
Images: CarBuzz
Trucks are supposed to be powerful vehicles with V-8 engines that can carry whatever you need to where ever you need it. But regardless of whether you’re on the V-6 or the V-8 train these days, you might be one of the many people about to rethink the powerplant under the hood of your favorite truck. That’s because a company called VIA Motors is challenging truck stereotypes by starting to equip popular American trucks with electric engines in the near future, according to CarBuzz. Check out the company’s recently released promotional video we found on the company’s website above.
Now, we can guess what you’re probably thinking- something along the lines of electric engines and big trucks, like the Chevy Silverado-bodied VTRUX model VIA revealed, don’t mesh well, at least not if you want to go anywhere fast or haul anything bigger than a cooler.
But amazingly, VIA Motors pitches a pretty decent sounding option to the tune of 402hp from the electric engine.
But in case you’re worried that the electric engine just won’t be enough for you, after all it only has a 40-mile charge range, VIA’s trucks also feature a 4.3L V-6 gas engine, which is used to generate power via the attached 150kw electric generator for the batteries that run the electric motor. This is perfect if you can’t plug the truck in right away.

Image: VIA Motors
The VTRUX truck model is available in both 2WD and 4WD versions, as well as a single cab Standard version, Extended Cab version and a Crew Cab version. According to VIA, its Extended Cab version truck still has a payload capacity of 1,500lbs, despite use of the electric engine.
The company also offers vans and SUVs. There is even an 800hp electric VTRUX concept model in the works.
Pricing for the truck line is expected to be about $79,000 in bulk. VIA trucks are already being put to use in government and utility fleets.
So, is the future of trucks electric powered? Well, probably not completely, but VIA certainly is trying to make its mark on the industry and the environment. After all, they are offering trucks with better fuel economy than a Toyota Prius with a payload capacity comparable to many gas-powered trucks on the market. Would you drive an electric-powered truck?