Smith Electric Vehicles

File:Dairy Crest milk float (modified).jpg

The company was founded in 1920 as Northern Coachbuilders (NCB) in Newcastle upon Tyne. After making a name as a producer of electric trams and trolleybuses, it moved into electric delivery vehicles. The company's electric vehicle and bus production were separated in 1949, with buses continuing to carry the Northern Coachbuilders brand. All NCB electric vehicles were manufactured by Smith Electric Vehicles, which was based in Gateshead. Overall ownership of the company remained unchanged; the electric-vehicle directors were Douglas Smith Sr., Douglas Smith Jr., and H. W. Heyman.{{cite news |url=http://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/5th-august-1949/33/ncb-production-to-be-segregated |work=Commercial Motor |title=Ncb Production To Be Segregated |date=5 August 1949 |page=33 |access-date=17 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417235921/http://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/5th-august-1949/33/ncb-production-to-be-segregated |archive-date=17 April 2017 |url-status=live }} The Smith family founded the business, and ran it until 2004. In North East England, the family owns Ringtons Tea.{{cite web |url=http://www.ringtons.co.uk/heritage |title=The Ringtons Story |publisher=Ringtons Tea |access-date=2010-05-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100503135641/http://www.ringtons.co.uk/heritage |archive-date=3 May 2010 |url-status=live }}

Smith Electric Vehicles' business in the 1950s and 60s focused on the milk float, a vehicle designed for the doorstep delivery of milk and other dairy products. As dairies phased out horse-and-cart delivery, they opted for near-silent electric vehicles for early-morning deliveries instead of noisier internal-combustion vans and trucks.

Smith launched the Smith Cabac, the first delivery float with a rear-entry cab (so the milkman could exit the vehicle on either side), during the mid-1960s. The company produced four Cabac series: the 65, 75, Jubilee 77 and 85.{{cite web |url=http://www.econogics.com/ev/evhists.htm |title=Items of Historical Interest in the Development and Commercialization of EVs |publisher=Econogics.com |access-date=2010-05-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100309223340/http://www.econogics.com/ev/evhists.htm |archive-date=9 March 2010 |url-status=live }} Smith acquired competitor Wales & Edwards, which manufactured three-wheeled milk floats, in 1989.

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The company took its first steps into North America in 1962. Smith Delivery Vehicles, based in Gateshead, signed a partnership with coachbuilder Boyertown and the Exide Division of the Electric Storage Battery of Philadelphia to produce an electric-powered delivery truck.

The Boyertown-Smith connection was forged in the late 1950s, when Smith's managing director was in the United States to explore a partnership with William and James Conway (owners of Mister Softee, whose mobile ice-cream trucks were built by Boyertown).

Smith obtained the United Kingdom rights to the Mister Softee brand from the Conways, and began producing Mister Softee electric ice-cream floats in 1959 in partnership with J. Lyons & Co. subsidiary Glacier Foods. The Smith family approached the firm with the Battronic proposal in 1962. At that time, there were more than 14,000 Smith Electrics in service across the United Kingdom and western Europe.

The new company was organised as the Battronic Truck Corporation. Exide's parent company was a producer of electric-vehicle batteries, and Smith was a producer of electric delivery vehicles. Boyertown's contribution was its high-strength, lightweight alloy body.{{cite web |url=http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/b/boyertown/boyertown.htm |title=Boyertown Body Works, Boyertown Auto Body Works, Boyertown Carriage Works, Ltd., Paul R. Hafer, B. Frank Hafer, J. Sweinhart Carriage Works, Strunk and Fisher, Hartman and Strunk, F.H. Hartman, Boyertown Body and Equipment Co., Battronic Truck Corp., Boyertown Leasing Corp. |publisher=Coachbuilt.com |access-date=2010-05-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100110220707/http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/b/boyertown/boyertown.htm |archive-date=10 January 2010 |url-status=live }}

Early Battronics had a top speed of {{convert|25|mph}}, and could carry a {{convert|2500|lb}} load up to {{convert|62|mi}} on a single charge. The Potomac Edison Company of Hagerstown, Maryland, took delivery of the first production Battronic in March 1964. Smith withdrew from the partnership in 1966, and Battronic produced and sold fewer than 200 vehicles over its 20-year corporate lifespan (1963–1983).{{cite web |url= http://www1.eere.energy.gov/vehiclesandfuels/avta/light_duty/fsev/fsev_history.html |title= Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity: History of Electric Vehicles |publisher= .eere.energy.gov |access-date= 2010-05-05 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100527133326/http://www1.eere.energy.gov/vehiclesandfuels/avta/light_duty/fsev/fsev_history.html |archive-date= 27 May 2010 |url-status= live }}

File:Frenchay Hospital, SEV vehicle.JPG]]

In the UK, Smith had a downturn in orders for its Cabac and diversified into niche vehicles. The Smith ST range of 7.5-ton low-speed electric trucks were marketed for municipal operations and interior applications requiring heavy-duty, emissionless vehicles. Smith ST vehicles are used in nuclear power plants,{{cite web |url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/archive/2006/02/16/7157063.Sellafield_uses_battery_power/?ref=arc |title=Sellafield uses battery power |publisher=The Northern Echo |date=2006-02-16 |access-date=2006-02-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140429075807/http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/archive/2006/02/16/7157063.Sellafield_uses_battery_power/?ref=arc |archive-date=29 April 2014 }} large factories,{{cite web |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Tanfield+on+a+high+over+link+to+Airbus.-a0139901593 |title=Tanfield on a high over link to Airbus. |publisher=Thefreelibrary.com |access-date=2010-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020023344/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Tanfield+on+a+high+over+link+to+Airbus.-a0139901593 |archive-date=20 October 2012 |url-status=live }} and salt mines which have been converted into records-storage facilities.{{cite news |url= http://findarticles.com/p/news-articles/journal-newcastle-england-the/mi_7997/is_2005_Dec_14/digging-deep-secure-work/ai_n37685370/ |title=Digging deep to secure new work | Journal (Newcastle, England), The Newspaper | Find Articles at BNET |via=FindArticles |date=2005-12-14 |access-date=2010-06-08 }}{{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}} The company re-branded itself as SEV Group and diversified into fleet management, mobile vehicle repair and the sale, hire and maintenance of forklifts and other material-handling equipment.{{cite web |url=http://www.sev.co.uk |title=Welcome to SEV for Industrial Vehicles and Fleet Maintenance |publisher=Sev.co.uk |access-date=2010-05-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991012001458/http://www.sev.co.uk/ |archive-date=12 October 1999 |url-status=live }}

The Tanfield Group, an engineering company based in North East England, acquired the SEV Group in October 2004 for £2.2 million and one million new ordinary shares.{{cite web |url=http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=200410071554088443D |title=Tanfield Group PLC: Acquisition – replacement | Company Announcements |publisher=Investegate |date=2010-05-20 |access-date=2010-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719052101/http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=200410071554088443D |archive-date=19 July 2011 |url-status=live }} Tanfield restored the Smith Electric Vehicles brand name and began research and development of new electric delivery vehicles.

