Kansas City, Mo. ? Missouri will receive more than $15 million in federal stimulus grants as part of a national effort to boost the battery and electric vehicle industry and create jobs.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced the Department of Energy grants during a visit to Kansas City on Wednesday. The Obama administration is providing $2.4 billion in stimulus funds for 48 grants in 25 states.

Smith Electric makes its vehicles in Europe. But its U.S. subsidiary is receiving a $10 million grant from the pool to help build its planned manufacturing plant near the Kansas City International Airport.

Locke said the grant would help Smith build up to 100 electric vehicles, including those in partnership with Ford Motor Co., such as an electric version of the F-150 pickup.