Smith Electric Vehicles

About Smith Electric Vehicles

The story of Smith Electric Vehicles begins not in the recent EV boom, but in 1920 in the north of England. Founded by the Smith family, the company, originally known as Northern Coachbuilders, started by making electric trams and trolleybuses before focusing on electric delivery vehicles. For decades, they were a notable producer of electric commercial vehicles, including milk floats. In 2004, the Tanfield Group, an engineering company, acquired the firm, restoring the Smith Electric Vehicles brand and investing in new technology. A significant shift occurred in 2009 when Tanfield established Smith Electric Vehicles US Corp in Kansas City, Missouri, to enter the North American market. This American subsidiary, led by CEO Bryan Hansel, grew quickly. In a major turn of events, the US entity acquired its British parent company for $15 million in 2011, moving the headquarters to Kansas City. Following the acquisition, the company announced plans for an Initial Public Offering (IPO), aiming to raise significant capital for expansion. However, citing unfavorable market conditions, the IPO was ultimately withdrawn in 2012. Despite securing large customers like Coca-Cola and receiving government grants, the company struggled with profitability and production volume. By 2017, after failing to secure necessary funding, Smith Electric Vehicles ceased all operations, ending a nearly century-long journey in electric transportation.