Electric drive

Aston University and North Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Trust are piloting an exclusive electric car trial.

The organisations are two of only 60 to have taken delivery of the latest smart ed (electric drive) car, which will be officially launched next year.

The two-seater car, which is plugged into any UK mains three-pin plug socket, travels 70 miles on a single charge, achieves the equivalent of 300 miles to the gallon and has a top speed of 60mph.

Prof Julia King, vice-chancellor of Aston University, who sits on the UK government’s Advisory Committee on Climate Change, will be among senior university staff using the car to attend regional meetings.

Similarly, support services provider, Amey, which has taken delivery of the smart ed car for the NHS, will see the Mental Health Trust regularly using the vehicle for cross-city journeys.

Prof King, who also led the government’s ‘King Review’ to examine how alternative transport and fuels could reduce carbon emissions from road transport, said; 'I believe electric vehicles and car-share schemes are a fantastic opportunity to reduce congestion, noise and pollution from our streets.