Leave it to Bob Lutz to create what must be the baddest plug-in truck ever built. VIA Motors’ XTRUX, which the company unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show, is based on the Chevrolet Silverado, but with its squared-off wheel wells and massive, chunky front end, it looks like it’s just itching to eat a LEAF for lunch.

This 4WD pickup does not just look powerful. Under the hood, the XTRUX has two 402-horsepower electric motors and a 5.3-liter V-8 engine. The 24 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack gives it a healthy electric-only range of about 35 miles, and VIA claims the fuel economy is around 100 mpg.

VIA is also showcasing the plug-in SUVs and cargo vans that it has provided to Pacific Gas and Electric Company. These Extended-Range Electric Vehicles, or eREVs, as VIA calls them, have built-in inverters to provide mobile, on-site power. The current models offer 15 kW of power capacity, enough to power a medium-size house. A utility-grade output module, now in development, will provide 50 kW of power.

“VIA’s partnership with PG&E, and the introduction of the world’s first extended-range electric work trucks, SUVs, and cargo vans in their fleet, marks a turning point in the electrification of the industry’s fleets,” said Bob Lutz. “As the world becomes more aware of the economic advantages of this ultra-clean technology, I am convinced that this type of electric vehicle will become very popular with consumers as well, and will help end our dependence on oil. It’s good for business, good for the environment and good for America.”

Source: VIA Motors