(KANSAS
CITY, MO.) – OCTOBER 25, 2011 – Smith Electric Vehicles, a leader in
all-electric commercial vehicles, and Trans Tech Bus, a leading school bus manufacturer,
on Tuesday unveiled the nation’s first all-electric, zero-emission Newton™
eTrans. The vehicle debuted at the National Association for Pupil
Transportation’s Annual Summit in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Newton eTrans is
available for order today and will be shipped in early 2012.
“America’s
480,000 school buses burn as estimated 822 million gallons of diesel fuel every
year at a cost of nearly $3.2 billion,” said Bryan Hansel, president and CEO of
Smith Electric Vehicles. “The Newton operates at one-third to one-half the cost
of a traditional diesel, creating significant fuel cost savings for school
districts in addition to the clear environmental and health benefits of
all-electric, zero-emission transportation for students.”
Most
school buses in the United States are powered with diesel fuel, the exhaust
from which is classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a likely
human carcinogen and can contribute to acute and chronic health effects
including asthma, allergies, or other respiratory problems including lung
disease. The agency warns that children’s developing respiratory systems and
faster breathing rates make them more susceptible to air pollution.
The
42-passenger Newton eTrans travels up to 120 miles on a single charge at speeds
of up to 50 mph, ideal for the fixed routes in urban areas most school buses
take each day. The bus also utilizes
Smith Power, using the latest in lithium ion battery technology and
regenerative braking technology that will transfer energy from the brakes to
the batteries when the vehicle is in operation.
“This
is an exciting time for Trans Tech Bus as we officially enter the electric
school bus market with our eTrans product,” said Dan Daniels, president of
Trans Tech Bus. “Our customers have been demanding an all-electric school bus
that addresses environmental, health and fuel-cost concerns, and we’re proud to
partner with Smith Electric Vehicles to bring it to them.”
Smith
Electric Vehicles (www.smithelectric.com)
manufactures and markets zero-emission, all-electric commercial vehicles that
are designed to be superior-performing alternatives to traditional diesel
trucks due to higher efficiency and lower total cost of ownership. The Newton
is ideal for a wide range of applications, including food and parcel delivery,
maintenance, aerial lift and personnel transport. Newtons produce zero
emissions and are nearly silent. Smith’s
vehicle designs leverage more than 80 years of experience in selling and
servicing electric vehicles in the United Kingdom. The company operates
manufacturing facilities in Kansas City, Mo., and outside of Newcastle, U.K.
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