Largest Electric Commercial Vehicle Makes a Stop In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The makers of the world's largest electric commercial vehicle are in Philadelphia today as part of the Greater Philadelphia Clean Cities Coalition.

The first thing you notice when you start the vehicle is how quiet it is, and behind the wheel you realize other drivers can't hear you coming. That means most drivers have to adjust their driving style.

Smith Electric field service technician Jake Ellis says, "We do train to that just because it is so quiet and no one can hear it coming."

The other surprising thing about the electric vehicle is just how fast it is.

Ellis says, "It has good acceleration. Going from zero to 30, it's actually quicker than a diesel. With the electric configuration its instant torque, so we don't have to wait for the engine to rev up."

Smith Electric has been making electric vehicles in Europe and the UK for some time and they have a plant in Kansas City. Brett Gipe, regional sales director says the vehicle performs especially well in cities.

Gipe says, "It's quiet. Its top speed is about 55 miles-per-hour. That's why it's geared for that city driving environment."

And every time the vehicle stops the battery recharges.

Reported by Michelle Durham, KYW Newsradio