Daimler Announces EV Offensive with smart and B-Klasse F-Cell

Although both the electric version of the smart and the B-Klasse F-Cell have been detailed already and are even in production, German carmaker Daimler announced yesterday the beginning of deliveries for both the vehicles and the start of the race for a greener future.

"As a global supplier of premium cars we want to meet the mobility requirements of our customers all over the world. This is why we are broadly positioned and have developed a modular drive mix to suit different requirements," Dieter Zetsche, Daimler CEO said in a release.

"The smart fortwo electric drive and the Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL are already demonstrating the contribution that electric cars can make to sustainable mobility."

As we said, Mercedes has begun delivering the two vehicles to its customers. The B-Klasse F-Cell is powered by an electric motor which develops 136 hp and a maximum torque of 290 Nm, available from the first rotation. It draws power from a lithium-ion battery with an output of 35 kW and a capacity of 1.4 kWh. The battery provides a total range of 385 km (240 miles).

The electric smart will use a new battery, sourced from Tesla Motors, housed between the axles to save space in the two-seater. It powers a 30 kW magneto-electric motor fitted at the rear. The motor provides 120 Nm of torque instantly, allowing the electric fortwo to reach the impressive naught to sixty acceleration time of 6.5 seconds.