Parcels delivery giant TNT Express Services has extended its commitment to the use of electric vehicles for urban operations with an order for 100 new vehicles. Following trials in London over the past 18 months, it will have the first 50 7.5-tonne Smith Newton boxvans operating from 17 UK locations by the end of the year, replacing diesel models.
The Newton, manufactured by Smith
Electric Vehicles of Washington, Tyne and Wear, is based on an Avia D75 chassis-cab with a lightweight box body from Cartwright, and has a 120kW AC electric motor powered by an array of four Zebra sodium-nickel chloride batteries giving a range of 100 miles and a top speed of 50mph.
At a launch event at the London Wetland Centre hosted by TV environmentalist Kate Humble, TNT Express Services' managing director pointed out that charging one of the vehicles costs £40 per week compared with £200 for a diesel-powered equivalent.
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