The Faraday, a proof of concept vehicle, with a top speed of {{convert|50|mph}}, a range of up to {{convert|60|mi|-1}} in urban operations and a capacity of up to {{convert|2000|kg}}, was introduced in October 2005.{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/white-van-man-to-go-green-310196.html |title=White van man to go green |date=3 September 2005 |work=The Independent|location=London |access-date=2010-09-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401075403/https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/white-van-man-to-go-green-310196.html |archive-date=1 April 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=200510050700092144S |title=Tanfield Group PLC: Dairy Crest Contract Win | Company Announcements |publisher=Investegate |date=2010-05-20 |access-date=2010-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719052316/http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=200510050700092144S |archive-date=19 July 2011 |url-status=live }} Built on a Smith steel chassis, the Faraday had a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of over {{convert|5000|kg}}. Early adopters, such as TNT N.V. and Sainsbury's, wanted an electric vehicle which better matched UK driving-licence restrictions. In the UK, a person with a valid license can drive a light commercial vehicle with a GVW of up to {{convert|3500|kg}}; a vehicle between 3,500 and {{convert|7500|kg}} requires a C1 commercial-vehicle license.{{cite web |url=http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/WhatCanYouDriveAndYourObligations/DG_4022547 |title=The vehicles you can drive or ride and minimum ages |publisher=Direct.gov.uk |access-date=2010-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101008153647/http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/WhatCanYouDriveAndYourObligations/DG_4022547 |archive-date=8 October 2010 |url-status=live }}

Smith introduced the Newton 7.5-ton truck, which housed electric drivetrain technology in a chassis by Avia in the Czech Republic, in 2006.{{cite web |url=http://www.avia.cz/en/ |title=AVIA Ashok Leyland Motors, s.r.o |publisher=Avia.cz |access-date=2010-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100510204009/http://avia.cz/en/ |archive-date=10 May 2010 |url-status=live }} Express and mail operator TNT N.V. took the first Newton for assessment in its London fleet.Motor Transport magazine, 7 December 2006 A new Smith Electric Vehicles production facility was built in Washington, Tyne and Wear, and was opened by Prime Minister Tony Blair in February 2007: "This will be a company that will really make its presence felt not just in the North East, but actually throughout the world."{{cite journal |journal=EAST (Environment and Sustainable Technology) Journal |date=February 2007 |volume=5 |issue=1 |page=34}}

In April of that year, Smith unveiled the Smith Edison. Based on the Ford Transit, it was the first electric light-commercial vehicle with a GVW of less than 3,500 kg – meeting the "everyman" driving-license requirement of UK fleet operators.[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/news/article1980350.ece]{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} The first companies to deploy the Edison included the retailer Sainsbury's and the utility company Scottish & Southern Energy.{{cite web |first=Will |last=Shiers |url=http://www.commercialmotor.com/latest-news/smith-launches-the-edison-an-all-new-electric-van |title=Smith launches the Edison, an all-new electric van |date=2007-05-11 |publisher=Commercialmotor.com |access-date=2012-08-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120807021844/http://www.commercialmotor.com/latest-news/smith-launches-the-edison-an-all-new-electric-van |archive-date=7 August 2012 |url-status=live }} TNT N.V. ordered a fleet of 50 Smith Newton trucks, after its successful trial of the first vehicle in 2006 trial, that month.{{cite web |first=Will |last=Shiers |url=http://www.commercialmotor.com/latest-news/tnt-buys--electric--tonne-trucks-from-sev |title=TNT buys 50 electric 7.5-tonne trucks from SEV |publisher=Commercialmotor.com |date=2007-04-26 |access-date=2012-08-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304031653/http://www.commercialmotor.com/latest-news/tnt-buys--electric--tonne-trucks-from-sev |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=live }}

Smith was one of several electric-commercial-vehicle companies invited to the Department for Transport (DfT) in London for discussions on how the UK government might help stimulate the market for commercial electric vehicles. This led to the announcement of the Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme in the government's May 2007 Energy White Paper.{{cite web|url=http://stats.berr.gov.uk/ewp/ |title=DTISTATS – Energy White Paper homepage – May 2007 |publisher=Stats.berr.gov.uk |date=2007-05-23 |access-date=2010-06-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100618141714/http://stats.berr.gov.uk/ewp/ |archive-date=18 June 2010 }}

During the summer of 2007, Smith produced its first vehicles for export (delivered to TNT N.V. in the Netherlands).{{cite news |newspaper=de Volkskrant |publisher=De Persgroep |date=2007-08-22 |page=9}} In December 2007, the company exhibited its Newton truck in North America and announced plans to establish a US production facility.{{cite web |first=Will |last=Shiers |url=http://www.commercialmotor.com/latest-news/smith-sets-sights-on-us-market |title=Smith sets sights on US market |publisher=Commercialmotor.com |date=2007-12-07 |access-date=2012-08-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122203145/http://www.commercialmotor.com/latest-news/smith-sets-sights-on-us-market |archive-date=22 January 2016 |url-status=live }}

In 2008, Smith appointed its first full-service distributor (Electric Vehicles Ireland).{{cite web|url=http://www.aviatrucks.ie/ |title=Avia Trucks Ireland, Electric Vehicles Ireland |publisher=Aviatrucks.ie |access-date=2010-06-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090903133431/http://www.aviatrucks.ie/ |archive-date=3 September 2009 }} In April, Smith and Ford of Europe announced an "official collaboration" on the future development of commercial electric vehicles beginning with the Smith Ampere (an electric version of the Ford Transit Connect).{{cite web |url=http://www.commercialmotor.com/latest-news/zero-emission-vehicles-dominate-show |title=Zero-emission vehicles dominate show |publisher=Commercialmotor.com |date=2008-04-15 |access-date=2012-08-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120807021932/http://www.commercialmotor.com/latest-news/zero-emission-vehicles-dominate-show |archive-date=7 August 2012 |url-status=live }}

By the end of June 2008, the Tanfield Group (Smith's parent company) reported the cancellation and postponement of customer orders. In November, Smith Electric was shortlisted for the Department for Transport's Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/green-motoring-schemes-announced-974774.html |title=Green motoring schemes announced – Green Living, Environment |newspaper=The Independent |date=2008-10-27 |access-date=2010-06-08 |place=London |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221005842/http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/green-motoring-schemes-announced-974774.html |archive-date=21 February 2017 |url-status=live }} (a subsidy scheme which allowed public-sector organizations to buy electric and low-carbon vans for the same price as an equivalent diesel vehicle).{{cite web|url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/scienceresearch/technology/cenex |title=DfT appoints Cenex as delivery partner |publisher=Dft.gov.uk |access-date=2010-06-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101121184545/http://dft.gov.uk/pgr/scienceresearch/technology/cenex |archive-date=21 November 2010 }}

Electric vehicle sales for 2008 were £25.1 million, down from £26.1 million in 2007. The Tanfield Group cited a combination of supply-chain constraints, fleet-operator spending reductions and a lack of available credit for the decline in sales.{{cite web|url=http://www.tanfieldgroup.co.uk/AnnualReport2008/AnnualReport2008.html |title=AnnualReport2008 |publisher=Tanfieldgroup.co.uk |access-date=2010-06-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523205127/http://www.tanfieldgroup.co.uk/AnnualReport2008/AnnualReport2008.html |archive-date=23 May 2010 }} The Great Recession also impacted the company's plans to open a production facility in the US.

