Chevrolet Silverado 2014 Configuration guide

1
2014/2015 VIA 1500 Extended
Range Crew Cab 4x4
Supplement to the 2014/2015 Chevrolet Silverado Owner’s Manual

2
The information in this manual is intended as a
supplement to, not a replacement for, the Owner’s
Manual supplied with your vehicle. Please reference
both for proper vehicle operation.

3
Contents
Supplement Use 4
Initial Drive Information 5
Regenerative Braking 6
Vapor Canister Purge 6
High Voltage Safety 7
General Safety Warnings 8
Warnings, Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators
10
Heating and Air Conditioning 11
4 Wheel Drive 12
Starting the Vehicle 12
Directional Selector Functions 13
Factors Aecting Performance 14
Charging 16
Charging Equipment 18
Optional Export Power 20
In Case of a Breakdown
or Emergency
22
Service Checks 23
Tire Jack Lift Points 24
Gasoline Requirements 24
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, And Parts
25
Capacities And Specifications 28
Fuse Box 29
Maintenance Schedule 31
Maintenance Records 32

4
Purpose
The purpose of this vehicle guide is to
provide operating instructions for the
unique features of the 2014/2015 1500
Extended Range Electric Truck and
explanations and instructions for the
appropriate usage of the vehicle and
Export Power.
Reading and understanding this manual
is very important in the safe operation
of the vehicle. Text marked DANGER
informs the driver of hazards that could
result in injury or death. Text marked
CAUTION refers to hazards that also
cause various levels of danger.
Supplement Use Danger, Warnings,
and Cautions
Warning messages found on vehicle
labels and in this manual describe
hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.
WARNING: This indicates a
hazard that could result in
serious injury or death.
CAUTION: This indicates a
hazard that could result in
damage to components.
A circle with a slash through it
is a safety symbol. It means
do not, do not do this, or do
not let this happen. Notice:
This means there is
something that could result in
property or vehicle damage.
This would not be covered by
the vehicle’s warranty.
Information about your vehicle can be
located using the Table of Contents in
the front of this manual. Find your topic
of interest from the list, and refer to the
page number where it can be found.
An Information list by subject matter is
located in the Index at the rear of the
manual.

5Driving and Operating 5
INITIAL DRIVE
INFORMATION
Electric Vehicle
Operating Modes
The Extended Range Electric Truck
has two modes for driving: Battery
Electric and Extended Range Electric.
In both modes, the vehicle is propelled
by the electric traction motor. The
traction motor uses electrical energy
from the high- voltage battery or
electrical energy generated from engine
operation to drive the wheels. The level
of performance is the same in either
mode.
Generator
Motor
Engine
Extended-Range Electric Mode
Extended Range
Electric Mode
When the battery charge falls to a
low level, approximately 20% SOC, the
vehicle switches to Extended Range
Electric Mode, and the gasoline-
powered internal combustion engine
will start automatically. The sound
of the engine may be heard during
operation. The engine is connected to
a generator which produces electricity
to propel the vehicle. The engine/
generator combination is known as an
APU.
Engine RPM does not correspond
directly to vehicle speed and
acceleration.
Generator
O
Battery Electric Mode
Motor
Engine
O
Battery Electric Mode
If the high voltage battery is fully
charged, the vehicle will operate using
the high voltage battery for an initial
period (as far as 40 miles). The engine
will not start until the battery reaches a
low level state of charge (SOC). During
this time, vehicle operation is quiet, no
fuel is used, and no tailpipe emissions
are produced.

6Driving and Operating6
Engine/Generator
OFF or operating
Regenerative Braking Mode
Battery
Traction Motor/
Transmission
Regenerative
(Regen) Braking
Regenerative (Regen) braking enables
the traction motor to operate as a
generator when coasting or braking.
This provides energy to recharge the
high voltage battery. Both the hydraulic
brakes and drive motor provide braking.
The braking system is computer
controlled and blends the regenerative
braking with the conventional hydraulic
disc brakes to meet any requirements
for deceleration. In the event of a
controller problem, as with all hydraulic
assist vehicles, the brake pedal maybe
harder to push, and the stopping
distance may be longer.
Vapor Canister Purge
If the truck has been used in battery
electric mode or used such that the
engine has not started for 5 days, the
engine will automatically come on
when the vehicle is powered up or
after the battery is at or below 80% to
purge the vapor canister. The battery
will not charge above 90% if a canister
purge is required. The vehicle must
be driven for approximately 15 to 30
minutes (depending on driving cycle)
to purge the canister. Once the canister
is purged, the vehicle will return to the
programmed operating cycle.
Engine May Start
Automatically
The truck inverter/controller module
monitors vehicle information to
determine when the engine must run.
When the vehicle is turned on, the
engine may start under any of the
following conditions:
• WARNING: Engine may start
if the battery falls below
20% any time the key is on.
• Engine must run to purge the
vapor canister.

