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View Full Version : Second gen Smart Fortwo BEV begins production this fall


xcel
08-20-2009, 04:16 AM
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/European_Union_Flag.jpg Tesla based Li-Ion’s are the Fortwo ED's power source unfortunately. (cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=228355)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2009_Smart_ED.jpgWayne Gerdes - CleanMPG (cleanmpg.com) - Aug. 20, 2009

Smart Fortwo ED – Single speed AT, 70-miles AER and a max speed of 62 mph.

Beginning in mid November 2009, the new Smart Fortwo ED (electric drive) will begin to roll off the production line at the Smart factory in Hambach, France. Unlike its first generation predecessor, the second generation Smart Fortwo ED is fitted with a more efficient Li-Ion pack housed in a space-saving location between the axles. A 40 HP electric motor is fitted in the rear providing acceptable acceleration with 88 lb-ft. of torque available. The Smart Fortwo ED can be charged from any normal household circuit. In Germany, a full charge costs approximately $2.80 USD allowing the Smart Fortwo ED to travel 70 miles.

If the diesel powered Smart Fortwo CDI were driven instead, the same distance would require approximately $7.00 USD with emissions almost an order of magnitude worse from a gallon of diesel fuel compared to an electrical generating plant well to wheel. This makes the BEV variant a practical solution for local zero-emission mobility in urban environments.

Smart Fortwo ED innovation

100 first generation Smart Fortwo ED’s have been in service since 2007 driving within the confines of London proper. The Smart Fortwo ED driving feedback has been very positive while also demonstrating the reliability and usability of the BEV concept.

In 2008, Smart presented the second generation Smart Fortwo ED using an even more advanced electric drive with an innovative Li-Ion pack.

"The second generation smart fortwo electric drive is based on a successful and accepted vehicle concept with character and inherent environmentally friendly characteristics,” said Marc Langenbrinck, Brand Manager for Smart. “Its innovative electric battery drive makes it the perfect car for the city: agile, economical and climate-friendly. Motoring with zero local emissions in an urban environment has become a reality. This equates to driving fun with a clear conscience."

Electronics optimizations

Advanced electronics ensure that the battery is in good condition while also monitoring the charging process. The vehicle's power electronics supply the electrical system with electric current from the battery via a DC/DC converter. In addition, the owner can control both the heating and air conditioning while connected to the grid to minimize battery use by running the A/C while plugged into the grid long before disconnecting their vehicle and driving off. No other car offers this comfortable option.

Low cost of ownership

Besides the low cost to refuel with electricity, maintenance costs are also considerably lower given the battery, motor and other components of the electric drive are maintenance-free.

In addition to the low running costs, there are further cost advantages including national subsidies, tax advantages or exemption from local toll charges such as the city congestion charge in London.

Smart Fortwo ED in major cities across Europe and the USA

From the end of 2009 the Smart Fortwo ED will be available to select lease only customers. Leases will be offered for a period of four years and 36,000 miles. The first vehicles are destined for the "e-mobility Berlin" project .

Additional second generation Smart Fortwo ED’s will be available to customers in Hamburg, Paris, Rome, Milan, Pisa, Madrid and even a few here in the USA.

From 2012, the ED variants will be produced in large volumes and made available to the public at large instead of a few special leases opening the floodgates to true BEV mobility the world over.

smart-za
08-20-2009, 09:22 AM
I've never had an occasion when I've had to travel further than 70 miles in my smart (partly because my wife and I use her car for longer trips). A battery version would be pretty attractive to me. I wonder what the CO2 emissions are like when it's charged with coal-derived electricity?

-Simon

WriConsult
08-20-2009, 02:30 PM
Awesome. An electric Smart would be very popular here. And electric drive would eliminate the bouncy shifting experience reported in the gas Smarts with automated MTs. Are they really going to call it the "ED" model, though? Let the jokes begin ...

JusBringIt
08-20-2009, 05:17 PM
Awesome. An electric Smart would be very popular here. And electric drive would eliminate the bouncy shifting experience reported in the gas Smarts with automated MTs. Are they really going to call it the "ED" model, though? Let the jokes begin ...

It is quite special :D

Indigo
08-20-2009, 05:42 PM
Any ideas about the price?

smart-za
08-21-2009, 01:28 AM
Are they really going to call it the "ED" model, though? Let the jokes begin ...

We had some funny ads for the smart when it was launched in South Africa. These are two I can remember:


Designed by very well endowed scientists
Perfect for your daughter - no back seat


-Simon

Blackbelt
08-21-2009, 09:37 AM
We had some funny ads for the smart when it was launched in South Africa. These are two I can remember:


Designed by very well endowed scientists
Perfect for your daughter - no back seat


-Simon

I really like this T shirt
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v103/davepenn/smallcar.jpg

Taliesin
08-21-2009, 04:22 PM
Perfect for your daughter - no back seat



That's just wrong...

wrong
wrong
wrong


:biglol::biglol:

But then I grew up in the age with those huge back seats you could really sleep in when you went camping.



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