The collaboration will initially aim to supply battery fuel cell hybrid vehicles to local authorities and other fleet operators across Germany. The partners will then address projects in the UK and North America.

The new partnership with Proton Power Systems will target Smith’s highly successful Edison range of electric light-duty vehicles. These are currently used by leading UK brands such as Sainsbury’s, Scottish & Southern Energy, and Royal Mail.

Smith Electric Vehicles has also rolled out its larger Newton vehicle in North America, through its associate company, Smith Electric Vehicles US Corporation.

Proton Power and Smith will present the first fuel cell hybrid prototype at the Hannover Fair, in April in Germany. The partners plan to roll out the fuel cell hybrid vehicle in transport and maintenance applications across German municipalities, with the first vehicles due to be delivered in the last quarter of 2010.