DOE Awards $22million to Smith Electric Vehicles US

03 April, 2010 04:55:00

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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has selected Smith Electric Vehicles U.S. Corporation (Smith) to receive $32 million in grant funding toward the production of electric commercial trucks.

Smith’s original DOE grant of $10 million announced on August 5, 2009 was increased by $22 million; bringing the total DOE grant funding that Smith has been selected to receive to $32 million for a nationwide vehicle electrification program.

The DOE grant will be used to help offset the company’s future vehicle development costs and to incentivize Smith’s customers to participate in a commercial electric vehicle demonstration program. The demonstration program will gather data on vehicles placed in service in different regions of the country and in a broad range of applications.

Participating customers will receive a subsidy from the program for allowing their vehicles to be part of the demonstration fleet.

Smith began production of the Smith Newton at its Kansas City assembly plant in October 2009. Smith’s Kansas City assembly plant and corporate office currently employ approximately 50 people. The company anticipates employment to reach more than 100 by the end of the year.

In February, Smith announced plans to expand production to up to 20 regional assembly plants across the country. This de-centralized assembly strategy will provide Smith’s customers with comprehensive local factory-based service and support. Smith will continue expansion in Kansas City at the company’s corporate headquarters staff, through its research and development group and the assembly plant team.

The Smith Newton is the world’s largest electric truck and runs without noise or vibration. It has a top speed of up to 50 mph, a range on one battery charge in excess of 100 miles and a payload of over 16,000 pounds.

Smith U.S. recently tendered an offer to buy the Smith U.K. division from Tanfield.

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