KANSAS CITY - Smith Electric Vehicles today announced a new purchase order of their all-electric commercial trucks by Staples, the world's largest office supply chain store. The order will add 41 trucks to Staples' growing all-electric fleet by November.  Staples' new Smith trucks  have zero emissions and offer fuel costs that are as much as 75 percent lower than diesel.  They will begin operating in California, Missouri and Ohio, leading to lower operating costs for Staples and a cleaner environment for everyone else.

"Staples was one of Smith's six original launch partners and we are thrilled to help them join a growing list of forward-looking corporations who are committed to finding  ways to innovate, lower CO2 and, for Staples specifically, reach its goal of improving fleet fuel costs by 40 percent," said Bryan Hansel, President and CEO of Smith Electric. "This purchase is further validation of our industry and another major step towards mass production of all-electric trucks."

"Staples is proud to be one of the original launch partners with Smith Electric Vehicles," said Mike Payette, Fleet Equipment Manager.  "Smith's extraordinary determination to bring this proven technology to the US is noteworthy.  Staples is excited to be a part of moving this technology forward and make it mainstream so many more delivery fleets can benefit from zero emissions."

Smith Electric produces the Newton, which is the only all-electric medium/heavy-truck offering on the GSA schedule. The truck delivers a top speed of 55 mph, offers end users battery ranges from 50 to 120 miles on a single charge and a payload of over 16,000 pounds. It operates at peak effectiveness in urban applications that demand heavy stop and go driving.  A single overnight charge provides more than enough range for most urban delivery routes. Smith vehicles feature the latest in Lithium-ion battery cell technology, power management and direct drive trains.

In total, Staples' all-electric fleet will consist of 41 trucks, with 30 operating in California, 10 in Ohio and one in Missouri. The purchase follows last month's announcement of Frito-Lay buying a total of 176 all-electric Smith trucks, which will start operating in 2011. Other current Smith Newton customers include Coca-Cola, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and AT&T.

Specific benefits associated with the Smith Electric trucks include:

• Can run up to 100 miles on a single charge

• Zero emissions

• At current fuel prices, Smith trucks offer fuel costs that are as much as 75 percent lower than diesel

• Provides a long term, economically viable solution

Smith began production of the Smith Newton at its Kansas City assembly plant in October 2009. The Smith Newton is the world's largest battery-electric-powered truck and runs without noise or vibration.. It is the first all-electric commercial truck to achieve new vehicle emissions certification in California.

Smith U.S. recently tendered an offer to buy the Smith U.K. division from Tanfield. With the purchase of Smith U.K., the combined company will create a global leader in commercial electric vehicles.