Smith Newton has unveiled its electric trucks in the U.S., with first customers including Coca-Cola, Staples, Frito-Lay, AT&T, Pacific Gas and Electric Company and Kansas City Power & Light.

The trucks, which were created by Smith Electric Vehicles in North East England, were presented at an official ceremony on Capitol Hill.

"The electric vehicle technology delivered to these customers today can readily be delivered to fleets in every major town and city in North America," said Darren Kell, CEO of The Tanfield Group, which owns 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 centers."

The electric trucks run on lithium-ion batteries and a 120-kilowatt electric motor, with a recharge time of six hours. The vehicle can reach a top speed of 50 mph and a range in excess of 100 miles on a full charge. The trucks are produced in North America by Smith Electric Vehicles U.S. Corp., based in Kansas City, Mo.

"These next-generation electric vehicles Smith is producing demonstrate exactly the kind of technology we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and end our dependence on foreign oil," said Missouri Sen. Kit Bond, who hosted the launch event. "Missouri is a growing leader in exciting new battery technology, making it an ideal partner for all-electric vehicle manufacturing."

Emissions-free and noise-free, the Smith Newton works by reclaiming electric energy during stop-start urban operations, through regenerative braking.

More info: www.smithelectricvehicles.com