After restructuring its operations in line with the downturn in demand, in February 2009 Tanfield announced the formation of Smith Electric Vehicles US Corp (Smith US): a joint venture which is 49-percent owned by Tanfield. The 51-percent majority share was owned by private investors and Smith US management.{{cite web |url=http://www.tanfieldgroup.com/newsandannouncements.asp |title=The Tanfield Group Investor Relations – News & Announcements |publisher=Tanfieldgroup.com |access-date=2010-06-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100723001208/http://www.tanfieldgroup.com/newsandannouncements.asp |archive-date=23 July 2010 }} In addition to establishing an associate company in the US, Smith appointed distributors for sales and service in all foreign markets which were offering incentives for electric vehicles.

Smith delivered its first Newton electric truck to Electric Vehicles Ireland, its distributor for the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, in March 2009. The {{convert|10000|kg|adj=on}} vehicle was purchased by building materials retailer Grange Builders Providers of Dublin.{{cite web |url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2009/03/smith-electric-vehicles-delivers-first-batteryelectric-truck-into-ireland.html |title=Smith Electric Vehicles Delivers First Battery-Electric Truck into Ireland |publisher=greencarcongress.com |date=2009-03-26 |access-date=30 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502005145/http://www.greencarcongress.com/2009/03/smith-electric-vehicles-delivers-first-batteryelectric-truck-into-ireland.html |archive-date=2 May 2014 |url-status=live }} This was followed by the appointment of AllGreenVehicles in the Netherlands as Smith's distributor for the Benelux countries.

At the Geneva Motor Show, Ford exhibited its Tourneo Connect, a concept electric people-carrier version of the Ford Transit Connect.{{cite web |last=Abuelsamid |first=Sam |url=http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-ford-tourneo-connect-bev-concept/ |title=Geneva 2009: Ford Tourneo Connect BEV concept – Autoblog Green |publisher=Green.autoblog.com |date=2009-03-04 |access-date=2010-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522214322/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-ford-tourneo-connect-bev-concept |archive-date=22 May 2011 |url-status=live }} The prototype was produced by Smith.

In 2009, the UK government began funding electric vehicles. Smith announced in June that it was a successful bidder for the Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator Programme (ULCVDP), administered by the Technology Strategy Board (TSB),{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8114470.stm |title=Technology | Jump start for electric car trial |publisher=BBC News |date=2009-06-23 |access-date=2010-06-08}} which provided matching funds for the development of demonstration electric passenger vehicles. Smith announced that it would produce a seven-seat executive minibus; 10 London taxis based on LTI's TX4 chassis, and five people carriers similar to the concept Ford Tourneo Connect exhibited in Geneva. In August 2009, the UK government confirmed that Smith was one of three electric-van manufacturers on the final shortlist of suppliers for the Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme.{{cite web |url=http://www.actionsustainability.com/news/181/Winning-van-suppliers-announced-in-Low-Carbon-Vehicle-Procurement-Programme/ |title=Winning van suppliers announced in Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme | News | Sustainable Procurement |publisher=Action Sustainability |access-date=2010-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100520043234/http://www.actionsustainability.com/news/181/Winning-van-suppliers-announced-in-Low-Carbon-Vehicle-Procurement-Programme |archive-date=20 May 2010 |url-status=live }}

In November 2009, Tanfield announced that it was terminating its involvement in the electric Ford Transit Connect project in North America and Europe by mutual agreement with Ford.{{cite web|url=http://bdaily.co.uk/news/news/03-11-2009/tanfield-breaks-with-ford/ |title=Tanfield breaks with Ford | News | North East business news |publisher=Bdaily.co.uk |access-date=2010-06-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812070010/http://bdaily.co.uk/news/news/03-11-2009/tanfield-breaks-with-ford/ |archive-date=12 August 2011 }} Smith cited the unexpected early success of its Newton electric truck in the US market; since Smith US had orders for 255 trucks, it decided to focus on the Newton. In Europe, Tanfield felt that the market for smaller vans was becoming too competitive.

Smith UK appointed Sime Darby Motors its distributor for Hong Kong and Macau.{{cite web |url=http://www.simedarbymotors.com/Sime_Darby_HK_Developing_Sustainable_Mobility_in_HK.aspx |title=Sime Darby HK Developing Sustainable Mobility in HK |publisher=simedarbymotors.com |access-date=2010-07-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100428031449/http://www.simedarbymotors.com/Sime_Darby_HK_Developing_Sustainable_Mobility_in_HK.aspx |archive-date=28 April 2010 }} It received repeat business from Sainsbury's, which ordered an additional 50 Smith Edison electric vans. Combined with Sainsbury's existing 20 electric vans, this created the world's largest fleet of new-technology electric commercial vehicles.{{cite web |first=Julian |last=Milnes |url=http://www.commercialmotor.com/latest-news/sainsburys-orders--electric-vans |title=Sainsbury's orders 50 electric vans |publisher=Commercialmotor.com |date=2009-12-04 |access-date=2012-08-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304023051/http://www.commercialmotor.com/latest-news/sainsburys-orders--electric-vans |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=live }} Sales of electric vehicles declined from £25.1 million to £15.1 million in 2009.{{cite web|url=http://online.hemscottir.com/ir/tan/ir.jsp?page=news-item&item=404815700043482 |title=Tanfield Group PLC – Preliminary Results – year ending 31 December 2009 |publisher=Online.hemscottir.com |access-date=2010-06-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716210754/http://online.hemscottir.com/ir/tan/ir.jsp?page=news-item&item=404815700043482 |archive-date=16 July 2011 }}

File:Obama-smith-electric.jpg visited the Kansas City plant on 8 July 2010 to announce a $32 million grant under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, coupled with $36 million in private capital, to build up to 500 electric trucks.{{cite web |first=Matt |last=Rogers |url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2010/07/08/smith-electric-just-one-example-innovation-kansas-city |title=Smith Electric Just One Example of Innovation in Kansas City | The White House |date=2010-07-08 |access-date=2010-08-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123222214/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2010/07/08/smith-electric-just-one-example-innovation-kansas-city |archive-date=23 January 2017 |via=National Archives |work=whitehouse.gov |url-status=live }}]]

