TYNE & WEAR, U.K. – The Tanfield Group, a British electric truck maker, is plugging into the U.S. market, with plans to build and sell a line of medium-duty electric trucks in the United States.

Tanfield, which manufactures electric commercial vehicles in Europe, says it has incorporated Smith Electric Vehicles U.S. (SEV US). SEV US could begin building Smith Newton electric trucks in the United States this year, representatives from Tanfield said.

The Newton is a medium-duty truck with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) ranging from 16,500 to 26,400 lbs. DHL, TNT, Royal Mail, Sainsbury’s, and CEVA Logistics are among companies using or testing the Newton. The Newton is powered by a lithium-ion phosphate battery pack and is said to have a range of more than 130 miles.

Smith Electric Vehicles first said it would enter the U.S. market last year. It’s future in North America depends on Tanfield’s ability to sell a 51-percent stake in SEV US to U.S. investors. It hopes to raise about $10 million.

“North America represents potentially the largest single market for our commercial electric vehicles,” said Darren Kell, CEO of The Tanfield Group.

The company said it would announce the location of its U.S. plant shortly. Two states have made “firm expressions” of support for a production facility, Tanfield said.