Mitsubishi has handed over the keys to 25 i-MiEV electric cars as part of the Government-funded Technology Strategy Board user trials.

The trials do not involve fleets but are rather being used to see how private drivers cope with electric cars’ limited range and developing charging infrastructure as well as to see how the cars work under real-world driving conditions.

However, some companies are involved including Arval (see case study at the end of the article).

This is the first stage of a Government-supported UK-wide project to trial electric and ultra low emission vehicles.

The project is worth £15 million and will trial 110 vehicles on the roads of Birmingham and Coventry.

Across the UK, 340 vehicles are being tested using funding from the Technology Strategy Board.

Drivers selected for the trials of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and 85 other vehicles were chosen through an application process led by Coventry University.

The other five manufacturers that will roll out vehicles in 2010, include:

  • Smart ed x 40 electric cars
  • Tata Indica x 25 electric car
  • Microcab x 10 Hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles
  • Land Rover Range_e x 5 plug in hybrid vehicles
  • LTI x 5 electric taxis
     

Case study

Arval employee Dave Pearson took delivery of a i-MiEV. He will be using the car for the next year, reporting back on his experiences along the way.

Pearson, a sales support executive at Arval’s Birmingham office, has had a charging point installed at his home.

Arval has also installed a designated charging point at its offices.

Throughout the year, Pearson will be working with Arval’s consultancy team to build a picture of the strengths, weaknesses and practicalities of using the electric vehicle.

“When Arval announced that an employee would get the opportunity to be involved in the trial I jumped at the chance," said Pearson.

"As well as reducing my environmental impact, it is a great opportunity to be an early adopter of this new technology and reduce my travel costs in the process.”

Danny Clenaghan, director at Arval and head of the company’s Environmental Impact Group added: “We have been using electric vehicles for nearly two years and it’s crucial that we continue to be receptive to new technologies and new modes of travel.

"This is a zero tailpipe emissions vehicle which will save money and the environment so we are delighted to be involved in the trial."