Seeing as most people already incorrectly assume smart cars are electric in the first place, Daimler’s roll-out of it’s new all electric, and intentionally lowercase, smart fortwo in November is more of a correction on its part than something new and cutting edge. The fact that the smart, given its very small size, was designed to be anything but an electric vehicle (EV) has baffled many critics and consumers alike for some time now.
Whatever its initial ‘reasoning’ might have been for having gasoline powered smarts, Daimler has announced that beginning in mid-November, the first electric versions of the smart fortwo will roll off the production line in Hambach, France. The zero-emission electric model will feature a Tesla-sourced lithium-ion battery, a 30 kW electric motor, and the ability to be charged via any household electric outlet. With a range of about 70 miles, the new smart should fit the needs of most urban dwellers and will most likely cost less than other full-sized EV’s slated to hit the market in the upcoming years.
Currently, only a few select customers in several U.S. cities will be able to lease the car for four years (EV1 deja vu anyone?). This initial group of lessees will “subject the environmentally friendly trendsetter (the Fortwo) to intensive real-world testing in tough everyday conditions,” according to the company. Um, okay. After the leasing program, Daimler is planning a wide release to the general marketplace for 2012.
The Good: Daimler is finally doing what should have been done in the first place. The size and weight of the EV fortwo requires less batteries, less time to charge, and hopefully less money to purchase.
The Bad: Unlike other car companies that will have EVs for SALE within the next year, Daimler has chosen to allow only a select few, in designated privileged selected cities, of leasing an EV fortwo for four years. 70 mile range is already short of the 100 mile average other EVs are estimated to get.
The Bottom-Line: A needed upgrade to the smart line, but is somewhat after the fact and not overly impressive when it comes to its expected performance and ownership options.
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