In 2010, the company supplied 10 Smith Edison vans to Ford of Europe for the colognE-mobil project in Cologne. The first phase of the project would examine the potential benefits of electric commercial vehicles in Cologne, then forecast how they might affect Germany's plans to deploy one million zero-emission vehicles by 2020.{{cite web |url=http://www.newstatesman.com/automotive/2010/02/smith-electric-project-ford |title=Smith Electric to provide electric vans for Ford of Europe |publisher=New Statesman |date=2010-02-25 |access-date=2010-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100228180404/http://www.newstatesman.com/automotive/2010/02/smith-electric-project-ford |archive-date=28 February 2010 |url-status=live }} In March, ElecTruckCity was appointed as Smith's French distributor.{{cite web |url=http://bdaily.info/news/business/03-03-2010/france-plugs-into-tanfield/ |title=France plugs into Tanfield | News | North East business news |publisher=Bdaily.info |access-date=2010-06-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707162129/http://bdaily.info/news/business/03-03-2010/france-plugs-into-tanfield/ |archive-date=7 July 2012 }}

Phase one of the UK's Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme began in April 2010. Smith received 67 percent of the orders for electric vans, more than double the total of orders received by the programme's other two electric-van suppliers (Modec and Allied Electric).{{cite web |url=http://www.alliedelectric.co.uk |title=Electric Zero Emission Vehicles |publisher=Allied Electric |access-date=2010-08-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008092039/http://www.alliedelectric.co.uk/ |archive-date=8 October 2014 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/business/8093322.Electric_vehicles_contract_boost/ |title=Electric vehicles contract boost (From The Northern Echo) |publisher=Thenorthernecho.co.uk |date=2010-04-12 |access-date=2010-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100413175453/http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/business/8093322.Electric_vehicles_contract_boost/ |archive-date=13 April 2010 |url-status=live }} At the UK's Commercial Vehicle Operator Show in 2010, the company celebrated its 90th anniversary. It announced SmithLink,{{cite web |url=http://greenbigtruck.com/2010/04/smith-electric-vehicles-launches-new-telemetry-for-evs/ |title=Smith Electric Vehicles Launches New Telemetry for EVs |publisher=Green Big Truck |date=2010-06-02 |access-date=2010-06-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523092727/http://greenbigtruck.com/2010/04/smith-electric-vehicles-launches-new-telemetry-for-evs/ |archive-date=23 May 2010 }} the first telematics system for electric commercial vehicles. This provided real-time data on battery state of charge and vehicle location and the data monitoring required for government-funded projects from the United States Department of Energy and the UK's Department for Transport.

The company introduced the UK's first all-electric 17-seat minibus at the 2010 CV Operator Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. The Smith Edison minibus was based on the Ford Transit minibus chassis.{{cite web |url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2010/04/smith-20100416.html |title=Smith Electric Vehicles Launches Electric Minibus and Boom Lift at CV Operator Show |publisher=Green Car Congress |date=2010-04-16 |access-date=2010-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420063057/http://www.greencarcongress.com/2010/04/smith-20100416.html |archive-date=20 April 2010 |url-status=live }}

In 2011, Smith's US subsidiary in Kansas City, Missouri acquired the parent company for $15 million and moved its headquarters to Kansas City International Airport. The new company announced that it was exploring the potential of an initial public offering (IPO).{{cite web |url=http://evworld.com/news.cfm?rssid=25222 |title=Smith Electric Ownership Moves to USA: #evworld |publisher=Evworld.com |access-date=2011-11-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930071105/http://evworld.com/news.cfm?rssid=25222 |archive-date=30 September 2011 |url-status=live }} Although Tanfield initially maintained 49-percent ownership of the company, the percentage was subject to dilution as SEV raised additional equity capital. Bryan Hansel was the company's CEO.{{cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2010/12/23/smith-electric-vehicles-acquisition/ |title=Smith Electric Vehicles U.S. Acquiring Its U.K.-based Parent Company For $15 Million |publisher=TechCrunch |date=2010-12-23 |access-date=2011-11-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708025647/https://techcrunch.com/2010/12/23/smith-electric-vehicles-acquisition/ |archive-date=8 July 2017 |url-status=live }} The initial stock offering was not completed.

Smith announced in June 2013 that it had over 700 vehicles deployed and over five million miles of operation.{{cite web |url=http://www.smithelectric.com/smith-electric-fleet-surpasses-700-vehicles-and-five-million-miles-of-operation/ |title=Smith Electric Fleet Surpasses 700 Vehicles and Five Million Miles of Operation |publisher=Smith Electric Vehicles |date=2013-07-11 |access-date=2013-06-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906072910/http://www.smithelectric.com/smith-electric-fleet-surpasses-700-vehicles-and-five-million-miles-of-operation/ |archive-date=6 September 2013 |url-status=live }} In August 2013, Smith signed a letter of intent to form a joint venture with Taikang Technology Corporation in Taiwan for electric-vehicle assembly and distribution.{{cite web |url=http://trailer-bodybuilders.com/news/smith-electric-vehicles-plans-jv-taiwan |title=Smith Electric Vehicles Plans JV in Taiwan |work=Trailer-BodyBuilders |publisher=Penton |date=2013-08-26 |access-date=2013-08-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330104939/http://trailer-bodybuilders.com/news/smith-electric-vehicles-plans-jv-taiwan |archive-date=30 March 2014 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.smithelectric.com/smith-electric-vehicles-announces-letter-of-intent-to-form-joint-venture-in-taiwan/ |title=Smith Electric Vehicles Announces Letter of Intent to Form Joint Venture in Taiwan |publisher=Smith Electric Vehicles |date=2013-08-26 |access-date=2013-08-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513010556/http://www.smithelectric.com/smith-electric-vehicles-announces-letter-of-intent-to-form-joint-venture-in-taiwan/ |archive-date=13 May 2014 |url-status=live }}

The company deployed its first vehicle-to-grid (V2G) vehicles at Fort Carson, Colorado, in September 2013. The deployment was part of the Smart Power Infrastructure Demonstration for Energy Reliability and Security (SPIDERS) project.{{cite web |url=http://chargedevs.com/newswire/us-army-microgrid-features-bidirectional-ev-chargers/ |title=US Army Microgrid Features Bidirectional EV Chargers |publisher=chargedevs.com |date=2013-09-02 |access-date=2013-09-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512225805/http://chargedevs.com/newswire/us-army-microgrid-features-bidirectional-ev-chargers/ |archive-date=12 May 2014 |url-status=live }} Smith entered a letter of intent agreement the following month with battery supplier Sinopoly to develop markets in China and Taiwan.{{cite web |url=http://www.smithelectric.com/sinopoly-enters-into-a-letter-of-intent-with-internationally-renowned-ev-supplier/ |title=Sinopoly Enters into a Letter of Intent with Internationally Renowned EV Supplier |publisher=Smith Electric Vehicles |date=2013-10-31 |access-date=2013-10-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512214953/http://www.smithelectric.com/sinopoly-enters-into-a-letter-of-intent-with-internationally-renowned-ev-supplier/ |archive-date=12 May 2014 |url-status=live }} By the end of October, Tanfield's stake in Smith was less than six percent.{{cite web|url=https://www.tanfieldgroup.com/|title=Tanfield Group Investor Relations Website|website=tanfieldgroup.com|access-date=10 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107100804/https://www.tanfieldgroup.com/|archive-date=7 January 2019|url-status=live}}

