U.S. Marines First to Go Green with Addition of Smith Newton, Electric Trucks at Camp Pendleton

Marines Become First Military Organization to Purchase All-Electric Commercial Truck 
The United States Marine Corps are the first to go green in the military with the purchase of two all-electric Smith Newton trucks.  Although all branches of our Armed Forces are working to go green, the Marines are the first military organization to order Smith Newtons off of the Government Services Administration (GSA) schedule. The trucks will be delivered to Camp Pendleton, California; the Corps’ largest West Coast training facility, and home of the First Marine Expeditionary Force.

“We’re proud to be part of the Marine Corps’ efforts to create a cleaner environment and improve energy efficiency at Camp Pendleton," said Bryan Hansel, President and CEO of Smith Electric. “The Marines are setting a strong example for the other branches of our armed services as we all work together to address America’s energy and efficiency concerns.”

A September report by the Center for a New American Security recommended in the interest of financial and security concerns that America’s armed forces set a goal of operating all of its systems on non-petroleum fuels by 2040. A worthy goal but a daunting one as well.  The Marine Corps has also set a goal to to reduce it's energy use 30 percent by 2015 and increase its reliance on renewable electrical energy to 25 percent by 2025.

The all electric Smith Newton delivers a respectable top speed of 55 mph and offers battery ranges from 50 to 120 miles on a single charge.  The Newton seems ideal for base deliveries and personnel transport applications. Plus, the electric trucks can carry over 16,000 pounds.  They're are powered by the latest in Lithium-ion battery cell technology, power management and direct drive trains. They produce zero emissions and are nearly silent. Plus, according to Obama, they are a part of the answer to our economic crisis...

 Although important to a greener future, I am not sure electric vehicle production will even make a dent in bringing us out of this disastrous economy

Smith Electric produces the Newton, which is the only medium duty (class 4-7) all-electric commercial truck on the GSA schedule. Smith Electric Vehicles U.S. Corporation (www.smithelectric.com) is an all-electric zero-emissions commercial truck manufacturer. The company licenses its proprietary technology from Smith Electric Vehicles in the U.K., the world’s largest manufacturer and industry leader of commercial electric vehicles.  The Marine's trucks will be built in Smith Electric’s Kansas City, Mo., plant, and are scheduled for delivery to Camp Pendleton in February 2011.

Interestingly, The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) selected Smith Electric Vehicles to receive $32 million in grant funding toward the production of all-electric, zero emissions commercial trucks. Senator McCaskill said that Smith’s original DOE grant of $10 million announced on August 5, 2009 was increased by $22 million (say what!); bringing the total DOE grant funding that Smith has been selected to receive to $32 million for a nationwide vehicle electrification program. 

The Marine Corps is the first military organization to incorporate Smith Newtons into its fleet.  In doing so, it joins some of the world’s largest delivery-based companies, including Frito-Lay, Staples, Coke, AT&T and PG&E, which have already purchased all-electric Newtons to replace diesel trucks on urban delivery routes.

P.S.- I am really glad that you stopped by our Environmental Booty Blog and I hope you have learned or shared a thing or two.  I hope that , now that you've found us,  you won't lose us!  You can join our green living online community, subscribe to our posts download our community toolbar, Tweet with me on Twitter or Come Shop with Me to stay in touch!  - Shane :)

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