The Department of Energy

awarded Smith Electric Vehicles U.S. Corporation (Smith) a $10 million grant toward the production of all-electric, zero emissions commercial trucks for a nationwide demonstration project to validate performance across a range of climates and locations.

The grant will help to hasten vehicle purchasing and deployment among Smith’s customers as the government provides incentives to reduce the cost of commercial vehicles. The trucks will be purchased by and distributed to customers nationwide, including AT&T, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Frito-Lay, Kansas City Power & Light, Pacific Gas & Electric Company and Staples, which were presented with the keys to the first U.S. Smith Newtons last week in an event on the National Mall.

To produce its new electric vehicle fleet, Smith has already announced the imminent opening of a new production facility in Kansas City. The grant will contribute toward new equipment and accelerate hiring plans for “green collar” manufacturing employees. More