Global EV firm Ideanomics completed the acquisition of US-based EV truck maker VIA Motors on January 26. The company has also announced plans to produce and sell more than 1 million electric commercial trucks for the delivery industry in the United States by 2030.
One of the company’s three major divisions, Ideanomics Mobility, will now include VIA. Notably, the management of VIA will continue to be under the direction of CEO Bob Purcell.
Innovation
VIA’s electric work trucks will be paired with Ideanomics Energy’s turnkey charging solutions as part of a deal between the two companies. VIA-produced electric trucks boast a 6,900 pounds payload. It also enables clients to save money on repair and fuel costs. It is equipped with an 82kWh battery that can be replenished in just 45 minutes from 0% to 100% with DC fast charging. Furthermore, it has a 114 miles range. Thus, Ideanomics Energy will take over as VIA’s chosen charging solution provider.
Essentially, it will aid clients in fully utilizing the capabilities of their new VIA work trucks with the following features: advanced wireless charging, containerized charging, and AC and DC chargers.
Ideanomics and VIA will also look into prospects to work with non-competing OEMs to use VIA’s VDRIVE™ skateboard.
“Together, Ideanomics and VIA will introduce a cost-efficient, integrated EV and charging solution for commercial fleets, which has been sorely lacking in the market. Ideanomics will help VIA move swiftly to ramp up production of their VTRUX® portfolio of class 2 to 5 trucks, vans and proprietary skateboards, and leverage Ideanomics’ turnkey charging and financing solutions to give fleet operators a better way to own and operate VIA electric work trucks faster, easier and more affordably.”
Ideanomics CEO Alf Poor
VIA’s VDRIVE™ and VTRUX®
The VDRIVETM e-skateboard and the VTRUX® line of modular vehicles are the core of VIA’s value. Remarkably, the company developed these technologies from scratch with drivers and fleet operators of commercial vehicles in mind. With its chassis cab, VIA provides a wide variety of specialized configurations. Last-mile delivery vans, box and stake trucks, school buses, and shuttles, among other vehicles, are included.
“Ideanomics will provide the resources we need to commence production and deliver great products to our customers.”
VIA Motors CEO Bob Purcell
Ideanomics is indeed accelerating its electrification efforts with the acquisitions of EV startups. Many people may wonder what other sectors Ideanomics would look to invest in next as the company continues to expand in the EV industry.