7Driving and Operating
HIGH VOLTAGE SAFETY
WARNING: The Extended
Range Electric Truck has a
standard 12V battery and a
high voltage battery. Only a
VIA Motors approved service
technician with the proper
knowledge and tools should
inspect, test, or replace the
high voltage battery.
See an authorized VIA dealer if the high
voltage battery needs service.
The 12 volt battery cables, located in
the engine compartment, are clearly
labeled. In emergency situations, first
responders can cut those cables to
disable the high voltage battery system.
All high voltage wiring is clad in orange
conduit. Operators of the truck should
not touch, cut, or disconnect the orange
colored high voltage cables under any
circumstances The high voltage cables
should only be handled by trained
technicians.
High voltage in event
of an accident
Airbag deployment, rollover, or high
voltage isolation fault may shut o
power to the drivetrain.
The first responder’s cut point can be found under the hood on the driver’s side.
First Responder’s
Emergency High
Voltage Cable
Cuto Point

8Driving and Operating8
GENERAL SAFETY
WARNINGS
WARNING: Always apply the
parking brake and place the
vehicle into park before
exiting. Never leave the
ignition in the On position
without engaging park.
WARNING: Do not park over
materials that can burn. This
includes papers, leaves and
dry grass.
WARNING: Other safety
warnings are included in the
Owner’s Manual provided
with the vehicle. This
supplement includes only
warnings that pertain to the
vehicle’s electrical power
system.
IN THE EVENT OF
AN ACCIDENT
If the high voltage battery becomes
disabled after a crash, the system must
be reactivated by an approved VIA
Motors technician. Contact your closest
Authorized VIA servicing dealer for
repair.
Battery Replacement
There are two batteries in the vehicle.
The standard 12-volt battery and a high
voltage battery. To replace the 12-volt
battery, contact your dealer for the
proper replacement. Only VIA trained
technicians with the proper equipment
and training should test, inspect, or
replace the high voltage battery.
Battery Service
Do not attempt to service high voltage
components on your vehicle. Serious
injury, death or vehicle damage
may result. Service and repair of
high voltage components should be
performed by VIA approved technicians
with the proper equipment and training.
WARNING: Do not leave the
vehicle in neutral unattended
while it is running
WARNING: Do not leave the
vehicle with the propulsion
system on.
If the shift lever is not fully in P(Park)
with the parking brake firmly set, the
vehicle could move suddenly causing
the vehicle to roll. Serious personal
injury and damage to components can
result.
If you must leave the vehicle with the
propulsion system on for any reason,
first make sure the shift lever is in P
(Park) and the parking brake is firmly
set.

9Driving and Operating 9
NOTES

10 Driving and Operating10
Power kW Gauge
The Power gauge has a dual purpose.
It records power usage on the blue
scale and regenerative power (regen
charging) on the green scale. While
accelerating or driving, the blue scale
will show power usage. When coasting
or braking, the green scale will show
regen power recovery. Early braking and
light acceleration will result in the best
battery and fuel usage.
WARNING LIGHTS,
GAUGES, AND
INDICATORS
Generator kW Gauge
The Generator kW gauge shows
the output of the engine mounted
generator. It also shows high voltage
output during Export Power mode. The
output will vary based on demand.
System Overheating
This symbol indicates that a component in
the system (or multiple components) is/are
overheating/overheated. The performance
may be reduced automatically depending
on which component is overheating to
protect itself. If the issue persists, it may
be necessary to stop. This light comes
on when either the engine or one of the
electric power train components show an
over temp condition. It only comes on in
extreme conditions. The light also means
the vehicle should be serviced soon.
All other gauges operate as described in the owner’s manual.
Malfunction Indicator
The malfunction indicator lamp
illuminates (amber) when the truck is
placed in ON/RUN, as a bulb check to
show it is working. If it does not, have
the truck serviced by your VIA Motors
service provider. If the malfunction
indicator lamp illuminates for more
than 15 seconds on startup or while the
engine is running, this indicates that the
OBD II system has detected a problem,
and diagnosis and service might be
required.

