Ford partners with British e-van maker to kickstart US EV drive

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At last! #

Posted Monday 9th February 2009 11:51 GMT

I've often been impressed by the smith vehicles whirring around Leeds and I'm glad to see them get the chance to spread their wings. Although this collaboration might limit their use of other vehicles as bases. Some of their larger UK vehicles look to be MAN based rather than Ford based like their small vans, will this mean Ford limit Smith to using Ford vehicles only?

Thumbs up for selling Fords back to the Americans!

Anonymous Coward

Hi Pa Drive... #

Posted Monday 9th February 2009 15:56 GMT

Any News On the PML HiPa Drive Version of the Ford F150?

Anonymous Coward

Follow up? #

Posted Monday 9th February 2009 15:56 GMT

Interesting Alun, are you following up AC comments from here:

http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2009/02/05/gm_on_li_ion_battery_tech/comments/

Or was the AC on the ball?

Ralph B

Question #

Posted Monday 9th February 2009 15:56 GMT

Is that the power cable going over the river?

Stan Wellaway

Smith + Ford + others #

Posted Monday 9th February 2009 15:56 GMT

Peter,

Smith use Avia trucks as the base vehicle for their (7.5t-12t) Newton range. Avia used to be related to Korean conglomerate Daewoo, but is now owned by India's Ashok-Leyland group.

Nancy Gioia of Ford recently indicated that, in order to speed up the progress of EV development, she was happy to see Ford's partners sharing their technology with other partners to help increase volumes. So I don't imagine that Ford will be dicating which other base vehicles Smith/SEVUS choose to use. But I guess SEVUS might find it cheaper or more convenient to switch from Avia to some other chassis sometime. Ford already work with Nissan, Nissan work with Renault and just signed a deal to work with Avia. So there is lots of cross-fertilisation going on.

PS: I am interested to know what Smith vehicles you've seen in Leeds.

Pete James

Short term but #

Posted Monday 9th February 2009 15:56 GMT

I can see this only being a short term arrangement, 10 years at most perhaps. I also feel it's an announcement more to do with Uncle Henry getting their hands on some US Government cash rather than a real desire to change the market. But well done to Ford and Smiths getting serious about providing a prodiuct for the short-range delivery market. I'm a bit worried how big that market might really be though, even in the US.

I recall the Duke of Edingburgh having an electric powered Bedford van many years ago. Of course, the batteries were there to power the vehicle, not him!

Anonymous Coward