WASHINGTON, D.C. – Responding toAmerica’s challenge for a clean energy future, U.S. Senator Kit Bond today joined Carol Browner, the Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change, and Smith Electric Vehicles CEO Bryan Hansel in hosting an event on Capitol Hill to present keys for the Smith Newton, the world’s largest electric-battery-powered and first commercial all-electric, zero-emission delivery trucks, to Fortune 500 Companies. 

            “Last summer’s high gas prices were the latest warning that we must have a comprehensive solution including investment in alternative energy technology if America is ever to be in control of its own energy future.  Smith Electric Vehicles U.S. is responding to the challenge. And so too are the companies here today who are switching from gas to electric-powered vehicles,” said Bond.  “I am particularly proud of the role my home state of Missouri is playing in this vision for a clean energy future.”

Bond, who serves as Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Green Jobs and the New Economy, praised representatives from Coca-Cola, AT&T, Staples, Pacific Gas and Electric Company and Kansas City Power and Light for switching to the all-electric, zero-emission Smith Newton vehicle.  Bond explained that the Smith Newton can travel at normal roads speeds and go 100 miles on a single charge, making it perfect for use by companies operating large fleets that generate much of the nation’s greenhouse gases.  By taking some of the biggest gas-guzzlers off the streets, this switch to the Smith Newton will improve the companies’ fleets, increase fuel economy, reduce pollution, and help decrease our dependence on foreign oil.

Also, Bond commended Smith Electric for not only investing in America’s clean energy future, but also for investing in American jobs.  Earlier this year, Smith Electric announced the location of a new assembly line of Smith Newton trucks in Kansas City, which will create 120 new jobs by 2010.  The Senator stressed that these good-paying, family-supporting manufacturing jobs are exactly the kind of cutting-edge, high-tech jobs we want to see created.  Smith Electric U.S. is also working with Ford Motor Company in Kansas City to build a electric-battery-powered version of Ford’s Transit Connect, a commercial light-duty van. Ford expects to make the vehicle available in some U.S. dealerships next year.

“Excuse me for bragging a little, but Missouri is already a leader in alternative energy technology,” said Bond. “All of this exciting new alternative technology produced in Missouri and across the nation not only means a cleaner environment and energy future, it also means jobs. Thank you to Smith Electric for investing not only in America’s clean energy independence, but also in American workers.”

During the event, Bond pointed out that Missouri is an historic leader in batteries with its vast lead deposits and manufacturing base.  The Senator stressed that Missouri is home to the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrid plant and Kokam in Lee’s Summit which is producing superior lithium polymer batteries for Smith Newton and pushing the cutting-edge of modern battery technology that makes batteries lighter, smaller and more powerful.

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