Marc Langenbrinck, responsible for brand management at smart, said: "In 1998 smart revolutionised urban mobility with the unique smart fortwo vehicle concept. Now smart is once again taking on a pioneering role and redefining zero-emission urban mobility. We are the first manufacturer to launch a series-produced electric vehicle. Daimler is spearheading electric mobility with the smart fortwo electric drive. The smart fortwo electric drive is a further logical step in the evolution of the smart brand which boasts the fleet with the lowest fuel consumption anyway."
The car is powered by a 30 kW magneto-electric motor installed at the rear of the new smart fortwo electric drive. The engine reacts directly without delay and provides 120 Newton metres of torque, which is immediately available. This means that the smart fortwo electric drive accelerates from 0 - 37 mph (0 - 60 km/h) in 6.5 seconds and is limited to a top speed of 62 mph (100 km/h).
Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Head of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars said: "All in all we believe that the outlook for electric mobility is good. Whilst our competitors are still presenting electric show cars, smart brought production models that are fully suitable for everyday use to the roads last year. This once again demonstrates our technical expertise and responsibility."
The second generation smart with electric drive has a lithium-ion battery which can be charged at any normal household socket. A full recharge costs about 2 Euros in Germany and is good for 135 km. The electric drive smart will be available to all the people interested in it starting 2012.
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