Global EV company Ideanomics has acquired VIA Motors, an American commercial electric truck manufacturer. VIA Motors currently sells one vehicle, its cab-chassis electric truck, which can be outfitted with any standard bed or box and is well-suited for delivery use.
The electric truck comes in three distinct lengths and features an AWD electric drivetrain, allowing for fuel and repair savings. The system uses an 82kWh battery, capable of a range of 114 miles, and can be charged in roughly 45 minutes from 0 to 100 percent using DC fast charging.
$IDEX + @VIAMotorsInc = fast, easy and affordable fleet electrification.
Combining VIA's #electric work trucks w/ our wireless and containerized charging tech is a game-changer! pic.twitter.com/VQuWhexOGc
— Ideanomics Inc. (@ideanomicshq) January 27, 2023
Ideanomics has a history of acquiring electric vehicle startups, including those producing motorcycles, tractors, and electric delivery vans, as part of its mission to electrify mobility globally. The acquisition of VIA Motors brings significant revenue generation potential to Ideanomics and its shareholders, according to Shane McMahon, Ideanomics Executive Chairman.
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The new acquisition joins five other businesses as part of Ideanomics’ electric mobility push, including its EV charger subsidiary, which will become the preferred charging solutions provider for VIA.
Through Ideanomics’ partnership with Energica Motors, VIA now has access to in-house designed motors, which have already made their way into Ideanomics’ tractor business, Solectrac. With fresh investment from the fund, VIA may be able to produce on a larger scale.
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While VIA Motors faces significant competition in the electric van market from companies like Ford, Rivian, and Canoo, the acquisition by Ideanomics positions the company for growth in the industry.
As Ideanomics continues to grow, it is becoming a more formidable force in electric mobility, leaving many to wonder which other industries the company may look to invest in next. The coming year will be a test for VIA Motors as it looks to grow in the rapidly expanding electric market.