2010 Paris Auto Show: smart fortwo Electric Drive

Having failed to impress the world “as is” in recent years, Daimler's brand smart is trying a new approach, one which just might, in the future, bring it the sales figures the German manufacturer is hoping for. The smart has traveled to Paris, where it will be on display both in the usual internal combustion engine guise, but also with electric drive.

The smart fortwo Electric Drive is powered by a 30 kW magneto-electric motor installed at the rear which provides a torque of 120 Nm at the first turn of the wheel. The unit enables the tiny vehicle to accelerate from naught to sixty in 6.5 seconds, just as fast as the petrol model.

The car draws its power from a lithium-ion battery developed by Tesla. Capable of being recharged from any 220 Volt socket, the 16.5 kWh battery allows for a maximum range of 135 km (83 miles). According to Daimler, recharging takes about 3 hours, but the math has been done taking into consideration an average speed of 25 - 30 km/h (15-18 mph).

Otherwise, the model comes equipped with the same features as the regular version. The model features air conditioning with automatic temperature control electric power steering, electric windows, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors.

"Daimler is spearheading electric mobility with the smart fortwo electric drive,” says Marc Langenbrinck smart brand manager. “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."

Daimler has already begun deploying the vehicle in several markets, including Paris, Rome, Milan, Pisa, London and the Midlands, Madrid and Zurich.