In the ever-evolving world of automotive innovation, even industry titans can miss the mark. Such is the case with Bob Lutz and the Via Motors VTrux, a hybrid pickup truck that promised revolution but delivered disappointment.
A Visionary Concept Ahead of Its Time
Bob Lutz, a name synonymous with automotive innovation, threw his weight behind an ambitious project in 2011: the Via Motors VTrux. This plug-in hybrid pickup truck concept emerged over a decade before such vehicles would become mainstream, seemingly positioning Via Motors at the forefront of a new automotive era.
The VTrux's premise was straightforward yet bold: take a standard Chevrolet Silverado, strip out its conventional drivetrain, and replace it with a series hybrid system. On paper, it was a visionary concept. In practice, it became a cautionary tale of technology outpacing market readiness.
The Mechanics of Innovation
Thanks to YouTuber Robert Dunn of the channel Aging Wheels, we've gained unprecedented insight into the VTrux's inner workings. Via Motors' approach was to purchase approximately a thousand base-model Chevrolet Silverados, each equipped with the 4.3-liter Vortec V6 engine. This powerplant, capable of 297 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, was then paired with Via's hybrid system.
The hybrid conversion involved removing the transmission and replacing it with a 201-horsepower electric generator and a 254-horsepower electric motor. Behind these components, Via cleverly packaged a 24 kWh battery pack. Surprisingly, this complex setup resulted in less overall power than the original V6 engine alone.
A Promise Unfulfilled
Via Motors made bold claims about the VTrux's performance, including a 0-60 mph time of 9.7 seconds. However, real-world performance fell short of these promises. The truck Dunn examined, with just 47,000 miles on the odometer, struggled to match its advertised capabilities.
The VTrux's operation was unique: the V6 engine acted as a generator, powering the electric generator behind it. This setup provided power to the batteries and the truck's onboard electrical outlets. The electric motor, positioned where the transmission once sat, connected to the transfer case and ultimately drove the wheels.
While innovative, this design proved inefficient. Modern automakers have since learned to position electric motors as close to the drive wheels as possible for optimal performance.
The Price of Innovation
Perhaps the most significant barrier to the VTrux's success was its astronomical price tag. Starting with a 2014 Silverado WT, which itself cost over $50,000 in today's money, the addition of the VTrux conversion pushed the price to a staggering $76,000 – equivalent to nearly $101,000 today. For a vehicle based on a base-model pickup, this price point was difficult to justify.
Performance Reality Check
Via Motors initially advertised the VTrux with impressive specs: 40 miles of pure electric range and up to 400 miles of combined range. However, Dunn's examination of a decade-old model revealed a stark reality check. The truck struggled to achieve half of its promised electric range, managing only about 20 miles on battery power alone.
Fuel economy with the engine running barely surpassed that of a standard Silverado, negating one of the primary benefits of a hybrid system. The battery's inability to maintain full power output for extended periods further compromised performance, particularly on inclines.
The Remnants of Conversion
Dunn's investigation uncovered numerous quirks resulting from the conversion process. Vestigial controls from the original Silverado, such as non-functional cruise control buttons and gear selectors, remained. The truck's onboard computer occasionally struggled to interpret its hybrid system, leading to erratic behavior.
A Lesson in Automotive History
The Via Motors VTrux stands as a fascinating case study in automotive innovation. It represents a bold attempt to bridge the gap between conventional trucks and the electric future, arriving perhaps a decade too soon. While the concept showed promise, the execution fell short due to technological limitations and prohibitive costs.
Bob Lutz's involvement lent credibility to the project, but even his industry clout couldn't overcome the practical challenges faced by the VTrux. As we witness the current surge in electric and hybrid pickup trucks from major manufacturers, it's worth reflecting on the VTrux as a pioneer that paved the way, albeit through its shortcomings rather than its successes.
Looking to the Future
Today, as major automakers roll out their own hybrid and electric pickup trucks with far more refined technology and at more accessible price points, the legacy of the Via Motors VTrux serves as both a cautionary tale and a testament to the rapid pace of automotive innovation.
While the VTrux may not have revolutionized the industry as Bob Lutz and Via Motors hoped, it played a crucial role in the evolution of electrified trucks. It demonstrated the potential of such vehicles while highlighting the challenges that needed to be overcome.
As we drive into an electrified future, let's remember the Via Motors VTrux – not as a failure, but as a necessary step in the journey towards more sustainable and efficient transportation. Sometimes, being too far ahead of the curve can be just as challenging as falling behind.
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