Daimler to Test Smart Fortwo EV in London

Daimler plans to begin testing plug-in electric versions of its Smart Fortwo microcar in London next month.

According to the Financial Times, depending on the outcome of the trial, production models for retail customers could be in showrooms as soon as 2010.

The carmaker will deliver around 100 models to customers in the capital in mid-December and will conduct similar trials in two other European cities.

The cars will be predominantly leased to corporate and public sector buyers, including the Metropolitan Police, for a four year period.

The German company’s London project for Smart comes amid signs of carmakers’ growing interest in electric and other less-polluting vehicles as regulators push them to help reduce green­house-gas emissions.

Renault and Nissan plan to sell electric cars commercially by 2012.

Some niche producers are also close to launching electric cars. Norwegian group Think Global plans to begin selling electric minicars in London next year.

Daimler chose London for the pilot in part because of its network of free public recharging stations.

Read more about Smart Fortwo electric.

[source: FT]