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Earlier this month, California played host to the 23rd International Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS23). Talking to delegates at the expo, it became clear that some of America's biggest operators are itching to invest in alternative-fuel vehicles. Now, thanks to two British electric truck manufacturers - Smith Electric Vehicles and Modec - they can do just that. Here are the trucks they had on show.

Kevin Harkin, sales director for Smith Electric Vehicles, expects to sell 1,000 of the firm's  Avia-based Newton trucks in North America next year, and is confident this figure will grow tenfold in three years. In his opinion, the overall US electric market will eventually climb to 200,000 units per year. Harkin believes sales will be boosted by substantial financial incentives, as well as plans to introduce congestion-charging schemes in New York, Washington DC and San Francisco.

"The Newton is perfectly suited to the US market," he says. "Millions of commercial vehicles in North America work in urban areas, within defined low-mileage zones or routes. Light postal vans to heavy-duty distribution trucks can be replaced by our new-technology vehicles."

Modec also believes the North American market has huge potential and launched its US production plans at EVS23. Its 5.5-tonne GVW Modec was the second-largest all-electric vehicle on show. And the Coventry firm displayed a pair of vans at the ride-and-drive which attracted a lot of attention. While those we spoke  to were impressed with the truck's performance, its appearance divided opinions. Some prefer conventional styling, while others like 'green' vehicles to have a distinctive look so the public can see they run an environmentally friendly fleet.

Smith Electric Vehicles not only launched an electric truck at the show, but announced plans to build up to 10,000 zero-emissions commercial vehicles in the US by 2010. The first model to be offered to American fleets is the Avia-based Newton, above, which is available from 7.5 to 12 tonnes. It has a top speed of 50mph and a range of 150 miles. The 3.5-tonne Edison will follow shortly after, but whether or not it will be based on the Ford Transit, as it is in Europe, is still unclear.

Judging by the positive comments we heard from visitors to Smith's stand, there will be plenty of demand for both models. Because the US has come up with this. The Ridon is a quirky American-built electric prototype and, judging by the comments we heard from showgoers, that's all it ever will be. Just the excuse Americans need to hang on to their gas guzzlers!