Smart is trialling electric drive (ed) versions of its Fortwo in the midlands with Aston University and Amey, the support services provider.Smart ED

Smart is working with around 60 business partners and green energy suppliers to test the car in ‘real-life’ situations, in advance of the market launch in 2010.

Dermot Kelly, managing director Mercedes-Benz UK, handed over the cars to Professor Julia King, vice chancellor at Aston University and Keith Sexton of Amey.

Kelly said: “The Smart electric drive market trial 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 Aston University and Amey are our partners in the trial as we move towards the future of driving.”

The Smart ed

The Smart ed has no emissions and retains all the safety equipment normally found on a regular Smart like traction control, ABS brakes, driver and passenger airbags and seat belt pre-tensioners.

The two seater cars have a top speed of 60mph (electronically limited), a range of 70 miles on a single charge and can achieve the equivalent of 300mpg.

The Smart ed is charged by plugging it directly into any UK mains three pin plug socket. An 80% charge will take four hours and to charge the car to 100% will take eight hours.