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Following successful trials in
the UK, the iconic,
zero-emission, smart fortwo
electric drive is ready for
small series production.
Reaction from customers taking
part in the UK trial, including
the Metropolitan Police,
universities, local councils,
architects and energy companies,
has proved so encouraging that
smart’s parent company, Daimler
AG, can confirm that the smart
electric drive will go into
small series production, with
cars coming to the UK in early
2010.
The second generation smart
electric drive 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 fully electric car
and the invaluable feedback will
be incorporated into the
development of future production
models.
Featuring a lithium-ion battery
the second generation smart
electric drive’s power source
will have a longer range, boast
a shorter charging time and will
give improved performance.
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.”
News provided by
www.electric-smart-car.co.uk
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