM vehicles to deliver both economical and clean vehicle solutions,” said CEO Pablo Acedo. “We see our eREV vehicles as an important part of the fleets of the future. This is just the beginning.”

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“If we are going to see mainstream adoption of electric vehicles, the technology must deliver a good return on investment to the largest segment of the auto business, namely trucks and vans,” added Chairman of the Board Bob Lutz.               

VIA is also working with the Electric Power Research Institute and the South Coast Air Quality Management District to deliver its PHEVs to electric utility fleets as part of a nationwide demonstration supported by the DOE.

Source: VIA Motors via Green Car Reports