In May 2014, Smith reached an agreement with Hong Kong-based battery manufacturer Sinopoly Battery Limited intended to raise $40 million for the firm.{{cite web|url=http://www.sinopolybattery.com/ClientResources/201405111807332.pdf |title=Sinopoly Enters into a Collective Agreement with Smith Electric Vehicles and Carries out a Strategic Cooperation |publisher=sinopolybattery.com |date=2014-05-12 |access-date=2014-05-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512222608/http://www.sinopolybattery.com/ClientResources/201405111807332.pdf |archive-date=12 May 2014 }}{{cite web |url=https://bdaily.co.uk/finance/12-05-2014/smith-electric-vehicles-deal-with-hong-kong-battery-producers-to-raise-40-million/ |title=Smith Electric Vehicles' deal with Hong Kong battery producers to raise $40 million |publisher=Bdaily.com |date=2014-05-12 |access-date=2014-05-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122203145/https://bdaily.co.uk/finance/12-05-2014/smith-electric-vehicles-deal-with-hong-kong-battery-producers-to-raise-40-million/ |archive-date=22 January 2016 |url-status=live }} On 9 June, the company introduced Italy's first all-electric commercial truck. The Italian version of the Newton was delivered to Niinivirta Transport at a ceremony in Milan.{{cite web |url=http://www.automoto.it/news/smith-newton-il-primo-camion-elettrico-in-italia.html |title=Smith Newton: il primo camion elettrico in Italia. Quali sono limiti e potenzialità? |publisher=automoto.it |date=2014-06-09 |access-date=2014-06-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714225721/http://www.automoto.it/news/smith-newton-il-primo-camion-elettrico-in-italia.html |archive-date=14 July 2014 |url-status=live }}

In August 2014, Smith purchased a small Colorado company (listed on the OTC Bulletin Board) for $340,000 as part of its strategy to become a public company.{{cite news |url=http://www.kansascity.com/news/business/article1216484.html |title=Smith Electric takes a step to become publicly traded |first=Steve |last=Everly |newspaper=Kansas City Star |date=13 August 2014 |access-date=17 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119012512/http://www.kansascity.com/news/business/article1216484.html |archive-date=19 November 2015 |url-status=live }} That month, a UK subsidiary separated (as SEV){{cite news |url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/08284457 |title=Companies House – Sev Automotie and Plant Limited|author=Company No. 08284457 |publisher=Companies House |access-date=17 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118083100/https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/08284457 |archive-date=18 November 2015 |url-status=live }} in a management buyout to focus on the European maintenance and service sector.{{cite web |url=http://www.sev.co.uk/management-buy-out/ |title=Management buy out |publisher=SEV |date=26 May 2015 |access-date=17 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118012418/http://www.sev.co.uk/management-buy-out/ |archive-date=18 November 2015 |url-status=live }}

After many years of poor trading, Smith's UK arms were shut down in October 2016. This included Smith Electric Vehicles (Europe), which was placed under administration, and Smith Technologies (which was liquidated).

In February 2017, the company ceased operation due to lack of funding; however, its board was attempting to obtain financing for a reorganization.{{cite web|url=http://freightinthecity.com/2017/02/smith-electric-vehicles-ceases-trading/|title=Smith Electric Vehicles ceases trading – or does it?|first=Hayley |last=Pink|date=14 February 2017|website=Freight in the City|access-date=18 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918230944/http://freightinthecity.com/2017/02/smith-electric-vehicles-ceases-trading/|archive-date=18 September 2018|url-status=live}}

File:Autotec 2010 - 74.JPG]]

{{See also|Electric truck}}

Introduced in 2006, the Newton electric truck was Smith's first produced, new-technology, electric commercial vehicle. The Newton was available in three GVW ratings: 7,500 kg, 10,000 kg and 12,000 kg. Each was available in a short, medium or long wheelbase.{{cite web |url=http://www.smithelectric.com/wp-content/themes/barebones/pdfs/SmithNewtonUS_SpecSheet_2011.pdf |title=Newton Spec Sheet |publisher=Smith Electric Vehicles |access-date=2010-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517121955/http://www.smithelectric.com/wp-content/themes/barebones/pdfs/SmithNewtonUS_SpecSheet_2011.pdf |archive-date=17 May 2014 |url-status=live }} The truck was powered by a 120 kilowatt electric permanent-magnet motor and driven by lithium-ion iron-phosphate batteries with A123 Systems modules. Smith offered 80 or 120 kWh battery packs.

Customers in Europe included TNT Express,{{cite web |url=http://www.smithelectric.com/customer-stories/tnt/ |title=Smith Electric Vehicles – TNT Express |publisher=Smith Electric Vehicles |access-date=2010-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504190813/http://www.smithelectric.com/customer-stories/tnt/ |archive-date=4 May 2014 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.tnt.com/express/en_gb/data/news/tnt_delivers_world.html |title=TNT delivers world's largest zero emissions fleet |publisher=TNT.com |access-date=2010-06-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101018180335/http://www.tnt.com/express/en_gb/data/news/tnt_delivers_world.html |archive-date=18 October 2010 }} TK Maxx,{{cite web |url=http://www.smithelectric.com/customer-stories/tk-maxx/ |title=Smith Electric Vehicles – Case Studies TK Maxx |publisher=Smith Electric Vehicles |access-date=2010-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504191619/http://www.smithelectric.com/customer-stories/tk-maxx/ |archive-date=4 May 2014 |url-status=live }} DHL,{{cite web |url=http://www.smithelectric.com/customer-stories/dhl/ |title=Smith Electric Vehicles – DHL |publisher=Smith Electric Vehicles |access-date=2010-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505010042/http://www.smithelectric.com/customer-stories/dhl/ |archive-date=5 May 2014 |url-status=live }} Balfour Beatty,{{cite web |url=http://www.smithelectric.com/customer-stories/balrour-beatty/ |title=Smith Electric Vehicles – Case Studies Balfour Beatty |publisher=Smith Electric Vehicles |access-date=2010-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504191311/http://www.smithelectric.com/customer-stories/balrour-beatty/ |archive-date=4 May 2014 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.landscapermagazine.com/news/commercial-vehicles/zero-emission-truck/ |title=Zero emission truck |publisher=landscapermagazine.com |access-date=2010-06-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504192302/http://www.landscapermagazine.com/news/commercial-vehicles/zero-emission-truck/ |archive-date=4 May 2014 }} Bunzl,{{cite web |url=http://www.transportengineer.org.uk/article/22854/Bunzls-green-distribution-drive-leads-to-Smith-electric-truck-hire.aspx |title=Bunzl's green distribution drive leads to Smith electric truck hire – Transport engineer article |publisher=Transport engineer article. |access-date=2010-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303184634/http://www.transportengineer.org.uk/article/22854/Bunzls-green-distribution-drive-leads-to-Smith-electric-truck-hire.aspx |archive-date=3 March 2012 |url-status=live }} A.G. Barr,{{cite web |url=http://www.smithelectric.com/customer-stories/ag-barr/ |title=Smith Electric Vehicles – Case Studies |publisher=Smith Electric Vehicles |access-date=2010-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504191623/http://www.smithelectric.com/customer-stories/ag-barr/ |archive-date=4 May 2014 |url-status=live }} the Office of Public Works{{cite news |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/0514/1224270379944.html |title=OPW acquires electric delivery truck – The Irish Times – Fri, May 14, 2010 |work=The Irish Times |date=2010-05-14 |access-date=2010-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021053643/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/0514/1224270379944.html |archive-date=21 October 2012 |url-status=live }} in Ireland and Celtic Linen in Dublin.{{cite web |url=http://www.smithelectric.com/customer-stories/celtic-linen/ |title=Smith Electric Vehicles – News |publisher=Smith Electric Vehicles |access-date=2010-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504191209/http://www.smithelectric.com/customer-stories/celtic-linen/ |archive-date=4 May 2014 |url-status=live }}

