Smith Debuts All-Electric Van That FedEx Express Will Use

Smith, Kansas City, Mo., announced the launch in Indianapolis at the National Truck Equipment Association’s Work Truck Show earlier this month. FedEx Express said it will be the first company to deploy the manufacturer’s vans in the United States.

The vans, built on a platform with a walk-in body, are expected to be deployed in select U.S. markets throughout 2012, FedEx said.

Utilimaster made the platform, Smith said in a statement.

“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,” Smith said in the statement.

“This opportunity helps support our goal to optimize and operate our vehicle fleet in an economically and environmentally sustainable manner,” said Dennis Beal, vice president of global vehicles at FedEx Express.