Smith Electric Vehicles and Versalift show all electric van-mount

Smith Electric Vehicles delivered two new products based on its Smith Edison van at the CV Operator Show 2010, held mid-April at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, UK.

Smith Electric Vehicles showed the UK's first fully electric vehicle-mounted, van-mounted aerial work platform. This type of vehicle typically services a small geographic territory, which makes it suitable for limited range vehicles. Also vehicle- mounted lifts often operate in urban areas where a zero emission vehicle with a silent motor is more considerate towards residents.

The 4600kg GVW vehicle uses the Smith Edison long wheelbase electric van chassis cab, with a lift mechanism from Versalift, UK. Both the lifting mechanism and the vehicle are powered by Edison's 40kwh lithium-ion battery pack.

The van Versalift vehicle has a range of up to 80 miles on a full charge, which is impacted by around 10% when the lift is operated. Versalift's lightweight and strong boom design provides the platform with a safe working load of 200 kg - the same lifting capacity as the equivalent diesel-powered vehicle.

Leading utility company Scottish & Southern Energy (SSE) has bought the first vehicle, for trials in its service and maintenance fleet. SSE pioneered the use of new-technology electric commercial vehicles three years ago, when it took delivery of the first ever Smith Edison panel van.

The other vehicle on show was the UK's first 17 seat, all-electric minibus based on the Ford Transit chassis, the Smith Edison minibus has a top speed of 50mph and a range of up to 80 miles. A full recharge takes 6-8 hours, or 3-4 hours with Smith's new fast charging technology.

Essex County Council has purchased the first vehicle, where it will be used for transporting people with learning disabilities, in the Harlow area.