GLENDALE, AZ - Four major US corporations and two utility companies took delivery of the Smith Newton, the largest road-going electric truck in North America. Coca-Cola, Staples, Frito-Lay, AT&T, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and Kansas City Power & Light (KCP&L) are the first Newton customers in the U.S.

The trucks, conceived by Smith Electric Vehicles in North East England, were handed over at an official ceremony at Capitol Hill.

"The electric vehicle technology delivered to these customers can readily be delivered to fleets in every major town and city in North America," said Darren Kell, CEO of The Tanfield Group Plc, parent company of Smith Electric Vehicles. "The Smith Newton provides depot-based truck fleets with a realistic, zero emissions transport solution that both lowers greenhouse gas emissions and helps improve air quality in our urban centres."

Powered by the latest lithium-ion batteries and a 120kw electric motor, the Smith Newton has a top speed of 50mph and a range in excess of 100 miles on a full charge. It can be recharged in six hours. Newton was launched in the UK by Smith Electric Vehicles in 2006. It is produced in North America by Smith Electric Vehicles US Corporation, based in Kansas City, Mo.

The Smith Newton is emissions-free, runs without noise or vibration, and reclaims electric energy during stop-start urban operations through regenerative braking.

Three models are produced with gross vehicle weights of 7,500kg, 10,000kg ,and 12,000kg, providing a payload of up to 7,300kg.