Mercedes-Benz and Smart are gearing up for greater use of electric vehicles with the installation of recharging points across their dealer networks.

So far 20 Elektrobay recharging units, produced in the UK by Brighton-based Elektromotive, have been installed at seven locations as part of a pilot project, and further expansion of the initiative is planned later this year.

The Elektrobays have been given designated charging bays at Mercedes-Benz/Smart sites and can be used now by motorists involved in the smart fortwo electric drive trial.

“Electric vehicles will form an increasingly important part of our product development plans, and it is crucial that we put in place a recharging infrastructure to help our dealers and customers join the zero-emission revolution,” said Dermot Kelly, managing director Mercedes-Benz Cars.

“Elektromotive is the natural partner for this project and we are delighted with the work that they have done so far in getting the Elektrobay recharging points up and running.”

Three units have been installed at Mercedes-Benz World in Weybridge, Surrey, a further three at the Mercedes-Benz UK in Milton Keynes, four at the flagship Mercedes-Benz dealership in Brentford, seven at three Mercedes-Benz dealerships in the Midlands and three outside the showroom on Edgware Road, London.

All of the installation work has been undertaken by Vinci Energies United Kingdom, which is partnering with Elektromotive to deploy an infrastructure in the UK capable of charging electric vehicles whenever they are stationary at home, in public car parks, at the kerbside and at the workplace.