# Smith Electric Vehicles Revolutionizing Urban Deliveries

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/03/smith-electric-vehicles-revolutionizing-urban-deliveries/
- Published: 2012-03-09T17:09:14-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## 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](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/
2012/03/5BFC47C2-94F5-4E55-A1F2-A0F25C45C571.png?resize=780%2C520&quality=50&ssl
=1 "5BFC47C2-94F5-4E55-A1F2-A0F25C45C571 - The Green Living Guy")

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](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/smith-electric-strengthens-operations-with-new-hire/)
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](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/12/smith-electric-commercial-vehicles-and-its-u-k-acquisition/).
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](https://www.smithelectric.com/)
 2. FedEx Sustainability Goals
 3. [U.S. DOE Vehicle Technologies Office](https://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/vehicle-technologies-office)
 4. FedEx Express

** **

![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641?
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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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