Smart ForTwo goes Electric

Following close on the heels of its name, Daimler AG's super-cute Smart ForTwo has now really gone smart! A specialised all-electric drive was under test in the UK and with satisfactory results from the tests, the car will now go under small series production going on sale early next year. The trial included the metropolitan police, universities, local councils, architects and energy companies.

The second generation Smart ForTwo Electric Drive will also subsequently undergo trials in Rome, Milan and Paris. In fact several cities in the US will also see these completely electric cars deployed and the feedback received will help develop future vehicles. The Smart ForTwo features a Lithium-Ion battery which boasts of increased range, lower charging time and improved performance apart from offering an emissionless drive.

Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, said: "It is absolutely fantastic to see manufacturers like smart leading the way to make the electric vehicle an easy choice for Londoners. The move to electric vehicles, which emit zero pollution on London's streets, will have a massive impact on cutting carbon emissions to curb climate change whilst improving air quality and noise levels for our citizens."

Kulveer Ranger, Mayor's director of transport, said: "The Mayor and I are working with manufacturers through the London Electric Vehicle Partnership and urge the entire car industry to invest in this technology. Not only can we create green collar jobs but also smooth the way for less polluting transport choices which will improve our air quality, reduce traffic noise and contribute significantly to the Mayor's ambitious carbon emissions reduction target."

Dermot Kelly, Managing Director Mercedes-Benz UK, said: "smart have been leading the way in pioneering environmentally friendly, sustainable concepts for future mobility and we're delighted that the UK trial is proving to be so successful. The smart electric drive is exempt from vehicle excise duty and the London congestion charge and this, underlined with incredibly low operating costs, means that companies taking part in the trial are finding it makes perfect fiscal sense."