Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and VIA Motors will showcase the first extended-range electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) and cargo van for utilities at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. PG&E and VIA motors also teamed up at last year’s show to unveil an extended-range electric pickup truck.

VIA Motors’ Extended-Range Electric Vehicles (eREV) not only have the potential to transform transportation, but also the way electric utilities like PG&E provide service to customers. These eREVs can provide exportable power to shorten unplanned outages, provide back-up power for scheduled outages and boost the electric grid when needed.

The first generation trucks have 15-kilowatt capacity, which is the equivalent of a generator for a small or medium house, and that amount could increase in future models. All three eREV models feature extraordinary fuel efficiency, up to 100 mpg under typical driving conditions.

PG&E partnered with VIA Motors back in 2008 to develop the eREV. Last year, the utility tested two eREV trucks as part of its overall fleet. Based upon the positive results of that test, PG&E will be adding more eREV trucks, SUVs and cargo vans from VIA Motors to its fleet.

Story from press release, edited by Tom Slivick, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.