Daimler AG has boosted its position in the electric car market by acquiring an equity stake of almost ten per cent in Tesla Motors.
The move will help the two companies work together more closely in the development of battery systems for cars, with Tesla currently being the only production car maker to be selling electric vehicles in Europe.
Daimler has already been trying to integrate Tesla’s lithium-ion battery packs on some of the vehicles in its smart car range, which have been undergoing trials in London since 2007 through fleet operators and private customers.
Dr Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, said: "Our strategic partnership is an important step to accelerate the commercialisation of electric drives globally.
"This marks another important milestone in Daimler’s strategy for sustainable mobility."
The Metropolitan Police has also remarked that the electric vehicles from the smart range could be an ideal choice to be used in central London.
This is because they can run for 70 miles on one charge, while also being able to reach a top speed of 55 miles per hour.
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