Smith Electric Vehicles Delivers First Trucks to U.S. - 8/9/09

The Smith Newton Electric Truck, the largest road going electric truck in North America, has been delivered to four major US corporations and tow utility companies.  These include: Staples, Coca-Cola, Frito-Lay, AT&T, Pacific Gas and Electric Company and Kansas City Power and Light. 

These electric trucks were conceived by Smith Electric Vehicles in North East England.  They were delivered with an official ceremony at Capitol Hill. 

Darrener Kell, CEO of Tanfield Group, which is the owner of Smith Electric Vehicles said: “The electric vehicle technology delivered to these customers today can readily be delivered to fleets in every major town and city in North America.

“The Smith Newton provides depot-based truck fleets with a realistic, zero emissions transport solution that both lowers greenhouse gas emissions and helps improve air quality in our urban centers.”

These new electric trucks are powered by the latest Lithium Ion batteries using a 120kw electric motor.  The Smith Newton Electric Truck has a top speed of 50mph and it has a range of over 100 miles on a full charge. 

Its batteries can be recharged in six hours.  Smith Electric Vehicles was started in the UK in 2006.  The trucks are produced in the United States by Smith Electric Vehicles US Corp which is in Kansas City, MO.

Missouri Senator Kit Bond said:  “These next generation electric vehicles Smith is producing demonstrate exactly the kind of technology we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and end our dependence on foreign oil.”

“Missouri is a growing leader in exciting new battery technology, making it an ideal partner for all-electric vehicle manufacturing.”

The Smith Newton Electric Truck is truly emission free.  It runs very quietly without vibration.  I can reclaim during stops through regenerative braking.  This is important; the vehicles will most likely be used in urban environments where there will be more brake usage.

These trucks have gross vehicle weights of 7,500kg, 10,000kg and 12,000kg with a payload of up to 7,300kg.  They include an on board battery charger that can be used with any commercial or industrial location.

Smith Electric Vehicles was founded in 1920 and purchased by Tanfield in 2004.  After this acquisition, Smith has become a world leader in the development of electric vans and trucks with enhanced speed and range.

Fleet operators will now have an economically viable zero emission option.  Smith currently maintains over 5,000 vehicles for major fleet operators in the UK with their UK wide support network. 

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