Electric Trucks Arrive on Capitol Hill

By Paul Bedard, Washington Whispers

Aiming to build on Washington's focus on renewable energy and climate change as the Senate considers the energy bill, a company that builds electric delivery trucks is heading to the Capitol Reflecting Pool Tuesday to show off its new technology. Smith Electric Vehicles will be delivering six trucks to Coca-Cola, AT&T, Staples, Pacific Gas & Electric, and Kansas City Power & Light in an event expected to attract lawmakers who support the new technology. Smith will be providing test drives. Big shots planning to attend include Sen. Christopher Bond, a Republican from Missouri (where Smith Electric is based); Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Ed Markey; and Carol Browner, assistant to the president for energy and climate change. "Washington is making many decisions on the future—emissions, climate change—and this is where the story needs to be told. What better place to showcase the future of transportation?" said a spokesman for the event, Sean McCabe. The plug-in truck, called the Smith Newton, is world's largest battery-electric truck. Electric plug-ins are part of the Obama strategy to reduce the nation's reliance on fossil fuels.

From the company:

WHO:
Senator Kit Bond

Bryan Hansel, CEO, Smith Electric Vehicles U.S.

Representatives from Coca-Cola Enterprises, AT&T, Staples Inc., Pacific and Kansas City Power and Light (KCP&L)

WHAT:
Fortune 500 and state utility companies will take delivery of the next-generation, all-electric, fuel-emissions-free commercial vehicles put into service in the United States.

Coca-Cola Enterprises, Frito-Lay, AT&T, Staples Inc., Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), and Kansas City Power and Light (KCP&L) will each be presented with keys for the Smith Newton, the world's largest battery-electric-powered truck and the first commercial all-electric truck to be approved by the state of California's Air Resource Board.

The vehicles will be available for a ride-and-drive demonstration.

WHERE:
The Capitol Reflecting Pool, Washington D.C.

WHEN:
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
11 AM—Program and Remarks
12 - 4 PM—Viewing and Ride & Drive

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