11Driving and Operating 11
Battery % Gauge
The red needle on the battery
percentage gauge indicates the
remaining charge in the high voltage
battery. When the EVSE is connected
and charging is complete, the gauge
should indicate 100%. As the vehicle
is driven in the full electric mode, the
percentage will reduce until the engine
starts. At that point, the vehicle will
be powered by the engine mounted
generator.
HEATING AND AIR
CONDITIONING
The heater/air conditioner controls
operate in the same manner as outlined
in the full owner’s manual.
When the heat position is selected,
coolant is warmed by an inline heater to
provide cabin heat and defrost during
Battery Electric mode. In the Extended
Range Electric mode, engine generated
heat assists in warming.
The air conditioning compressor is
electrically driven and operates in the
same manner in both Battery Electric
and Extended Range Electric modes.
Compressor operation may be heard
during full electric operation as the
compressor cycles on and o. This is
normal.
Ready to Drive
The green vehicle lighting indicates the
vehicle is ready to drive. It is used while
in the Battery Electric mode startup
to indicate all necessary systems are
functioning and the vehicle is ready to
drive. The light will stay on as long as
the vehicle is active.
Note: Wait until the ready to drive light
illuminates before shifting from the
Park position. Engaging reverse or drive
before the ready to drive light comes on
may cause performance issues.
.
Note: If the ready to drive light flashes
and the vehicle is equipped with a
export power panel, the key has been
left on in the panel and must be turned
o and removed before the vehicle can
be driven.
Note: The Operator is not permitted to
transition directly from Drive mode into
Charge or Export-Power modes without
cycling the vehicle ignition key and
waiting approximately 45 seconds.

12 Driving and Operating12
4 WHEEL DRIVE
The vehicle may be equipped with 4
wheel drive. If so, the system oers 4
positions: 2 wheel drive, 4 wheel drive
high, 4 wheel drive low, and neutral.
The operation and cautions for both
manual and automatic system use may
be found in the 2014/2015 Chevrolet
Silverado Owner’s Manual.
STARTING THE
VEHICLE
The ignition switch is turned forward
with the gear selector in the Park
position to engage the system. In the
Battery Electric mode, the engine will
not start, but auxiliary equipment
may be heard. In the Extended Range
Electric mode (the high voltage battery
is at a low level), the engine will start. In
either mode, the vehicle performance is
the same.
There are 4 positions on the ignition
switch. The positions are as follows:
A. Stopping the engine/Lock/O
B. Accessory
C. On/Run
D. Start (Not Used)
To start the Extended Range Electric
truck, insert the key into the ignition
switch at position A (O), make sure
the directional selector is in the P
(Park) position, apply the service brake,
then turn the ignition switch forward
to position C (Run). Allow the vehicle
to initialize, and wait for the “Ready
to Drive” light to illuminate. Place the
selector in the desired position and
proceed.
When parking the truck, apply the
service and parking brake, place the
vehicle in the P (Park) position on the
directional selector, and turn the key
towards you to the A (O) position. This
allows the park position to
engage. At this point, the key may be
removed. Park must be engaged within
3 seconds of turning the key to the o
position.
In position B (Accessory) the radio,
wipers and other accessories may be
used without the drive engaged.
A
Accessory
B
Run
C
Start
(Not Used)
D
Lock/O

13Driving and Operating 13
DIRECTIONAL
SELECTOR FUNCTIONS
The Extended Range Electric Truck is
powered by direct drive electric motor.
A transmission is not required. The gear
selector on the column is actually a
directional and park selection device. It
functions as follows:
Reverse
The R or reverse
selection will cause
the vehicle to back up.
Make sure the vehicle
is completely stopped
before making the next
selection.
Neutral
The N or neutral selection
will remove power flow
to the electric drive. The
vehicle may roll if left in
this position.
Drive
The D or drive selection
is the normal operating
position. This will allow the
truck to go forward. You
will not feel gear change as
speed increases because
the truck is direct drive.
PRNDM
The P or park position uses an
electrically operated device that locks
up the drivetrain to prevent movement
while parked. This takes a small amount
of time to engage and disengage. It
should always be used in conjunction
with the parking brake. Park will not
engage if the truck is moving. Care
should be taken to allow engagement
of park before leaving the truck. The
12 volt battery is needed to engage
park. The ignition should be left in the
on position and park engaged before
turning the vehicle o and removing
the key. If park (P) is not engaged within
3 seconds of turning, the key to the o
position the park pawl will not engage.
Always use the parking brake in
conjunction with park.
Position M
This position is a manually
selected power assist
function. The APU is
enabled and provides
additional power during
low battery temperature /
state of charge, large hill
climb, or other conditions
where the power from
the high voltage battery is
insucient to operate the
vehicle at the requested
level. Battery level at the
time of engaging M will be
maintained.
Drive (D) is the preferred
position for normal operation.
Park