File:Smith Newton StClements 3.jpg

Frito-Lay was a major US customer, with 176 Newton delivery trucks in operation by January 2011 (about one percent of Frito-Lay's total fleet).{{cite web |url=http://www.smithelectric.com/customer-stories/fritolay/ |title=Smith Electric Vehicles – Case Studies |publisher=Smith Electric Vehicles |access-date=2010-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504191749/http://www.smithelectric.com/customer-stories/fritolay/ |archive-date=4 May 2014 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://evworld.com/news.cfm?newsid=23976 |title=Frito Lay Orders 176 Smith Newton Electric Trucks |publisher=EVWorld.com |access-date=2010-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504191544/http://evworld.com/news.cfm?newsid=23976 |archive-date=4 May 2014 |url-status=live }} Other American customers included Coca-Cola,{{cite web |url=http://www.smithelectric.com/customer-stories/coca-cola-refreshments/ |title=Smith Electric Vehicles – News |publisher=Smith Electric Vehicles |access-date=2010-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504191020/http://www.smithelectric.com/customer-stories/coca-cola-refreshments/ |archive-date=4 May 2014 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.greenfleetmagazine.com/news/39325/smith-delivers-electric-trucks-to-commercial-fleets |title=Smith Delivers Electric Trucks to Commercial Fleets |publisher=greenfleetmagazine.com |access-date=2010-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504192205/http://www.greenfleetmagazine.com/news/39325/smith-delivers-electric-trucks-to-commercial-fleets |archive-date=4 May 2014 |url-status=live }} AT&T,{{cite web |url=http://www.environmentalleader.com/2009/07/29/coke-staples-frito-lay-att-take-keys-to-electric-cargo-trucks/ |title=Coke, Staples, Frito-Lay, AT&T Take Keys to Electric Cargo Trucks |publisher=environmentalleader.com |access-date=2010-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504204612/http://www.environmentalleader.com/2009/07/29/coke-staples-frito-lay-att-take-keys-to-electric-cargo-trucks/ |archive-date=4 May 2014 |url-status=live }} Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Staples{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/2010/10/22/staples-smith-electric-technology-trucks.html |title=Staples Buys Electric Trucks. That Was Easy! |work=Forbes.com |access-date=2010-10-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221020804/http://www.forbes.com/2010/10/22/staples-smith-electric-technology-trucks.html |archive-date=21 February 2017 |url-status=live }} and the U.S. Marine Corps.{{cite news |url=http://www.businessweek.com/stories/2011-01-20/delivery-fleets-love-electric-trucksbusinessweek-business-news-stock-market-and-financial-advice |title=Delivery Fleets Love Electric Trucks |first=Christopher |last=Martin |work=Bloomberg Businessweek |date=2011-01-20 |access-date=2012-10-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023095519/http://www.businessweek.com/stories/2011-01-20/delivery-fleets-love-electric-trucksbusinessweek-business-news-stock-market-and-financial-advice |archive-date=23 October 2012 |url-status=dead }}

Newton was named Green Commercial of the Year in the electric-vehicle section of Fleet Transport magazine's Irish Truck of the Year Awards 2010, sponsored by Castrol.{{cite web |url=http://evworld.com/news.cfm?newsid=21957 |title=Smith Newton Electric Truck Receives Award in Ireland |publisher=evworld.com |access-date=2009-10-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502001026/http://evworld.com/news.cfm?newsid=21957 |archive-date=2 May 2014 |url-status=live }} The Newton was sold worldwide in October 2012 and available with three payload capacities, from {{convert|6100|to|16200|lb}}.{{cite web |url=http://www.smithelectric.com/smith-vehicles/models-and-configurations/ |title=Models and Configurations |work=Smith Vehicles |publisher=Smith Electric Vehicles |access-date=2012-10-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120731120804/http://smithelectric.com/smith-vehicles/models-and-configurations/ |archive-date=31 July 2012 |url-status=live }} The lithium-ion battery pack was available in several sizes, with a range of {{convert|40|to|100|mi|-1|abbr=on}} and a top speed of {{convert|50|mph|abbr=on}}.

In March 2012, Smith announced the Newton Step-Van: an all-electric, zero-emission vehicle built on the Newton platform with a walk-in body produced by Indiana-based Utilimaster Corporation.{{cite web |url=http://www.smithelectric.com/smith-electric-vehicles-launches-production-of-all-electric-newton-step-van/ |title=Smith Electric Vehicle Launches Production of All-Electric Newton™ Step Van |publisher=Smith Electric Vehicles |date=2012-03-05 |access-date=2012-03-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714145341/http://www.smithelectric.com/smith-electric-vehicles-launches-production-of-all-electric-newton-step-van/ |archive-date=14 July 2014 |url-status=live }}

File:Electric vans owned by the University of Warwick.jpg, England]]

The Smith Edison was the world's first electric van with a GVW of under 3,500 kg – a critical factor, because vehicles over 3,500 kg require a commercial driving licence. Edison, like any van under 3,500 kg, could be driven by anyone with a regular UK license.

The Edison was sold worldwide, except in the US. It was available as a chassis cab, delivery van and minibus, with a capacity varying from {{convert|1600|to|5100|lb|abbr=on}}. The delivery van was sold with several lithium-ion battery packs, with a range of 55 to 100 mi (90 to 160 km) and a top speed of {{convert|50|mph|abbr=on}}.

The Edison, based on the Ford Transit chassis, was powered by a 90 kW induction motor from Enova Systems and a 40 or 51kWh lithium-ion iron phosphate battery pack from Valence Technology.

