FedEx Express will deploy a new all-electric, zero-emission vehicle built on the versatileNewton platform with a walk-in body manufactured by Smith Electric Vehicles.
The Newton Step Van was launched at NTEA Work Truck Show, the largest vocational truck andequipment event in North America, with FedEx Express being the first company to deploy the truck inthe USA.
Ideally suited for thousands of delivery routes in urban areas, the Newton Step Van incorporatesSmith’s proprietary Smith Drive-, Smith Power-, and Smith Link technologies to provide superiorpower train performance, battery management efficiency and remote system monitoring. It has a rangeof about 100 miles per charge.
The first Newton Step Vans are expected to be deployed in selected US markets during 2012.
“This opportunity helps support our goal to optimise and operate our vehicle fleet in aneconomically and environmentally sustainable manner,” Dennis Beal, vice president of GlobalVehicles at FedEx Express, said. “Smith’s global footprint and track record of successful EVdeployments 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 theworld.”
Bryan Hansel, CEO and chairman of Smith, commented: “The leadership shown by FedEx in adoptingall-electric vehicles has been instrumental to growing the industry. We welcome FedEx and lookforward to successful vehicle deployments that demonstrate the economic and environmental benefitsof fleet electrification.”
Smith Electric Vehicles Corp develops, produces and sells zero-emission commercial electricvehicles as an alternative to traditional diesel trucks.
