The Newton Step Van was unveiled at this week’s NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, and uses a walk-in body made by Indiana-based converter Utilimaster. It offers a 100-mile electric range, with a gross vehicle weight of 6,350kg (14,000lbs), and will be deployed throughout the United States this year.

Bryan Hansel, chief executive officer and chairman of Smith, said: ‘The leadership shown by FedEx in adopting all-electric vehicles has been instrumental to growing the industry. We welcome FedEx and look forward to successful vehicle deployments that demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits of fleet electrification.’

For FedEx, the vehicles add to a growing fleet of alternative fuel models in use around the world since 2008, including 43 in the UK. The company recently conducted a two-month development trial of the Nissan e-NV200 as part of its fleet in London.

Dennis Beal, vice president of Global Vehicles at FedEx Express, commented: ‘This opportunity helps support our goal to optimize and operate our vehicle fleet in an economically and environmentally sustainable manner.

‘Smith’s global footprint and track record of successful EV deployments make it an ideal collaborator as FedEx continues to improve its fleet efficiency, reducing emissions while providing the best possible service to our customers around the world.’

Smith Electric Vehicles will be exhibiting its UK-market Edison electric commercial vehicle at the Fleet World EV and Low CO2 Fleet Show, held at Silverstone Circuit on the 18th April. Click here for details.