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SMITH Electric Vehicles, the world’s
leading manufacturer of zero emission electric delivery vehicles, today
launched its first vehicles for mainland Europe.
Smith, which is based in North East England, unveiled left hand drive
versions of its two leading products, the Newton all-electric truck and
Edison electric van. The vehicles were purchased by TNT, for trials in
Rotterdam, Holland, with a view to rolling out Smith vehicles across
TNT’s European fleet, where appropriate.
Kevin Harkin, Sales Director of Smith Electric Vehicles, said: “We are
delighted to be TNT’s preferred supplier for commercial electric
delivery vehicles.
“Our electric vehicles are not only zero emission at the point of use,
helping to reduce urban air pollution, but they are also much cheaper to
operate than conventional diesel-powered trucks and vans.
“We are confident that our electric vehicles can bring operational
benefits to TNT and play a key role in the Rotterdam Climate Initiative.
“These trials are our first step into mainland Europe but there is an
enormous untapped market for commercial electric vehicles on the
Continent and we expect further orders to follow.”
Both new technology vehicles are powered by state of the art sodium
nickel chloride batteries and a powerful electric motor – 90 kilowatts
for the Edison and 120kw for the Newton.
The Edison vehicle is a 3,500kg van housed in the Ford Transit body
shell. It has a long wheelbase and high roof for carrying capacity. This
three-battery model has a top speed of 50mph, a range of up 150 miles on
one battery charge and a payload of 880kg.
It will operate in and around the centre of Rotterdam, making an average
of 40 stops per day for collection and delivery of documents and small
parcels.
The 9t Newton truck will operate in the same area, but making 15 to 20
stops per day. Powered by six batteries, it has a payload of 3,000kg; a
top speed of 50mph and a range on one charge of up to 130 miles.
Peter Bakker, CEO of TNT, said: “We are very aware of the impact of our
operations on the environment and recognise that we contribute to the
problem of climate change. Hence, we feel it’s our responsibility to
contribute to a viable long-term solution.
“Protecting the environment also makes business sense, as our
stakeholders are increasingly evaluating us on our environmental impact.
TNT foresees electric vehicles will become a key component for future
super-urbanized inner city pick up and delivery networks as more and
more restrictions are imposed on emissions in urbanized areas.”
TNT will run the vehicles on electricity from a 100% renewable source,
meaning that the vehicles leave no carbon footprint from emissions.
Electric vehicles are more cost effective than diesel vans or trucks,
when taken over the average commercial vehicle’s five-year life span.
This is largely due to low “fuel” costs as electricity costs a fraction
of diesel. The maintenance costs are also significantly lower – the
electric vehicle only has four moving parts, compared to over 1,000 in a
diesel vehicle’s drive train.
The Mayor of the city of Rotterdam and chairman of the Rotterdam Climate
Initiative, Ivo Opstelten, said: “This is an excellent example of how
innovative entrepreneurship combines environmental profit with economic
profit.
“The Rotterdam Climate Initiative offers support to this type of pilots
and a platform to test their business cases. We are proud that TNT chose
to team up with us and welcome them as our latest business partner.”
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