In November 2009, the Edison was one of the Irish Motoring Writers Association's top five Vans of the Year.{{cite news |url=http://www.advertiser.ie/athlone/article/5360 |title=Berlingo and Partner share Irish Van of the Year title |newspaper=Athlone Advertiser |publisher=Advertiser.ie |date=2008-11-28 |access-date=2010-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517121448/http://www.advertiser.ie/athlone/article/5360 |archive-date=17 May 2014 |url-status=live }} In December 2009, it was named the 2010 Eco Van of the Year by What Van magazine.{{cite news |url=http://www.whatvan.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=849&Itemid=65&limit=1&limitstart=11 |newspaper=What Van? |title=New Vans and Used Vans Specialist – Vans of the Year |date=2009-12-08 |access-date=2010-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091216011559/http://www.whatvan.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=849&Itemid=65&limit=1&limitstart=11 |archive-date=16 December 2009 |url-status=live }}

In 2012, the Edison was upgraded to use the Ford Transit Stage 5 variant. Customers were in Russia (Revolta), Netherlands (Spijkstaal), Taiwan (Taikang), Hong Kong (CLP, FedEx), the UK, Sweden (FuelReduce) and Abu Dhabi. It was discontinued in 2014.{{cite web |url=http://www.truckinginfo.com/channel/fuel-smarts/news/story/2014/04/smith-s-alive-ceo-plans-volume-production.aspx |title=Smith's Alive, CEO Plans Volume Production |publisher=truckinginfo.com |date=2014-04-22 |access-date=2014-04-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517121416/http://www.truckinginfo.com/channel/fuel-smarts/news/story/2014/04/smith-s-alive-ceo-plans-volume-production.aspx |archive-date=17 May 2014 |url-status=live }}

LTI and Smith produced the TX4E, an all-electric version of LTI's TX4 black taxicab. Smith built the first 10 TX4Es as part of the UK government's Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator Programme.

The vehicles were not commercially successful, and the practicality of an electric taxi has been disputed. According to Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association general secretary Bob Oddy, "Only about 40 percent of London cabbies will be able to work a full eight-hour shift on a 100-mile charge."{{cite web |url=http://london-taxi.taxiblog.co.uk/221/tx4e-electric-taxi-will-only-appeal-to-some-london-cabbies/ |title=London Taxi Blog- TX4E electric taxi will only appeal to some London cabbies |publisher=London-taxi.taxiblog.co.uk |date=2008-05-09 |access-date=2011-11-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515233452/http://london-taxi.taxiblog.co.uk/221/tx4e-electric-taxi-will-only-appeal-to-some-london-cabbies/ |archive-date=15 May 2008 }}

The Smith Ampere was based on the Ford Transit Connect chassis. Smith produced a European prototype in 2008 and a US version the following year, after Smith US signed an agreement with Ford Motor Company in February 2009.{{cite news |first=David |last=Bailey |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKLNE51801A20090209 |title=Ford battery-electric van due in 2010 |publisher=Reuters |date=2009-02-09 |access-date=2010-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090219234543/http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKLNE51801A20090209 |archive-date=19 February 2009 |url-status=dead }} The van was to be assembled for the North American market in the former Trans World Airlines maintenance hangar at Kansas City International Airport,{{cite news |url=http://economy.kansascity.com/?q=node/1622 |title=Smith Electric to begin building delivery vans in KC this summer |newspaper=The Kansas City Star |publisher=McClatchy |date=2009-03-27 |access-date=2011-11-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717074350/http://economy.kansascity.com/?q=node%2F1622 |archive-date=17 July 2011 |url-status=live }} and in the UK for the European market. In October 2009, Smith US announced that it would join Humvee manufacturer AM General to produce a prototype electric delivery vehicle for the United States Postal Service.{{cite web |first=Karen |last=Dent |url=http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business-news/latest-business-news/2009/10/31/electric-car-giant-tanfield-pulls-plug-on-us-connection-51140-25055375/ |title=Electric car giant Tanfield pulls plug on US connection |newspaper=The Journal |date=2009-10-31 |access-date=2010-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091103225652/http://www.nebusiness.co.uk/business-news/latest-business-news/2009/10/31/electric-car-giant-tanfield-pulls-plug-on-us-connection-51140-25055375/ |archive-date=3 November 2009 |url-status=live }} The company terminated its agreement with Ford and in October 2009, Ford partnered with Azure Dynamics instead.{{cite press release | url=https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/ford-and-azure-dynamics-team-up-to-deliver-battery-electric-commercial-van-in2010-538808592.html | title=Ford and Azure Dynamics team up to deliver battery | publisher=CNW Group | date=30 October 2009}}

Smith Electric Vehicles developed driveline enhancements and ancillary systems for commercial electric vehicles, including heating and air conditioning. The company estimated that the technology could increase electric-vehicle range by up to 20 percent.

In February 2010, Smith announced that it was working with Germany's Proton Power Systems to incorporate a fuel cell into its Smith Newton truck. The small fuel cell would act as a mini-generator, topping up the batteries and possibly doubling vehicle range.{{cite web |url=http://www.protonpowersystems.com/news0.html?&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=96&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=6&cHash=dbb95189b9 |title=MoU with Smith Electric Vehicles |publisher=Proton Power Systems |access-date=2010-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517151421/http://www.protonpowersystems.com/news0.html?&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=96&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=6&cHash=dbb95189b9 |archive-date=17 May 2014 |url-status=live }}

SmithLink arose from the desire to understand how a fleet of all-electric vehicles performs under a variety of conditions, such as topology, temperature and driving style. In 2010, a team was formed to design a system for the collection and processing of data to aid product development. SmithLink was rolled out on several key UK and US fleets.

When SmithLink began, there was no secure and reliable transmission protocol for high-volume data transmission over public networks (the data portions of the mobile GPRS spectrum). Smith worked with the Advanced Message Queuing Protocol (AMQP) working group and OASIS to define a standard protocol for messaging interoperability. SmithLink was one of the first heavy users of the AMQP protocol for telemetry transmission.{{cite web |url=http://www.amqp.org/about/examples |title=AMQP Customer Success Stories |publisher=AMQP.org |access-date=2010-01-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140402201646/http://www.amqp.org/about/examples |archive-date=2 April 2014 |url-status=live }} By 2014, the system had been installed in over 800 vehicles worldwide; in March of that year, SmithLink had recorded over of 8.5 million miles of data on its electric trucks.

The Tanfield Group announced the formation of the Smith Electric Vehicles US Corporation (Smith US) in February 2009, and the company opened for business later that year. It was the US' leading manufacturer of electric trucks.{{citation needed|date=September 2018}}

Tanfield owned 49 percent of Smith US, with the remaining 51 percent owned by private investors. The US-majority ownership qualified the company for federal and state funding and incentives for electric trucks.

Smith US owned the rights to produce and market Tanfield's commercial electric vehicles under the Smith brand. Tanfield licensed its electric-vehicle technology to Smith, in exchange for a royalty fee per vehicle sold by Smith US.

Smith US produced the Smith Newton all-electric truck in Classes 3-7.[http://www.sev-us.com/pdf/054738-Smith%20Electric%20Vehicles%20Extends%20Industry-Leading%20Newton%20Platform.pdf Smith Electric Extends Industry Lead Newton Platform – ser-us.com – Retrieved 3 August 2010] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716043312/http://www.sev-us.com/pdf/054738-Smith%20Electric%20Vehicles%20Extends%20Industry-Leading%20Newton%20Platform.pdf |date=16 July 2011 }} The Newton had a top speed of {{convert|55|mph|-1}}, a range of up to {{convert|100|mi|km}} on a single charge, and was powered by lithium-ion batteries.

