Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Europe/EU, UK, USA
Smith EV announces electric truck factory for the US
Smith EV, which makes delivery vans and trucks in the UK and Europe, has finally announced its plans for the US: Up to 10,000 EV trucks will be built in a facility that "could be sited anywhere in North America, would require up to a 300 acre site, including a 500,000sq ft assembly facility, test track and space for rolling stock. It would create at least 500 jobs."
Smith already has a small plant in Fresno, CA, which can produce 1,000 EV trucks per year, as well as another factory in the UK with an output of 1,500 vehicles. Smith EV plans a new facility in the UK for European customers.
Smith makes a range of highway-capable EVs, from 7,000lbs vans to 25,000lbs trucks. With a top speed of 50mph, and a range on one lithium-ion battery charge of up to 150 miles. The company claims they are suitable for deployment in urban delivery applications.
(Editor's note: stay tuned for an interview with Smith EV direct from EVS23 in Anaheim)
Related:
- TNT courier company buys two Smith EV trucks for Rotterdam delivery
- Smith Electric Vehicles, Enova partner up for zero-emission van, truck
Gallery: Smith EV
[Source: Smith EV]
PRESS RELEASE
10,000 ELECTRIC TRUCKS PER YEAR TO BE BUILT IN USA
Smith Electric Vehicles, the world's largest manufacturer of road-going electric vans and trucks, is to establish a major production facility in the USA.
The factory will have the capacity to produce up to 10,000 zero emission vehicles per year, from 2010.
Smith manufactures a range of highway electric vehicles, ranging from 7,000lbs vans to 25,000lbs trucks. With a top speed of 50mph, fast acceleration and a range on one battery charge of up to 150 miles, they are deployed largely in urban delivery applications, in sectors including mail and parcel, groceries, retail/distribution and utilities.
Darren Kell, CEO of The Tanfield Group Plc, the $1bn company that owns Smith Electric, said: "Electric vehicles offer a next-generation automotive industry for America.
"Ten thousand vehicles a year is a substantial commitment, but we believe that is just the start. Our initial research shows that there is an addressable market in the USA of around 200,000 units a year for our commercial electric vehicles."
Smith Electric already has a 70,000sq ft facility in Fresno, CA, which has the capacity to produce 1,000 vehicles next year. It has a 250,000sq ft facility in the UK which has headroom for 1,500 vehicles in 2008, but the company is also looking for a larger UK base to take this up to 5,000 vehicles per annum, for the UK and Europe.
Smith Electric launched its 2nd generation electric vehicles, Edison and Newton, earlier this year and is on course to ship 250 units in 2007. Customers already signed up in the UK include DHL, Starbucks, the Royal Mail, TK Maxx, and CEVA Logistics, plus many household names yet to be announced.
The new US factory, which Mr Kell said could be sited anywhere in North America, would require up to a 300 acre site, including a 500,000sq ft assembly facility, test track and space for rolling stock. It would create at least 500 jobs.
"We have opened dialogue with local government in a number of areas across the United States," he said. "The response has been extremely positive and we will be moving forward with an identified location in early 2008."
ENDS
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
susan.kraemer 10:16AM (12/05/2007)
They should offer to make Winnebago's, locate where they are made. They are really suffering now that people don't feel comfortable buying those 6 mpg rolling monsters!
Actually I'd like to see them locate in one of our "Brown" states to develop a constituency for "Green" business there that will translate into Greener environmental votes:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/12/2/135332/317
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Panicbutton 10:18PM (12/05/2007)
They should look at Winston Salem North Carolina the halfway point to New York and Miami FL around the interstate 95 and 40. Mickey Truck Body is located there and could be a great connection with them for special design trucks. Been there for years.
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Mr. Smith 3:33AM (3/28/2009)
I've read about Smith Ev coming to the midwest and seen it on our local news. I'm very excited about this. I've been driving a used Honda Insight since 2005 (133,000mi.) and still running strong on second battery pack. Its going to be great seeing electric trucks on the road. Welcome to our city.
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