Greentech Lead America: Smith Electric Vehicles, a
manufacturer of all-electric commercial vehicles, has launched the Newton Step
Van, an all-electric, zero-emission vehicle. FedEx Express will be the first
company to deploy these vehicles in U.S.
The new vehicle is built on the Newton platform that
features a walk-in body produced by Utilimaster.
Smith announced the launch of the Newton Step Van in
Indianapolis at the NTEA Work Truck Show, North America’s largest vocational
truck and equipment event.
The Newton Step Van features Smith’s
Smith Drive, Smith Power, and Smith Link technologies to provide superior power
train performance, battery management efficiency and remote system monitoring.
The new vehicle offers a range of approximately 100 miles on a single charge.
The company claims that the vehicle is suitable for
thousands of delivery routes in urban environments, offers a gross vehicle
weight of 14,000 pounds to 26,000 pounds.
The first Newton Step Vans are expected to be deployed in
select U.S. markets throughout the remainder of 2012. FedEx Express, the
world’s largest express transportation company, has placed orders for the new
vehicles.
“The leadership shown by FedEx in adopting all-electric
vehicles has been instrumental to growing the industry. We welcome FedEx and
look forward to successful vehicle deployments that demonstrate the economic
and environmental benefits of fleet electrification,” said Bryan Hansel, CEO
and chairman of Smith. Â
“Smith’s global footprint and track record of successful
EV deployments make it an ideal collaborator as FedEx continues to improve its
fleet efficiency, reducing emissions while providing the best possible service
to our customers around the world,” said Dennis Beal, vice president of Global
Vehicles at FedEx Express. Â
Recently, Smith Electric Vehicles
signed a letter of intent with Wanxiang Group, a global automotive parts
manufacturer and supplier.
editor@greentechlead.com