PG&E And VIA Motors Showcase Next Generation Of Extended-Range Electric Vehicles At North American International Auto Show

WHAT

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.

WHO

• Greg Pruett, Senior Vice President, PG&E Corporation
• Bob Lutz, VIA Motors Board of Directors
• Alan Perriton, VIA Motors Chief Operating Officer

WHEN

Monday, January 14, 2012

4:00 p.m. -- 5:00 p.m.: News Conference

5:00 p.m. -- 6:00 p.m.: Ride-alongs

WHERE

North American International Auto Show

Cobo Center, One Washington Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48226

Live video feed available at WXYZ

Media may submit questions LIVE via PG&E's twitter page @pge4me

VISUALS

• Via Motors' next generation extended-range electric SUV and cargo van for utilities
• PG&E's extended-range electric pickup truck on display and available for ride-alongs
• Speaking program featuring representatives from PG&E and VIA Motors
• Demonstration of truck's on-board power generation capabilities

WHY

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.