14 Driving and Operating14
FACTORS AFFECTING
PERFORMANCE
Adding Electronics
to the Vehicle
The Extended Range Electric Truck is
designed to operate with the factory
installed electronics in the vehicle only.
Adding or altering electrical parts or
accessories may change the way the
vehicle operates. Contact a VIA Motors
service representative before adding
any electrical or mechanical equipment.
Failure to do so may cause your vehicle
to not perform properly. Any damage
resulting from this action would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Out of Fuel/Engine
Unavailable
If an engine malfunction occurs or there
is no fuel in the fuel tank, the vehicle
will operate in Electric Mode until the
battery is depleted. Once the battery
has reached less than 20%, acceleration
response will be aected. Traction
power could be lost at any time when
the battery is at or below 10%. Use
caution and do not drive aggressively.
When the malfunction is corrected
or the vehicle is refueled, the engine
will be available again for normal
operation. You may notice the next
time the ignition is turned On, the
vehicle will perform a self-test and
clear any malfunction messages
that may have been displayed.
Cold Temperature
Aects Battery Range
Cold temperatures of approximately
20ºF (-7ºC) will cause the high voltage
battery to lose its charge faster. In the
event of cold weather, below 40°F
(4.5°C), the vehicle must be plugged
in overnight to avoid initial reduced
performance under cold conditions.
Low battery temperature causes
reduced power availability until the
battery reaches operating temperature.
A temperature sensor will automatically
activate a system warming cycle
that will maintain the battery and
other components at an acceptable
level while attached to an EVSE.

15Driving and Operating 15
How to Rock the Vehicle
if Stuck in Mud or Snow
When a vehicle gets stuck in snow
or mud, it is common practice to shift
back and forth between R (Reverse)
and D (Drive) to free the vehicle.
Turn the steering wheel left and right to
clear the area around the front wheels.
Turn o any traction control system.
See Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control in the GM Owner’s Manual
When rocking the vehicle, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting
from R to D to prevent electric drive
unit wear. The accelerator pedal should
be released whenever the positions
are changed. When the traction
motor is engaged, press lightly on the
accelerator pedal. Slowly spinning the
wheels in the forward and reverse
direction causes a rocking motion that
could free the truck. If that does not
get the truck out after a few tries,
the vehicle may need to be towed.
WARNING: If the truck’s tires
spin at a high speed, they can
explode, and you or others
could be injured. The truck
could also overheat or cause
other damage.
Spin the wheels as little as
possible and avoid going above
35 mph (56 km/h).
C A U T I O N : Always depress the
brake pedal when moving
from D to R.

16 Driving and Operating16
0°C (32°F)
32°C (90°F)
Extreme Weather Will
Slow Charging and Reduce
Battery Capacity
High or low temperatures will aect
the performance and charging of the
traction battery in the following ways.
• The battery charge time will take
longer to reach a full charge
• The battery will lose its charge
faster
Long Periods Between
Use May Require
Additional Charging
If the vehicle is not driven within several
days of a charge, and not connected to
an EVSE, the battery will lose a portion
of its charge. To ensure optimal driving
range, keep the vehicle connected to
the EVSE when not in use.
Maximizing Energy Eciency
Use the following tips to help achieve
better energy eciency and extend
driving range:
• Any unnecessary fast
acceleration and deceleration
should be avoided.
• To achieve maximum electric
range, drive the vehicle at
90 km/h (56 mph) and below.
Driving at higher speeds reduces
energy eciency and diminishes
the electric range considerably.
• When possible, plan ahead
for decelerations and coast
whenever possible.
CHARGING
Charge regularly for
best performance
Regular charging of the high voltage
battery is an important part of
maintaining an extended range vehicle.
Charging not only ensures you can
operate your vehicle the next time
you need it, regular charging will also
maximize the life of the battery. The
high voltage battery may be charged
using a charging station of either Level
1 or 2 Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment
(EVSE) units.
The vehicle should not be kept in
extreme temperatures
(below 0°C [32°F] and above
32°C [90°F]) for long periods
without being plugged in
or driven. This will also help
maximize the life of the
high voltage battery.

