Smith Electric Vehicles (also known as Smith's) is the world's leading manufacturers of electric commercial vehicles; battery-powered vans, and trucks Smith Electric Vehicles has always focused on the commercial vehicle market – it does not produce electric cars and has never done so. In 2011 after its United States subsidiary bought its European parent for $15 million it is based in Kansas City, Missouri. Founded in 1920 in North East England, it now produces the largest range of commercial electric vehicles in the world, with Gross Vehicle Weights (GVWs) from 3,500 kg – 12,000 kg.