KANSAS CITY, MO – Smith Electric Vehicles recently provided an update on two of its global fleet customers, FedEx Express and Coca-Cola, which are showing strong support of the upcoming $15 million electric truck incentive program.

FedEx Express has initiated the deployment of 100 Smith vehicles in the U.S., adding to the electric vehicles already in service throughout the company’s global fleet, according to Smith. FedEx Express operates approximately 190 alt-fuel vehicles 1,600-plus unit fleet.

“FedEx continually works toward goals to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions of its global vehicle fleet in big and small ways,” said Dennis Beal, vice president of Global Vehicles at FedEx Express. “Electric vehicles are often conducive to operate on routes in urban environments like Chicago, where FedEx introduced the first purpose-built all-electric parcel delivery trucks in the United States in 2010.” The company was a Top 50 Green Fleet for 2012.

In addition, Coca-Cola’s pilot deployment of Smith Electric Vehicles has been successful, and the company plans to deploy additional electric vehicles in 2013.

“These electric vehicles meet our delivery needs while significantly reducing direct greenhouse gas emissions,” said Steve Saltzgiver, director of fleet operations, Coca-Cola Refreshments. “Mayor Emanuel’s incentive program is evidence of his commitment to building a more sustainable Chicago. We are proud to support this effort by deploying electric vehicles in Chicago as part of Coca-Cola’s expanding alternative-fuel vehicle fleet.”

Ranked No. 42 on the Top 50 Green Fleets listing this year, the Coca-Cola truck fleet includes 760 hybrids and eight all-electric vehicles used in its delivery and service fountain/cooler service applications.