As part of the contract, VIA Motors will install its proprietary technology for vehicles, and will record and transfer data to the Deppartment of Energy to study the benefits of electric vehicles on emissions.
SCAQMD is the air-pollution-control agency for Orange County and areas of Los Angeles and San Bernardino, while California Energy Commission is also involved in the project.
VIA Motors president Alan Perriton said that the company is the only automaker building electric light-duty pick-up trucks, cargo vans and passenger vans.
"The all-in cost is actually lower than driving a gas truck; this is very welcome news to budget-constrained fleets who spend more and more each year on ever-increasing gas prices, who can now save money and reduce their fleet emissions," Perriton added.
