Elektromotive has been selected as one of the UK companies to trial the smart electric drive.

By testing the car in ‘real-life’ situations, Elektromotive will provide data to Mercedes-Benz, the manufacturer of smart, which will help shape the development of the car.

Elektromotive has taken delivery of its own fully electric smart and, over the next 4 years, will report back on the car’s battery performance, reliability and range.

The information will be evaluated by smart as it moves towards small series production of the smart electric drive in 2010.

The trial will also form part of Elektromotive’s ongoing research and development programme, helping it devise new EV charging facilities for installation at the roadside, in car parks, at homes and in business premises.