FORD has launched a pilot scheme for environmentally-friendly fleet managers wanting to evaluate the pros and cons of using electric vehicles in London.

For £80 per month, firms can sign up for one of 15 Fleet News Award-winning TH!NK City electric cars a year before the zero emission model is released to the public. Companies that take part in the scheme, called TH!NK @bout London, will have to fill in a weekly survey about usage.

Jakob Alkil, vice-president of marketing and sales for TH!NK Europe said: 'All sizes of companies will be considered. It's likely that the successful organisations will have a proven track record on environmental issues.'

The scheme has received enthusiastic backing from environmental campaigners. Roger Higman, senior climate change campaigner at Friends of the Earth said: 'This is an excellent initiative. Green thinking, innovative organisations in London should look to see if one of their vehicles could be replaced by one that's more efficient and emits no pollution.'

Ford believes the cars will be tasked with light delivery work and short trips. The firm claims the TH!NK costs about 40p per night to charge, using a standard socket, will reach a top speed of 56mph with a range of around 53 miles.