In July 2009, Smith US delivered its first Newton trucks at a ceremony on Capitol Hill presided over by Missouri Senator Kit Bond. Its first six customers were Coca-Cola, Frito-Lay, AT&T, Staples, Pacific Gas & Electric and Kansas City Power & Light. The initial six vehicles were produced at Smith UK's facility in Washington, Tyne and Wear and shipped to Missouri in kit form for final assembly. That month, the Department of Energy awarded $10 million to Smith US for a fleet of trial vehicles for major US corporations.[http://www.sev-us.com/pdf/060045-U.S.%20Department%20of%20Energy%20Awards%20Smith%20Electric%20Vehicles%20$10%20Million%20Grant.pdf U.S. Department of Energy Awards Smith Electric Vehicle $20 Million Grant = sev-us.com – Retrieved 3 August 2010] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716043359/http://www.sev-us.com/pdf/060045-U.S.%20Department%20of%20Energy%20Awards%20Smith%20Electric%20Vehicles%20%2410%20Million%20Grant.pdf |date=16 July 2011 }} Commerce Secretary Gary Locke made the grant announcement in Kansas City during a visit to Kansas City Power & Light. By October, Smith US had recruited and trained the nucleus of its workforce and Newton trucks began rolling off the production line in Kansas City.{{cite news |url= http://kansascity.bizjournals.com/kansascity/stories/2009/10/12/story1.html |title=Smith Electric's Kansas City line starts rolling |newspaper=Kansas City Business Journal |publisher=American City Business Journals |date=2009-10-09 |access-date=2010-06-08 |first=Suzanna |last=Stagemeyer}}

The Newton became the first all-electric truck on the US General Services Administration (GSA) schedule, a list of products approved for purchase by federal agencies and the US military, in January 2010. The agencies spend a combined $1 billion annually on GSA-approved vehicles and automotive services.{{cite web |url=http://www.automotive-fleet.com/Channel/Green-Fleet/News/Story/2010/01/Smith-Electric-Vehicles-Awarded-GSA-Schedule.aspx?interstitial=1 |title=Smith Electric Vehicles Awarded GSA Schedule – Top News – Green Fleet |publisher=Automotive Fleet |date=2010-01-28 |access-date=2010-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707192447/http://www.automotive-fleet.com/Channel/Green-Fleet/News/Story/2010/01/Smith-Electric-Vehicles-Awarded-GSA-Schedule.aspx?interstitial=1 |archive-date=7 July 2011 |url-status=live }}

At the end of March 2010, US Senator Claire McCaskill announced that the Department of Energy was awarding an additional $22 million, allowing Smith US to increase its build program to more than 500 Newton trucks.{{cite news |url= http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/othercities/kansascity/stories/2010/03/29/daily29.html |title=Smith Electric Vehicles gets $22M more from the U.S. Department of Energy |newspaper=Charlotte Business Journal |publisher=American City Business Journals |date= 2010-03-31|access-date=2010-06-08 |first=David |last=Twiddy}}

Smith had its corporate headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri. The company's engineering centre of excellence was in Washington, Tyne and Wear.{{cite web |title=Contact Us |url=http://www.smithelectric.com/contact-us/ |publisher=Smith Electric Vehicles |access-date=2014-05-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502032818/http://www.smithelectric.com/contact-us/ |archive-date=2 May 2014 |url-status=live }}

Smith US made a £37 million conditional offer, equating to 50p per Tanfield share plus a "free" share in Smith US if it made an initial public offering and joined the stock market in the near future{{cite news |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/82f4bf9c-2c97-11df-8abb-00144feabdc0.html |title=Tanfield to sell electric vehicle operation |newspaper=Financial Times|location=London |publisher=The Nikkei |date=2010-03-11 |access-date=2010-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101029234151/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/82f4bf9c-2c97-11df-8abb-00144feabdc0.html |archive-date=29 October 2010 |url-status=live }} to buy out the Smith UK operation and create a company separate from the Tanfield Group. Tanfield gave Smith US a four-month period of exclusivity, giving the American company until July to raise the requisite funding and make a firm offer. After President Barack Obama's visit to the Kansas City plant on 8 July, the exclusivity period was extended 60 days to September 2010.{{cite news |url=http://kansascity.bizjournals.com/kansascity/stories/2010/07/05/daily36.html |title=Smith Electric Vehicles U.S. gets more time to buy UK partner |newspaper=Kansas City Business Journal |publisher=American City Business Journals |date=2010-07-09 |access-date=2010-08-03 |first=David |last=Twiddy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100718125414/http://kansascity.bizjournals.com/kansascity/stories/2010/07/05/daily36.html |archive-date=18 July 2010 |url-status=live }}

Five battery-electric vehicles produced by Smith have been preserved in the collection of the Transport Museum Wythall near Birmingham, England. A model S65 operated by Walsall & District Co-op and a model SS operated by Handsworth Dairies date to 1957. A pair of two-ton models operated by Walsall & District Co-op and Nottingham Co-op date to 1958 and 1959, and the fifth vehicle is a 1969 commuter mail van operated by the General Post Office.{{cite web |url=http://www.wythall.org.uk/elec.asp |title=Our Battery Electric Collection |publisher=Wythall Transport Museum |access-date=17 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308084917/http://www.wythall.org.uk/elec.asp |archive-date=8 March 2017 |url-status=live }} The Ipswich Transport Museum has a 1948 Smith milk float operated by the Ipswich Co-operative Society in its collection,{{cite web |url=http://www.ipswichtransportmuseum.co.uk/pv8337.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130403032817/http://www.ipswichtransportmuseum.co.uk/pv8337.htm |archive-date=3 April 2013 |title=Smiths/NCB Electric Milk Float |publisher=Ipswich Transport Museum |access-date=17 April 2017 |url-status=dead }} and three vehicles used for door-to-door vegetable sales. Built in 1965, they were retired in 2001 and donated to the museum by the co-op in 2002.{{cite web |url=http://www.ipswichtransportmuseum.co.uk/fdx346d.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170423151502/http://www.ipswichtransportmuseum.co.uk/fdx346d.htm |archive-date=23 April 2017 |title=Smiths Electric Vegetable Cart |publisher=Ipswich Transport Museum |access-date=22 April 2017 |url-status=dead }}

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• Battery electric vehicle
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{{reflist}}

{{Commons category|Smith Electric Vehicles}}

• {{Official website|http://www.smithev.com//}}

{{Automotive industry in the United Kingdom}}

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Category:Battery electric vehicle manufacturers

Category:Electric bus manufacturers

Category:Manufacturing companies based in Kansas City, Missouri

Category:Truck manufacturers of the United Kingdom

Category:Electric vehicle manufacturers of the United Kingdom

Category:1920 establishments in England