Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

Refurb-a-Sash goes ‘Green’ with smart electric powered cars

Refurb-A-Sash, London’s Award Winning Traditional timber Sash Window Specialists, took delivery of two fully electric smart cars this week.

The iconic, two seater cars are part of a UK market trial being run by Mercedes-Benz UK with a small number of specially selected clients. Refurb-a-Sash will put the smart ed’s (electric drive) to work as pool vehicles for their estimators, surveyors and technical staff to visit installation sites and potential clients in the London area.

Refurb-a-Sash is a specialist joinery making & installing bespoke sash & casement windows for London’s period properties, many situated within designated conservation areas.

Adrian Thompson, Managing Direct of Refurb-a-Sash, comments: “As a business based in a residential part of London we recognise the importance of conservation and the need to protect the environment. The smart ed has zero emissions which is not only good for the environment but make sound business sense. Powered solely by electricity and chargeable from any three-pin socket the smart ed can achieve the equivalent of 300 mpg. They have a range of about 70 miles between charges, which for our business is ideal. So for us going ‘green’ is a decision based on a sound financial justification.”

The smart ed (electric drive) emits no carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, unburned hydro-carbons, particulate matter or any harmful substance – in fact it emits nothing at all! It retains all the safety equipment you would find on a regular smart, so unlike other electric cars, a smart ed has ESP, ABS brakes, two Airbags and seat belt pre-tensioners.

Dermot Kelly, MD Mercedes-Benz Cars, said: “This market trial is an important part of our commitment to sustainable mobility and we are delighted that Refurb-a-Sash is taking part. Their application is ideally suited to demonstrate how pure electric drive vehicles are both a practical and useable alternative to petrol/diesel powered cars”.

The smart ed sets a new benchmark in the electric vehicle sector; it has 30kW output and a top speed of 60 mph. It offers nippy in-town performance with 0-30 mph in 6.5 seconds and is exempt from vehicle excise duty and congestion charge.

Adrian summarises: “We are very excited about this innovation and the opportunity to be part of this important trial with Mercedes Benz. We have long been fans of the petrol powered smart car, and the smart ed is one of a number of practical initiatives we are employing to reduce carbon emissions. I believe it demonstrates that small / medium sized business can make a significant contribution to reducing energy consumption”.

Editors’ Notes

This market trial is supported by Cenex, the UK’s first national Centre of Excellence for low carbon and fuel cell technologies. Cenex is a project partner and will be assisting in the field trial phase of the project. (www.cenex.co.uk).

The drive train for the smart ed is produced in the UK by technology
partner, Zytek Group, who undertake final assembly of the smart ed
in Fradley, near Lichfield.

Refurb-a-Sash is a traditional timber window specialist based in Twickenham, West London and was recently highly commended as ‘Green Business of the Year 2007’ see www.refurbasash.co.uk

About Refurb-a-Sash
Refurb-a-Sash hand builds traditional cord and weight operated sash windows to exacting standards for London’s period properties. Refurb-a-Sash are specialists in conservation projects and for work with listed and heritage properties.


For further info, photos or interview opportunities contact:
Sue EylesAdrian Thompson
Bluebird MediaRefurb-a-Sash
01628 638001020 8892 1166
sue@bluebirdmedia.co.ukAdrian@refurbasash.co.uk