Smith Electric Vehicles has followed up the successful launch of the world's first all-electric higher function truck with a van that contains the same world-beating technology. Edison has a payload of up to 1,500kg; a top speed of up to 50mph; and can travel over 100 miles on one battery charge.

Smith Electric Vehicles, the world's leading manufacturer of road-going zero emission commercial vehicles, has unveiled its latest world-beating model.

Edison utilises Smith's latest battery and power train technology, housed in the instantly-recognisable Ford Transit shell. Edison is capable of 50mph and a range of up to 150 miles on one battery charge, while still providing up to 1,500kg of payload. It is the only zero emission vehicle with a GVW of under 3.5t to offer these performance capabilities.

Kevin Harkin, Sales Director for Smith Electric Vehicles, said: "The Ford Transit shell provides us with a superb variety of products, from chassis cab and panel van to minibus.

"Edison's unique zero emission drive line technology finally provides urban operators with a zero emission 3.5t commercial vehicle ideal for city centre use - and one that does not look out of place in their fleets."

Powered by advanced sodium nickel chloride batteries, Edison emits none of the diesel exhaust air pollutants which are harmful to humans, including Particulate Matter and Nitrous Oxide. If charged with electricity from a renewable energy supplier, it also provides a 100% reduction in CO2 emissions.

UK supermarket Sainsbury's has ordered an initial eight vehicles for use in its Sainsbury's Online home shopping delivery fleet. The retailer has also pledged to replace 20% of its urban delivery fleet with electric vehicles by September 2008 - and 100% of the fleet by 2010.

Other major companies who have already committed to orders of Edison include Scottish & Southern Energy, one of the UK's largest energy suppliers; plus delivery companies TNT Express and CEVA Logistics.