17Driving and Operating 17
Note: Even when fully
charged, the EVSE should
remain plugged in. This will
help ensure the battery is
within optimal temperature
range and maximize the
battery life.
Note: Keep water and debris
away from the charging
connectors, both on the
vehicle and the EVSE.
Note: When the vehicle is
started, the “state of charge”
indicator should point to
100% if the charge cycle has
been completed. If the
“state of charge” shows 90%
after the charge has been
completed, see Vapor
Canister Purge instructions
on page 6.
For other EVSE charging equipment,
refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
CHARGING
PROCEDURE
1. Park on a level surface inside
a garage or protected area if
possible.
2. Turn the vehicle o. Turn o
Export Power if it in use.
3. Wait at least 45 seconds.
4. Open the charge port cover
located at the left front (driver
side) by pressing in and releasing.
The vehicle is charged using
an onboard charger and an
EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply
Equipment) as a power supply.
5. Align the EVSE handle with the
charge port, and push in until
a click is heard. Make sure the
handle is completely inserted and
properly seated to ensure a safe
connection.
6. Charge Port LEDs indicate the
charging status as follows:
Blinking green: Charge in progress
Solid green: Charging complete
Solid red: Charging fault
7. Once the battery has reached a
‘full charge,’ the green charging
light on the EVSE will become
solid green. Keep the EVSE
plugged in until you are ready
to drive the vehicle. Depress the
button on the handle and remove
it from the charge port. Close the
charge port cover.
Charging times will vary based on
EVSE type, temperature, and initial
state of charge.

18 Driving and Operating18
Do not use an EVSE with a
worn or damaged AC outlet.
The outlet can start a fire or
cause burns. Serious personal
injury and damage to
components can result.
Do not use an extension cord
with an EVSE. An extension
cord can increase the risk of
electric shock, resulting in
serious personal injury. Use of
an extension cord with a
charger is not recommended.
If using an extension cord cannot be
avoided, make sure the extension cord
meets the following criteria:
• GFCI protected
• 12 or 14 gauge, 3 conductor
• Rated for outdoor
CHARGING
EQUIPMENT
Electric Vehicle Supply
Equipment (EVSE)
The Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment
(EVSE) is used to deliver electrical
Energy from the premises to the truck
charge port. A Level 1 (120V) or Level 2
(240V/20amp) EVSE is provided with
your truck. Higher voltage Level 2
charging stations may be used for a
more rapid charge.
CAUTION: Only a qualified
electrician should perform the
installation of permanently
mounted Level 2 EVSE’s. The
installation must be
performed in accordance with
all local electrical codes and
ordinances.
CAUTION: Inspect the AC plug
occasionally while the vehicle
is charging to verify it is
within acceptable
temperature and not hot. If
the AC plug feels hot, unplug
the charger and have the
outlet repaired or replaced.
Do not use non-grounded
electrical plug adapters with
the EVSE.

19Driving and Operating 19
Stationary
240 V
High Power
EVSE
Portable
Level 1
(120V)
EVSE
Portable
Level 2
(240V)
EVSE
Electrical Requirements
Select an AC outlet specifically for
charging your vehicle. It must be a
grounded, dedicated, 20 amp or greater,
three-prong wall plug. Make sure no
other major appliances are connected
to the same circuit. If other large loads
are included in the charging circuit, the
circuit breaker can trip.
The minimum requirements for circuits
used to charge this vehicle are:
• Level 1 - 120 Volt / 16 Amp
• Level 2 - 240 Volt / 20 Amp
• Level 2 - High Power 240 Volt /
40+ Amp
Using the Level 2 (240V) EVSE or other
charging equipment with a rating of
at least 240V/20Amp will provide the
fastest charging time.
CAUTION: Do not use a
backup generator with the
charger. The vehicle’s
charging system can become
damaged and can void your
manufacturer’s warranty.
EVSE Types Periodically inspect the EVSE handle
and the charge port on the vehicle for
corrosion or damage. Closing the charge
door and properly storing the EVSE
handle will limit environmental damage
and ensure clean contacts.
Damaged Contacts
Clean Contacts

20 Driving and Operating20
OPTIONAL
EXPORT POWER
The onboard 240V outlets are located
behind a door at the right side of the
vehicle. Locate the door and press
to release. This will allow access to
the outlets. By unlocking the system
using the power export barrel key
provided with the vehicle, two 30A
240VAC outlets (one 3 prong, one 4
prong) can be utilized. There is 14.4kW
total available power between both
connectors. The 240V 4 prong may be
split into two 120V outlets using an
adaptor.
240V Receptacles
240V GFCI
240V BREAKER
240V BREAKER
CAUTION: Using other than
VIA approved splitters may
cause personal injury or
equipment damage. Use only
VIA approved splitters.
KEY SWITCH
Display
The export power panel displays the following information:
APU = Internal combustion engine/generator OFF or ON
VIA export power = OFF or ON
Volts AC
Available Watts (W)