Skift Take
You have to spend a little to make a little. These electric shuttles will be more expensive for Best Western at the outset, but the cost savings over time will make up for that initial, pricey expense.
VIA Motors has announced an $80 million purchase agreement with its Canadian distributor, Sun Country Highway, to deploy 1,000 of Via’s range-extended electric Vtrux vans as shuttle vehicles at Best Western hotels.
The pact is important for Via, giving it a major commitment that could kick-start demand for its full-size commercial plug-in electric vehicles.
So the Via/Best Western deal gives Via Motors a major purchase commitment, it secures a supply of plug-in vehicles for Sun Country, and Best Western will thousands of dollars per year in operating costs for each vehicle — despite the much higher purchase prices.
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Tags: best western, electric cars