WALTHAM, MA - A123 Systems, a developer and manufacturer of advanced Nanophosphatelithium ion batteries and systems, announced that it will supply complete lithium-ion battery packs to VIA Motors, an electric vehicle company building next-generation electrified trucks, vans and SUVs.

Also,VIA recently announced that former GM vice chairman Bob Lutz recently joined the company and will be unveiling what VIA is calling the "world's first extended-range electric pickup truck, SUV, and van" at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week.

To be integrated into VIA's Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV) Powertrain, A123's 24kWh battery packs combine with a 300kW electric motor and an onboard generator to deliver an expected all-electric driving range of up to 40 miles. A123 has already begun producing the battery packs at its Livonia, Mich. facility as VIA has started delivering trucks to commercial fleet customers.

"VIA plans to ramp up production significantly over the next three years to satisfy demand for clean, fuel-efficient full-size trucks and SUVs, and A123's battery systems deliver the high power, safety and long life necessary to power our vehicles," said Kraig Higginson, CEO of VIA Motors.  "A123's lithium ion chemistry and packaging allows us to minimize the size and weight of the battery packs while maximizing range and fuel economy of our trucks.

In addition to supporting an expected all-electric range of about 40 miles, A123's lithium ion battery systems are also designed to provide exportable power capabilities that can be used externally.

 "We believe that our advanced lithium ion battery solutions will help VIA better position its E-REV Powertrain platform as a cost-effective solution for fleet operators who want to deploy more efficient, environmentally friendly vehicles that also meet their performance and reliability requirements," said Jason Forcier, vice president of A123's Automotive Solutions Group. "We think that commercial and government fleets represent a tremendous opportunity for vehicle electrification, and we look forward to working with VIA Motors to design eREV trucks, vans and SUVs that meet fleet customers' specific range and operational requirements."

Watch the video below with Lutz for more information about the launch: