Automotive Car Review: EV

Smith Newtons Roll Out to Fortune 500 Companies

AT&T, Coca-Cola, Staples, Frito-Lay, PG&E, and KCP&L were all presented with the keys to their all new Smith Newtons, the world's largest commercially available battery-electric powered truck on the National Mall.  Missouri Senator Kit Bond attended the ceremony. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uQKM4ussYpdCmXAU7Ih6IQNQNVfirnILFQDrTHE8YnBERefl-BrXWguqDYBSSlpkAzowMXdgv0RzQ6KzGls93cnG61jvcuutS0ra7KyI_B2MkWTtcWTj-DrwxHOr2mETzT0rf9pnBRU/s1600-h/Smith-Newton-Electric-Vehicle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uQKM4ussYpdCmXAU7Ih6IQNQNVfirnILFQDrTHE8YnBERefl-BrXWguqDYBSSlpkAzowMXdgv0RzQ6KzGls93cnG61jvcuutS0ra7KyI_B2MkWTtcWTj-DrwxHOr2mETzT0rf9pnBRU/s320/Smith-Newton-Electric-Vehicle.jpg" /></a>"The next generation electric vehicles Smith is producing demonstrates exactly the kind of technology we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and end our dependence on foreign oil," Senator Bond said. "Missouri is a growing leader in exciting new battery technology making it an ideal partner for all-electric vehicle manufacturing." "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." "AT&T is committed to minimizing dependence on imported sources of fuel and exploring new automotive technologies to reduce our environmental impact," said Jerome Webber, Vice President of Fleet Operations. "This type of truck can help us accomplish both by further decreasing our emissions and increasing our fuel savings." AT&T will use the truck primarily to transport cargo to various AT&T locations within its service territory.  AT&T will assess the repair and maintenance costs associated with an electric battery vehicle, maximum and average mile range between charges, energy costs to operate an all electric vehicle, acceleration and performance of the truck and driver feedback on the overall performance.   The Smith Newton, the plug-in electric vehicle, has a top speed of 50 mph and a range of 100 miles. It can carry a payload of over 16,000 lbs.  Smith Newton Truck Specifications: <ul><li>Motor - 120 kw Induction Motor</li><li>Battery - Lithium-Ion Batteries Payload - 7,392 lbs to 16,280 lbs</li><li>Gross Vehicle Weight - 16,535 lbs, 23,148 lbs or 26,455 lbs</li><li>Range - In excess of 100 miles (one battery charge)</li><li>Top Speed - 50 mph</li><li>On-board Battery Charger</li><li>Full Battery Recharge - 6 to 8 hours</li></ul>