Green Options

“Today the Obama Administration demonstrated its commitment to this fast-emerging industry and to green fleet vehicle technologies that will define the future of American automotive manufacturing. We are honored to be among the DOE grant recipients and commend the Administration for its leadership and shared vision that we can create a viable, sustainable industry and deliver green fleets today,” said Bryan Hansel, CEO of Smith Electric Vehicles, a company producing all electric trucks.

Smith Electric Vehicles was awarded a $10 million grant today by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The money is to be used for the production of all-electric, zero emissions commercial trucks for a nationwide demonstration project. The goal is to validate the performance of these vehicles across a range of climates and locations.

Smith Electric Vehicles made its much heralded first U.S. Smith Newton electric vehicle deliveries to lucky Coca Cola and PG&E today.

But it delivered them on The Mall in hopes of snagging some attention from lawmakers on the Hill. In this debut it was following the example of Plug-In America that got some great EV legislation passed by publicizing to the Senate just what electric vehicles can do for America.

Smith Electric Vehicles to build electric trucks in Kansas City

Company officials at the UK-based Smith Electric Vehicles announced on Friday that they will begin manufacturing “The world’s largest battery-electric-powered truck” at a new plant in Kansas City, Missouri.

The battery-powered Newton will be the first vehicle to be produced at the new plant, but starting next year, the plant will manufacture an electric version of the new Transit Connect light-duty vehicle in collaboration with made by Ford Motor Co.