As the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders searches for 'the next big automotive innovation', it was announced today that a new electric vehicle for fleets will be coming to the UK this summer.

The SMMT launced the 2013 Award for Automotive Innovation to 'seek out fresh ideas, inventive concepts and pioneering products that have the potential to leave a lasting impact on the automotive industry and provide tangible benefits to motorists'.

Recognising innovations from a wide variety of disciplines across the automotive sector, it acknowledges the time, effort and investment that the businesses in the UK motor industry dedicate to R&D and innovation.

From the invention of the world''s first steel brake discs to the development of reflective road lighting, UK engineering has, without a doubt, played a major role in shaping the global automotive industry. Today, automotive is the UK''s third largest sector for R&D investment, with domestic companies spending more than £1.5bn a year on R&D projects that push the boundaries of automotive technology and innovation.

"The UK is home to some of history''s most renowned automotive innovators, but today we are calling for designers and engineers that are working on the technology of tomorrow," explained Mike Baunton, SMMT Interim Chief Executive. "UK automotive is working hard to stay at the forefront of our global industry and SMMT''s Award for Automotive Innovation will draw attention to some of the best ideas that could benefit the sector for years to come."

Last year’s Award was won by Optare plc for its Optare Versa EV – the UK''s first fully operational, full-sized, battery-powered electric bus. The awards this year will be judged by the SMMT and a panel of four experts.

Glenn Saint, Deputy CEO of Optare, said, “Winning the SMMT Innovation Award was a major boost to our efforts to make electric buses an integral part of the UK transport infrastructure. It significantly raised awareness among key audiences leading to an increase in enquiries, from both domestic and international markets, and has confirmed our status as the UK’s leader in the field of low carbon buses."

The Award for Automotive Innovation 2013 is free to enter and the winner will be announced at SMMT’s 97th Annual Dinner on November 26, 2013 at Grosvenor House, Park Lane, in front of 1,000 'senior industry delegates'.

NEW ELECTRIC CAR

The news of the award comes on the same day that French green car manufacturer Mia Electric announced they are to launch in the UK this summer.

Mia-Electric is a specialist, dedicated EV vehicle manufacturer, producing both car and CV bodystyles, offered on a common chassis and drivetrain and designed specifically for urban environments.  All vehicles are produced in France, at the former Heuliez factory in Cerizay, and are already on sale across Europe.

Designed to put the ‘fun’ into functional, all Mia-Electric vehicles are bespoke EVs, designed for the city and offering a central driving position, sliding doors, a cut-out floor and roof and ABS body panels.

Each is driven by two Lithium Ion Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, generating 12 kW, a stable chemistry giving a range of up to 74 miles and recharging fully in 5 hours.  Batteries can be charged at any time, with a 10-minute charge providing a 5-mile range.

The official British Mia-Electric importers will be Venture Automotive Holdings Ltd, trading as ‘Mia-Electric UK’. The company will target business drivers and fleet operators initially, based on the vehicle’s obvious economic and environmental advantages, in urban and return-to-base, delivery use.

“There is a very real and practical place for EVs in the UK vehicle market,” explained Venture Automotive Holdings’ Managing Director Paul Evans. “But we are realistic in the best place for them. Urban environments, short journeys and regular return-to-base delivery fleets are ideal for electric vehicles. That’s where the cost per mile and zero emissions benefits are greatest and what Mia is designed for.”

Mia-Electric’s launch to the UK fleet market will coincide with revisions to the London Congestion Charge in July, which will see only vehicles emitting CO2 of 75g/km, exempt from the charge – something only attainable currently by plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles.

Mia-Electric vehicles will be offered with a ‘Peace of Mind’ programme - a five year or 70,000-mile warranty for vehicle, battery, electric drivetrain and anti-corrosion and roadside assistance.

Prices will start from £16,995 + VAT, on-the-road - and that includes the government’s Plug-In Car Grant.