Electric van firm to double its range (From The Northern Echo)

Electric van firm to double its range

12:45pm Wednesday 15th September 2010 in North-East Business News

AN electric vehicle manufacturer is to extend trials of fuel cell technology that could double its vehicle range from vans to trucks.

In February, Smith Electric Vehicles (SEV), part of the Tanfield Group, based in Tyne and Wear, announced it was working with German fuel cell experts Proton Power Systems on installing a hydrogen fuel cell in a Smith Edison van, potentially doubling its range.

The two companies are now looking to do the same with a larger Smith Newton truck and are building a prototype that supplements the battery power with a hydrogen fuel cell.

The company’s announcement comes ahead of its presence at the Cenex National Low-Carbon Vehicle event in Bedfordshire today and tomorrow, a major showcase for the electric vehicle industry.

Smith’s technical director Doug MacAndrew said: “The Proton Power technology works extremely well, but packaging it into the available space on our Edison proved quite challenging.

“As a much larger vehicle, the Smith Newton offers us better options for integrating the fuel cell into our existing electric vehicle.”

The Smith Newton, which uses pure battery power, can presently achieve about 120 miles on a single charge, making it ideal for city centre deliveries, airports, and street and building maintenance.

By adding an onboard hydrogen fuel cell and increasing the trucks’ range, Smith hopes it will become more attractive to fleet operators.

● An electric scooter company is also aiming to attract more fleet customers as it prepares to show off a new model at the Cenex show.

Consett-based Elecscoot, founded four years ago, has recently expanded, doubling its workforce to four and moving into new premises.

The company’s managing director, Ian Allison, said: “Our electric scooters are transitioning from being lifestyle consumer vehicles into a genuine option for fleets.

“Clearly electric scooters cannot replace an entire company car fleet, but they are now a serious alternative.

“We are witnessing a rapid rise in inquiries from fleet managers in the public and private sector.”