Tanfield’s Smith Newton Electric Truck Defies Gravity

This week, the Tanfield Group has introduced the Smith Newton electric truck to North America at the EVS23 show in Anaheim, California. The Smith Newton (sans fig) figures to be a major player in urban settings taking head on similar diesel powered trucks.

The zero emissions Smith Newton weighs in at 24,000 lbs. and is capable of hauling up to 15,800 lbs. of payload. The Tanfield Smith Newton uses four suitcase-sized Zebra 278v batteries and a 120 kw motor to achieve a 50 mph top speed and a range of 150 miles. The electric truck also uses regenerative braking to recharge the battery bank.

The Smith Newton is particularly suited to use in urban areas by both commercial and government operations. Some of the current clients include DHL, Starbucks and Marks & Spencer. According to Tanfield, drivers prefer operating the Smith Newton electric truck over comparable diesel vehicles since the Newton has no gears to shift (only four moving parts in its electric motor), no cabin rattle, less noise and no diesel smell.

In Fresno, California there is currently a manufacturing plant for Smith Electric Vehicles and the Tanfield Group also intends to open a larger U. S. facility by 2010 that will produce up to 10,000 EV’s per year.

It doesn’t take Isaac Newton to figure out the gravity of the situation when it comes to the Smith Newton. For zero emissions urban driving and hauling heavy payloads within a limited range, the Smith Newton is sure to give its diesel counterparts a run for their money. Going green is sure to put the Tanfield Group’s bottom line in the black.