Daimler AG has started a trial run of its electric smart fortwo (aka smart ed) vehicle in the city of Islington, UK. The vehicle powered solely by electricity, and chargeable from any three-pin socket the smart ed (electric drive) can achieve the equivalent of 300 mpg – that amounts to a saving of up to 80% in fuel costs over the already highly economical smart fortwo.

The ev can travel up to 72 miles between charges, which typically take around 8 hours for a full charge. During the test phase, but possibly even after the official launch, drivers will find free electricity provided by some London boroughs, as well as free or discounted parking. Among the partners already enrolled in the trial are Urban Splash, Islington and Coventry Councils, Foster & Partners, CarbonNeutral Company, EDF Energy and Amey.