Smart Fortwo trial underway in the capital
David Bott, Director of Innovation Programmes at the Technology Strategy Board, said that the London trial is part of a larger UK trial and that its purpose is to monitor vehicle performance and user behaviour. The aim of this research is to support the development of low carbon technology and increase its practicality for UK drivers, especially for those driving on city roads. The trial involves a hundred vehicles, 60 of which are being leased in the capital and a further 40 are being leased in the West Midlands. This therefore means that Smart is running the largest electric car trial at present. One test-driver commented that he couldn’t think of a car that was better suited to urban driving and that the vehicle handles better than petrol or diesel versions of the model. Bethan Carver, Manager of Product Development at EDF Energy, said, “We believe over 80 per cent of all charging will take place at home or work. Nevertheless, we believe some public infrastructure is important.” As a result Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, has said that the number of charging points will increase to 25,000 by 2015. He said, “We are now on the brink of an exciting era of cleaner, greener electric motoring. London is already taking steps to ensure drivers in the capital will be able to embrace this new technology and plug in with confidence.” Related posts:
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The second generation Fortwo from