Hillingdon residents to test drive electric cars

The scheme, due to be launched next year, will see 20 lucky families loaned a brand new Ford Focus Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) for 3 months.

The scheme, part of the Government's £25m Ultra-Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstration, will see Hillingdon Council join with the Ford Motor Company, Scottish and Southern Energy and the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.

A fleet of zero-emissions Ford Focus cars will be used by both the energy company and a number of evaluation drivers based in Hillingdon, west London, with prototype vehicles and a charging infrastructure introduced around Hillingdon from early 2010.

Cllr Keith Burrows, Cabinet Member for Planning and Transportation commented: "As one of the largest boroughs in London with a high percentage of green spaces, Hillingdon has always been at the forefront of initiatives to promote greater respect for our environment and the health of our planet. We are delighted to be involved in this latest project which will see our network of charging points for electric cars grow as well as provide a unique opportunity for some of our residents to get involved."

Joe Greenwell, Ford of Britain chairman, said: "Battery electric vehicles represent an important step in Ford's pursuit of delivering more efficient and sustainable mobility solutions. Ford is looking forward to working with its project partners on developing a viable market for electric vehicles both in the UK and Europe."

The project are looking to develop some 20 public charging points in the borough and to have 5 Electric Ford Focus cars on loan to residents for 3 months each over a 2 year period (20 residents in total will benefit and have their homes fitted with domestic charging points).

Applications are now closed. Read more »