Canadian project plans massive $80M EV purchase with VIA Motors
by Cleantech Canada Staff
Sun Country Highway project will deploy electric extended range vans, trucks to Canadian businesses
DETROIT—A Canadian electric vehicle initiative has inked an $80-million deal with electrification firm VIA Motors to purchase electric vehicles for businesses across the country.
Announced at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Sun Country Highway has signed a purchase agreement with VIA for a fleet of the latter’s electrified General Motors (GM) vehicles.
Sun Country has already placed an $8-million order with a deposit for the first 100 vehicles, according to VIA.
The electrification project has already placed over 1,000 charging stations across Canada to allow electric vehicle owners to travel coast-to-coast with free charging.
It will provide charging for businesses’ electric shuttle vans and trucks in the next phase of the project.
“In phase one of the project we electrified hundreds of businesses across the country including placing about 100 chargers at Best Western Hotels,” Sun Country founder Kent Rathwell said in a statement.
“In phase two, we will deploy VIA’s electric trucks and vans … to meet the demand of the expanding project.”
The Best Western Seven Oaks in Regina will be the first Best Western hotel to offer electric shuttle van services in North America as part of the Sun Country project.
“VIA is pleased to supply Sun Country and Best Western with the world’s cleanest most economical shuttle van,” VIA Motors chief executive John Weber said.
“VIA’s rugged, four-wheel drive, extended range technology is ideal for Canada’s extreme weather conditions and extended range driving.”
