Our Projects

Smart ED Trial

Cenex is working with Mercedes-Benz UK and Smart GmbH in a market trial of 100 Smart ED (electric drive) electric cars in the UK.   The first of the vehicles was delivered to Coventry City Council on 21^st December 2007.  Cenex itself will be trialing four of the vehicles.

 What is the Smart ED?

The smart ED is based on the smart fortwo, with an electric motor, battery pack and control unit added by Zytek in Fradley, UK.

 Based on its 30kW output the smart ed sets a new benchmark in the electric vehicle sector in that it can sustain a top speed of 60 MPH (electronically limited) and offers even better in town performance than its petrol powered stable mate. Range is around 70 miles with current battery availability.

 Why is Cenex supporting the Smart ED Project?

• The Smart ED uses electric driveline components and systems sourced from UK supplier Zytek, fulfilling Cenex’s remit to support the UK supply chain for innovative low carbon automotive technologies.
• The Smart ED project represents the largest electric vehicle trial to be undertaken in the UK in recent years.  Cenex is using the field trial phase of the project to collect useful information on the suitability of electric vehicles to different fleet operations to help inform both fleet operators and technology developers about the market requirements for electric vehicles. 

 How is Cenex Supporting the Smart ED Project?

Cenex provided the project with £100,000 of direct funding to support the development and testing of the electric drive and battery system.  It will also provide additional support by:

• assisting the development of field trial projects to place the 100 vehicles
  
• promotion and dissemination of information gleaned from the project through the Low Carbon and Fuel Cell Technology Knowledge Transfer Network

• funding qualitative and quantitative testing of the vehicles while on trial

 Quantitative field trial data concerns the performance and reliability of the EV powertrain under real-world conditions and drive cycles.

 Qualitative studies seek to assess the applicability of the Smart EV to operator needs.  This type of study involves data recording on the part of operators related to whether personal choice affected their choice to use the vehicle for a particular task and when trip/job requirements prevent this.