Smart ED will hit the road in 2010 !

Reaction from customers taking part in the UK trials of the Smart ForTwo Electric Drive, including police, universities, local councils, architects and energy companies, has been so encouraging that Daimler has confirmed it will go into production, with cars coming to the UK in early 2010.

The second-generation Smart ED will also be taking part in projects in Rome, Milan and Paris. Several cities in the US are also due to start trials of the battery-powered Smart and their feedback will be incorporated into future production models.

The production ED will have a lithium-ion battery giving longer range, shorter charging time and improved performance compared to the test vehicles, 100 of which have been on lease to UK fleet customers since December 2007 at £375 (about U$ 600) a month.

London mayor Boris Johnson said: "It's wonderful to see manufacturers such as Smart leading the way to make the battery vehicle an easy choice. The move to battery vehicles will have a huge impact on cutting carbon emissions to curb climate change whilst improving air quality and noise levels."

London director of transport Kulveer Ranger said: "We are working with manufacturers through the London Electric Vehicle Partnership and urge the auto industry to invest in this technology. Not only can we create "green collar" jobs but also smooth the way for less polluting transport choices."

Mercedes-Benz UK managing director Dermot Kelly said: "We're delighted that the UK trial is proving so successful. The Smart Electric Drive is exempt from road tax and the London congestion charge and has very low operating costs so the companies taking part in the trial are finding it makes financial sense too."

Source : Motoring, June 23rd, 2009