Daimler’s new Smart ForTwo Ed electric vehicle is getting some real-world testing on London streets by a handful of agencies, companies and the Metropolitan Police to demonstrate the advantages of zero-emission driving.

The Smart Ed is powered solely by electricity and can be charged from any 3-pin socket, which includes the numerous charging bays springing up all over London to accommodate those without garages. The Smart Ed will get you 72 miles on a full charge which typically takes 8 hours to complete. With a top-up charge during the day, the driving range can be extended to 100 miles.

The engine is a permanent-magnetic electric motor that gets 30kW/41hp with 140Nm maximum torque, delivered to the wheels as soon as you hit the pedal. As far as acceleration goes, the car can apparently deliver 0-60 km/h in 5.7 seconds.

The car is silent and does not incur road tax or the Central London congestion charge. To encourage residents to make the switch to EVs, some councils such as Islington are issuing free parking permits and are providing free electricity for recharges for just a small annual administration fee.

The testing of these diminutive two-seaters is being conducted in partnership with Islington and Coventry Councils, EDF Energy, Urban Splash, Foster & Partners, The Carbon Neutral Company and Amey.

See the photos below for the car and charging bays in action plus head on over to Newride London to locate charging stations in the UK.

Sources:
Smart Ed and BenzInsider and Islington Council
Via: Jalopnik