WASHINGTON - Four Fortune 500 companies and two utility companies took delivery of the first in a series of next-generation Smith all-electric commercial vehicles July 28 at Capitol Hill. Though Smith Electric Vehicles has produced the truck in Europe for more than three years, the technology is debuting for the first time in the U.S.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Coca-Cola Enterprises, Staples, Frito-Lay, AT&T, and Kansas City Power & Light (KCP&L) were presented with keys to all-new Smith Newtons, the world's largest commercially available battery-electric-powered truck and the first commercial all-electric truck to achieve new vehicle emissions certification in California, according to the manufacturer.

"AT&T, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Frito-Lay, KCP&L, PG&E, and Staples are demonstrating their commitment to environmental sustainability and green fleet vehicle technologies that will drive the future of the automotive industry," said Bryan Hansel, CEO of Smith. "As more depot-based truck fleet operators come on board and adopt all-electric vehicles, battery technology will advance and manufacturing costs will be driven down, spurring new growth in the commercial electric vehicle industry, creating new high-tech jobs, and reducing fuel emissions and our dependency on foreign oil."

The Smith Newton is fuel-emissions-free, runs without noise or vibration, and stores electric energy during stopping through a process called regenerative braking. The Newton has a top speed of 50 mph, a range on one battery charge in excess of 100 miles and a payload of over 16,000 lbs.

Smith is initially focusing production on all-electric vehicles for depot-based predictable-route delivery and service fleets, featuring the latest in lithium-ion battery cell technology, power management, and direct drivetrains. Smith has licensed the proprietary knowledge from Smith Electric Vehicles in the U.K. and has brought it to its new production facility in Kansas City, where for the first time all-electric trucks will be assembled and distributed by American workers.

Smith Newton Truck Specifications:

• Motor - 120 kw Induction Motor.

• Battery - Lithium-Ion Batteries Payload - 7,392 lbs. to 16,280 lbs.

• Gross Vehicle Weight - 16,535 lbs, 23,148 lbs. or 26,455 lbs.

• Range - In excess of 100 miles (one battery charge).

• Top Speed - 50 mph.

• On-board Battery Charger.

• Full Battery Recharge - 6 to 8 hours.