A Smith Newton electric van

It is one of the most successful and popular EVs, but most drivers have never heard of it. Commercial electric vehicle manufacturer Smith Corp., has just unveiled their newest creation, the Newton Step Van, a zero-emission EV with a walk-in body. The first major client to use the vans will be FedEx Express. The debut of the Newton was a highlight of Indiana’s NTEA Work Truck Show, an industry event that draws enormous crowds of buyers, media, and corporate marketing personnel.

By the numbers, the Newton Step Vans weigh between 14,000 and 26,000 pounds, but are able to travel 100 miles between charges. Smith Electric expects most of the buyers to use the vehicles for urban delivery tasks, much the way FedEx does. In fact, the FedEx sale was a prime mover in Smith’s push to snag a key corporate client early on. Smith Electric is something of an unsung hero in the development of all-electric trucks, pioneering the use of ultra-efficient battery technology, remote monitoring devices, and high-tech power train engineering. FedEx’s high profile with the public is akin to permanent national advertising for Smith, since practically no one in a big city can spend a lunch hour without seeing a FedEx truck buzzing by.

Two other Smith products: L'Ampere and Faraday II

FedEx spokespersons stressed the win-win situation by pointing to Smith’s ability to deliver a transportation unit that is at once efficient, economical, and environmental. For its part, Smith specializes in producing what they consider the best alternative to diesel trucks, both in terms of emissions and operating cost. Globally, the EV manufacturer has been in the business of making, selling, and servicing electric vehicles for over 80 years, but their name is not a household word like Nissan, Ford, and General Motors because they deal exclusively with corporate clients. Their two central manufacturing facilities are in Newcastle, UK, and Kansas City, Missouri.

For more information about Smith Electric and other projects the company is working on, see http://smithelectric.com/about-smith/overview/

Larry Bell

Larry Bell + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Author, but we call him ‘The Expert‘. Here is his full Blog: My Perfect Automobile. Larry lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Expert Author. Larry is a lover of the Automobile as well and shares a passion for Concept, Hybrid and Electric Cars…

Smith Newton Electric Truck

New Multi-Year New York State Commercial EV Program   Offers Purchase Incentives for Fleets to Go Electric

 KANSAS CITY, Mo., Nov. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Smith Electric Vehicles Corp. (Smith), a leader in all-electric commercial vehicles, today announced that the company will expand its U.S. operations by adding a manufacturing facility in New York State, creating up to 100 new direct local jobs. Smith will manufacture the zero-emission Newton™, its all-electric medium duty vehicle with a range of up to 150 miles and an average annual operating cost that is one-third to one-half that of conventional diesel trucks with comparable gross vehicle weights (GVWs), at the new facility beginning in 2012. A package of city and state incentives of approximately $11 million will augment Smith’s private investment.

 Also today, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the development of a federally-funded, multiyear commercial electric vehicle (EV) buyer incentive program to accelerate adoption of commercial EVs and allow for strategic fleet conversion throughout New York State. The program, with an expected run of five years, has been specifically tailored to help companies inNew York State convert significant portions of their fleets as a result of the ability to plan with vouchers available over multiple years. The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has committed $10 million in federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funding for the first year, which will be offered in the form of vouchers of up to $20,000 per vehicle. The program will be managed by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), and will offer voucher incentives to the purchasers of any qualified all-electric vehicle over 10,000 pounds GVW – regardless of manufacturer. The Smith Newton qualifies for this program.

“This expansion reflects an important step in executing Smith’s localized assembly, sales and service strategy,” commented Bryan Hansel, CEO and chairman of Smith. “Our approach creates jobs, provides Smith customers with more localized support and significantly reduces the costs associated with shipping completed vehicles to our customers. We applaud the governor’s leadership and that of the numerous state and local officials who have come together to support a program that encourages fleets to accelerate their conversion from diesel to electric.”

“New York has shown tremendous leadership at the borough, city and state level in paving the way for commercial fleet electrification,” said Sam Ori, director of policy for the Electrification Coalition, a nonpartisan, not-for-profit group that promotes deployment of electric vehicles on a mass scale.

“This multi-year commercial EV incentive program is a strong example of the state’s commitment to accelerate deployment of this technology, which is critical for reducing U.S. oil dependence and enhancing long-term national and economic security.”

“Coca-Cola is proud to partner with Smith Electric Vehicles in making our delivery fleet more efficient,” commented Steven Saltzgiver, director of fleet operations, Coca-Cola Refreshments.

“Smith’s presence in New York City, coupled with the state’s incentive program, will help us accelerate conversion in New York as we continue to build a more efficient and environmentally friendly Coke fleet.”

The new facility – Smith’s second U.S. manufacturing, sales and service center – will not affect production or job levels at Smith’s headquarters in Kansas City, Mo. The first Newton vehicles are planned for production in New York in the second half of 2012.

About Smith Electric Vehicles:  Smith Electric Vehicles Corp  ( www.smithelectric.com ) develops, produces and sells zero-emission commercial electric vehicles that are designed to be an alternative to traditional diesel trucks, providing higher efficiency and lower total cost of ownership. Smith’s vehicle designs leverage more than 80 years of market knowledge from selling and servicing electric vehicles in the United Kingdom.

Smith Electric Vehicles produces the Newton™ and the Edison™. The company operates manufacturing facilities in Kansas City, Mo., and outside of Newcastle, U.K.

SOURCE Smith Electric Vehicles Corp.

Bob Twaalfhoven

Bob Twaalfhoven + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Owner and Visionary Creator, but people just call him “Bob T”.. Here is his full Bio: Bob Twaalfhoven. Bob lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Founder of BobCAD-CAM software. BobCAD-CAM was created by Bob, who was an engineer graduate of MIT in 1978. He created the software as a means to bring the technology of CAD/CAM to the personal computer. But overall – Bob is a lover of cars, engines and anything that is fast…