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Smith Electric confirmed for electric van subsidy

The Government has confirmed that all-electric light commercial vehicles from Smith Electric vehicles are eligible for a new Plug-in Van subsidy.

The Smith Edison has been named as part of the department for Transport scheme, and now any business who purchases the 3.5t all-electric vehicle will benefit from £8,000 off the list price.

This is positive news for Smith Vehicles Europe, who manufacture the vans at their plant in Washington, Tyne & Wear.

Geoff Allison, Managing Director of Smith Electric Vehicles Europe Ltd, said: “We are delighted that the Smith Edison has been accepted into the Plug-In Van Grant scheme.

“This grant will help our fleet customers to achieve a faster return on investment, making the economic case for electric vans as compelling as the environmental case.”

The Smith Edison is available as a panel van and as a chassis cab, suitable for a diverse range including drop side, tipper, box and refrigerated box. The vehicle has a range of up to 100 miles on a single charge of its lithium-ion batteries, which can be fully recharged in as little as four hours.

Smith is one of seven manufacturers to have its all-electric light commercial vehicles approved for the Plug-In Van Grant.

The company last week announced it had signed a letter of intent for a $25 million investment and a $75m joint venture with Wanxiang Group, China’s largest auto-parts maker.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .