Smith Electric Vehicles (SEV) U.S. Corp. has announced it will assemble and market all-electric zero-emission commercial vehicles in North America, initially focused on depot-based route delivery fleets.  The company’s first zero-emission truck model will be the Smith Newton, featuring a top speed of 50 mph, a range on one battery charge in excess of 100 miles and a payload of up to 16,280 lbs., SEV said.

"We are targeting our zero-emission trucks for companies that operate in urban areas and are seeking ways to deliver their goods and services in an environmentally sensitive manner," said Bryan Hansel, SEV CEO. "These vehicles will not only help companies reduce their truck fleet emissions and reduce our dependence on foreign oil imports, but will also lower operation and maintenance costs over the life of the vehicle."

In addition, SEV is working with its U.K. partner, the Tanfield Group Plc, and Ford Motor Co. to electrify the Ford Transit Connect as a battery electric vehicle light-duty van, scheduled to begin production next year.

"Smith Electric Vehicles' zero-emission vans and trucks are proven products that have a long history of reliability in Europe," added Hansel. "We are bringing Smith's proprietary know-how to the U.S. to integrate electric power trains, lithium ion battery packs and control systems into commercial truck chassis envelopes that meet the specific requirements of the North American fleet market."