Capable, Efficient Hybrid Trucks and Vans to Hit the Market Soon (TSLA) (GM)
Should Tesla Motors (Nasdaq: TSLA) investors start getting nervous?
Consumer Reports (CR) today noted that a slew of new plug-in hybrids will be hitting the market soon.
The company -- Bob Lutz-backed Via Motors -- is taking its technology to GM's (NYSE: GM) Chevy line first. (Notably, Lutz was former Vice Chair at GM.) Via Motors' VTrux plug-in hybrids will have a range of 35 miles or more on battery power alone.
CR continued:
There's no question that Tesla has superb technology, but whether or not that technology will be able to offer the same capability within the next few years is questionable.
Shares of Tesla are up over 2 percent Thursday.
Consumer Reports (CR) today noted that a slew of new plug-in hybrids will be hitting the market soon.
The company -- Bob Lutz-backed Via Motors -- is taking its technology to GM's (NYSE: GM) Chevy line first. (Notably, Lutz was former Vice Chair at GM.) Via Motors' VTrux plug-in hybrids will have a range of 35 miles or more on battery power alone.
CR continued:
The various VTrux will use engines sourced from General Motors, with the vans fitted with a 4.8-liter V8 and pickups equipped with a 4.3-liter V6. The "Presidential SUV" will use the popular 5.3-liter V8 with cylinder deactivation, as found in the redesigned Silverado ... The electric motor puts out 234 hp and 306 lb.-ft. of torque, which Via claims will be good for accelerating 0-60 mph in 9.7 seconds. Via also claims 25 mpg overall for the van and 30 mpg overall with the pickup truck, once the battery charge is depleted. Extended-cab, two-wheel-drive models can carry 1,500 lbs. of payload, and tow about 4,100 pounds.
There's no question that Tesla has superb technology, but whether or not that technology will be able to offer the same capability within the next few years is questionable.
Shares of Tesla are up over 2 percent Thursday.