An all electric fedex express step van by smith electric vehicles parked beside a modern industrial building
Smith Electric’s all-electric step van, deployed by FedEx Express, charges at a commercial facility as part of a clean fleet initiative.
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Smith Electric Vehicles Revolutionizing Urban Deliveries

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FedEx Express helps launch zero-emission step vans built on Smith’s Newton platform (KANSAS CITY, MO.) – March 6, 2012 – Smith Electric Vehicles Corp. (Smith), a global leader in all-electric commercial vehicles, today unveiled the Newton Step Van, an all-electric, zero-e mission vehicle built on the versatile Newton platform that features a walk-in body produced by Indiana-based Utilimaster. Smith announced the launch of the Newton Step Van in Indianapolis at the NTEA Work Truck Show, North America’s largest vocational truck and equipment event. FedEx Express will be the first company to deploy the Newton Step Vans in the United States. The Newton Step Van, an ideal solution for thousands of delivery routes in urban environments, offers a gross vehicle weight of 14,000 pounds to 26,000 pounds and a range of approximately 100 miles on a single charge. The vehicle incorporates Smith’s proprietary Smith Drive™, Smith Power™, and Smith Link™ technologies to provide superior power train performance, battery management efficiency and remote system monitoring.

Smith Electric and FedEx Launch All-Electric Step Van Production

Smith Electric Vehicles officially launched production of its all-electric Newton Step Van, thanks in part to a strategic collaboration with FedEx Express. The move marks another step forward in reducing emissions from urban delivery fleets.

FedEx has been working to electrify its fleet for years. Now, with Smith’s help, it’s adding new zero-emission trucks to its lineup. As a result, city deliveries just got cleaner—and quieter.

Built for Urban Efficiency

Smith builds the Newton Step Van on the versatile Newton platform. This fully electric commercial truck targets high-volume delivery companies. Moreover, it’s perfect for stop-and-go city routes where traditional diesel engines waste fuel and emit pollutants.

An all electric fedex express step van by smith electric vehicles parked beside a modern industrial building
Smith Electrics all electric step van deployed by FedEx Express charges at a commercial facility as part of a clean fleet initiative

The van features:

  1. A top speed of 55 mph,
  2. A range of up to 100 miles on a single charge,
  3. And zero tailpipe emissions.

That makes it ideal for FedEx, which operates in dense urban areas and wants to cut its carbon footprint.

A Public-Private Partnership for Clean Transportation

Smith Electric kicked off production with strong federal support. The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) backed the effort. Specifically, the Newton Step Van came from a $32 million award under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

Thanks to this funding, Smith moved faster. It expanded development. It reached more customers. As a result, fleet operators now have more zero-emission options on the road.

FedEx Delivers on Sustainability

FedEx has led the way in green logistics. The company works constantly to cut fuel use and lower emissions. So this collaboration with Smith fits perfectly.

Mitch Jackson, FedEx VP of Environmental Affairs and Sustainability, explained:

“Working with Smith Electric supports our commitment to improving the environmental sustainability of our fleet while still meeting customer needs.”

Leading the Charge Toward a Greener Fleet

Smith and FedEx didn’t just team up—they set a precedent. Because of their partnership, innovation, investment, and public policy came together. That alignment sparked real change.

More fleets are going electric every year. And because of projects like the Newton Step Van, it’s clear: electric trucks deliver performance and sustainability—mile after mile.

Together, Smith and FedEx are not just delivering packages—they’re delivering a cleaner future.

Sources

  1. Smith Electric Vehicles – manufacturer
  2. FedEx Sustainability Goals
  3. U.S. DOE Vehicle Technologies Office
  4. FedEx Express
 
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greenlivingguy
The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.
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