German Chancellor Angela Merkel (C) plugs an electrical cable into an electric Smart car as German car maker Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche (L) and President of the German Automobile Industry Association Matthias Wissmann (R) watch in Berlin September 5, 2008. Daimler and energy group RWE unveiled on Friday a pilot project to promote electric vehicles in Berlin that was inspired by one in London.

German car maker Daimler and energy group RWE unveiled on Friday a pilot project to promote electric vehicles in Berlin that was inspired by one in London.

The German version was "the world's largest joint project for environmentally friendly electric cars," a joint statement said.

In the "e-mobility Berlin" plan's first phase, Daimler would provide 100 Mercedes and Smart cars to a wide range of users the company would probably select in the near future based on applications, a spokeswoman told AFP.

"We are looking to receive as much feedback as possible," she said, adding that the vehicles would likely be supplied on a leasing basis.

RWE, meanwhile, is to set up and supply a network of 500 charging stations around the capital, with an estimated launch date of late 2009.

"We are convinced that the future of mobility is green," a statement quoted Daimler chairman Dieter Zetsche as saying.

RWE chief executive Juergen Grossmann added that his group would develop "an individually-tailored, intelligent and convenient charging structure at home, at the workplace and in public places."

The project is backed by the German government, which hopes to adopt in November a national plan for the development of electric vehicles.

It builds on one launched last year by Daimler in London, where a fleet of electric Smart cars are now being tested by police and other authorities.

© 2008 AFP