Elektromotive and smart collaborate on EV trial

The world’s leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) recharging solutions, Elektromotive, has been selected as one of the UK companies trialling the smart electric drive. By testing the car in ‘real-life’ situations, Elektromotive will provide invaluable data to Mercedes-Benz, the manufacturer of smart, which will help shape the development of this iconic car.

Elektromotive has taken delivery of its own fully electric smart and, over the next 4 years, will report back on the car’s battery performance, reliability and range. The information will be evaluated by smart as it moves towards small series production of the smart electric drive in 2010.

The trial will also form part of Elektromotive’s ongoing research and development programme, helping it devise new EV charging facilities for installation at the roadside, in car parks, at homes and in business premises.

The keys to the smart electric drive were presented to Elektromotive’s Managing Director, Calvey Taylor-Haw, by the smart electric drive Project Manager, Tom Morrison Jones.
at Mercedes-Benz World in Brooklands, Surrey.

“The shift towards zero emissions motoring is fast gathering pace, and it is vital that fully compatible recharging infrastructures for EVs are put in place across Europe,” said Mr. Taylor-Haw. “With daily access to a smart electric drive we will accelerate the real-world evaluation of new charging technologies, such as fast-charging solutions for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.

“To be working with a major manufacturer like smart also enables us to have an input into how future EVs will operate, especially in terms of battery performance.”

The smart electric drive has been developed by Mercedes-Benz and is powered solely on electricity. It is virtually silent when running and also emits no harmful substances, such as carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide, into the environment. Charged using a standard three-pin plug, the iconic two seater has a range of up to 70 miles and has a top speed of 60mph.

Dermot Kelly, Managing Director Mercedes-Benz UK, commented, “The smart electric drive project is an important part of our commitment towards developing sustainable transport solutions across the Mercedes-Benz business. smart continues to be a pioneer in the world of environmentally friendly and economical driving and we’re delighted that Elektromotive is our partner in this exciting electric car trial.”

Already located on roadsides throughout London and in other major UK conurbations, as well as in shopping-centre car parks across the country, the Elektrobay charging station is compatible with all fully-electric vehicles and plug-in electric hybrids. Its ease of use has already proven popular among electric vehicle drivers, leading to round-the-clock usage and heightening demand for additional installations on UK streets.