CUSTOMER STORIES

Gateshead Invests in Fleet of Electric Vans from Smith – 

Gateshead Council has become one of the UK’s leading adopters of electric vans

The North-East council has purchased 10 ‘Smith Edison’ all-electric vans, for assessment in operations across its commercial vehicle fleet.

Produced by Smith Electric Vehicles in nearby Washington, Tyne & Wear, the Edison has a range of up to 100 miles (160km) on a single charge, making it ideal for urban operations. With substantially lower fuel costs and maintenance requirements, the Edison delivers much lower running costs than a conventional van.

“Gateshead Council is committed to playing a lead role in the roll-out of electric vehicles and infrastructure. Our fleet of electric vehicles is the largest local authority fleet in the region, delivering key services to Gateshead residents whilst reducing carbon emissions and saving money at the same time.”

Gateshead Council’s Transport Manager, Alasdair Tose.

Gateshead has purchased the vans through the UK Government initiative, the Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme (LCVPP). Under the programme, the Department for Transport paid the difference between the purchase price of a standard diesel panel van and the new technology electric vehicle. This allowed local authorities like Gateshead to purchase small fleets of electric and hybrid vans, to fully assess and understand the technology.

Smith Electric Vehicles is supplied two-thirds of the electric vans into LCVPP Phase One and Gateshead Council is among the biggest investors in its EV technology.

Based on the Ford Transit chassis, the Smith Edison is powered by advanced Lithium-Ion batteries and an efficient electric motor. The batteries can be fully recharged in around eight hours.