Enova Confirms 2008/9 Production Order from Tanfield's Smith Electric Vehicles
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TORRANCE, Calif.--Enova Systems,, a production company in an emerging industry and a leading developer of proprietary electric, hybrid and fuel cell digital power management systems, confirmed that it has received a production order, and has begun delivering 2008 production orders to Smith Electric Vehicles, a division of The Tanfield Group Plc (TAN).
Enova expects to supply Tanfield with in excess of 1,000 units during 2008, and as many as 3,000 in 2009. The 2008 order will predominantly supply Tanfield’s production line in Vigo Centre, UK. However, Tanfield also intends to start production of its commercial electric vehicles in North America during this calendar year.
“Tanfield is the worldwide leader in zero emission vehicle production. Choosing Enova as its supplier solidifies us as a world leader in the electric drive market. We look forward to the continuation of our successful partnership with Tanfield in this immense market,” stated Mike Staran, Enova’s President and CEO.
Under this new, extended supply agreement, Enova will continue delivering their 90kW and 120kW electric drive components to Tanfield during 2008, and beyond.
Darren Kell, Chief Executive of The Tanfield Group Plc, said, “Enova’s components have proved to be an extremely reliable, efficient, and robust part of our electric vehicle drive train.”
Mr. Kell continued, “Enova’s capability to produce high quality product in volume means they remain a preferred supplier, as Tanfield significantly increases production of its commercial electric vehicles.”
Enova has supplied electric drive train components to Tanfield since 2006, to help produce high performance electric drive train systems for Smith Electric Vehicle’s zero emission vans and trucks. Smith utilises a 120kw electric drive system in the Smith Newton, the world’s first zero emission 7.5t - 12t truck. A 90kw electric drive system is installed in the Smith Edison, the world’s first all-electric sub-3.5t van.
A typical Smith Electric vehicle can achieve ranges of up to 150 miles between battery charges and speeds of 50 mph. Because they are zero emission, Smith Electric Vehicles are exempt from the London Congestion Charge and also qualify for free parking in parts of central London. They also qualify for other tax breaks and costly license exemptions.
Smith Electric Vehicles, based in Tyne & Wear, United Kingdom, is both the world's oldest electric vehicle manufacturer and the world’s largest producer of road-going commercial electric vehicles.
Established in 1920, it has been a market leader for more than seven decades. Smith vehicles are used for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications including urban delivery, healthcare, airport and municipal services. It has a worldwide customer base of more than 500 clients, including major supermarkets and global logistics companies.
About Tanfield:
The Tanfield Group Plc is the world's leading developer and manufacturer of road-going commercial electric vehicles and aerial work platforms. Tanfield is headquartered in Newcastle with operations in both the North America and EMEA regions. It has two main divisions:
Smith Electric Vehicles, was founded in 1920 and acquired by Tanfield in October 2004. Following its acquisition, Smith is developing into a world leader in new technology electric vans and trucks with greatly enhanced performance, speed and range capabilities. This makes them attractive for all fleet operators in large towns, cities and closed industrial environment. For the first time, these fleet operators have economically viable, zero emission alternatives to using diesel vans and trucks. Smith has an unrivalled UK-wide service and support network, which already maintains over 5,000 vehicles for major fleet operators. This core element of the business is beginning to fulfil its potential in terms of addressing the requirements of large urban fleet operators, who want to reduce their operational costs and more importantly, greatly reduce their carbon footprint. Smith's airport offering is complemented by two specialist airport vehicle sub-divisions; Jumbotugs and Norquip.
www.smithelectricvehicles.com
Powered Access, contains two of the world's most established aerial work platform brands, UpRight Powered Access and Snorkel International. UpRight is firmly established as the UK's biggest manufacturer of self-propelled aerial work platforms (also known as "cherry-pickers", "mobile elevating work platforms", "aerial lifts", etc). UpRight has assembly facilities in the UK and USA, with products sold through a strong network of over 180 independent, full-service distributors across Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions. Snorkel, acquired in July 2007, has significant manufacturing capabilities along with strong sales and distribution, in the USA and Australasia. Tanfield has been successful in extending its powered access product range and is now one of only three "full line" aerial lift manufacturers to have a significant assembly footprint in both the North America and EMEA regions, in what is a $7bn global market.
www.upright.com / www.snorkelusa.com
About Enova:
Enova Systems (http://www.enovasystems.com) is a leading supplier of efficient, environmentally friendly digital power components and systems products. The Company’s core competencies are focused on the development and commercialization of power management and conversion systems for mobile applications. Enova applies unique ‘enabling technologies’ in the areas of alternative energy propulsion systems for light and heavy-duty vehicles as well as power conditioning and management systems for distributed generation systems. The Company develops, designs and produces non-invasive drive systems and related components for electric, hybrid-electric, and fuel cell powered vehicles in both the “new” and “retrofit” vehicle sales market. For further information, contact Enova Systems directly, or visit its Web site at http://www.enovasystems.com.