SMITH ELECTRIC VEHICLES UNVEILS ELECTRIC MIDIBUS AT LCV 2009
Published at 07.10.2009 in Alternatives, Minibuses
Smith Electric Vehicles, part of the Tanfield Group, has launched the first high-specification minibus at the Low Carbon Vehicle exhibition 2009, recently held at the Millbrook proving ground. Visitors to the LCV2009, the low carbon vehicle showcase event, had the first opportunity to test drive a new electric people carrier, unveiled by one of the world’s largest manufacturers of commercial electric vehicles (EVs).
The zero emission Smith Ampere people carrier is an eight seat passenger vehicle with a projected range of 100 miles (160km) on a full battery charge and a top speed of 70mph (113km/h).Smith Electric Vehicles has produced commercial EVs for over 80 years and is Ford’s official collaborator on commercial EVs in Europe and North America. The two companies launched the people carrier as a concept vehicle at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. However, LCV2009 is the first opportunity for potential customers to experience the vehicle in motion, on the test track at Millbrook Proving Grounds.
Smith also unveiled a new, nine or 11-seat battery electric minibus, called the Speedster, which will go into service with a major London retailer. It has a top speed of 50mph and a range of 80-130 miles on a full charge, depending on the size of the battery pack. Working with new company Green Urban Transport, Smith has developed the unique executive minibus based on its Smith Edison electric van, which uses the Ford Transit chassis. Green Urban Transport will deploy the first prototype vehicle on trials with a number of companies, including offering a premium London commuting solution and a premium door-to-door shuttle service for customers of a major retailer in West London.
Smith has developed an onboard fast-charging technology that will further extend the vehicle’s daily operating range to over 200 miles (320 km).
