4 June 2009 – Contract Hire News – smart fortwo electric drive to benefit from investment
Good news this week for smart contract hire customers with their eye on a new fortwo electric drive when it launches next year.
Smart owners Daimler AG’s commitment to the development of electric cars has moved up a gear following investment in a leading electric car companies.
US car manufacturer Tesla Motors is the only company currently selling road legal electric powered cars, with distribution established in North America and Europe.
Daimler AG has recently acquired an equity stake of nearly 10% in Telsa and sees it as an important step forward in developing electric powered cars under the company’s Mercedes-Benz and smart brands.
Micro-hybrid smart fortwos have been available to contract hire since the end of last year, but the iconic micro-car manufacturer sees 100% electric powered cars being of increasing importance.
Speaking of the collaboration between the two companies Dr Thomas Weber, member of the board of Daimler AG responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars development said: ‘Our strategic partnership is an important step to accelerate the commercialization of electric drives globally.
‘As a young and dynamic company, Tesla stands for visionary power and pioneering spirit. Together with Daimler’s 120 years of experience in the automotive sector this collaboration is a unique combination of two companies' strengths. This marks another important milestone in Daimler’s strategy for sustainable mobility.’
With the financial arrangements complete it was down to work immediately with the first project being the integration of Telsa’s lithium-ion battery packs and charging electronics into smart’s electric drive fortwo.
The lithium-ion battery in Telsa’s 2-seater Roadster model is the largest and most capable electric battery in the world. With a charge capacity of 220 miles, the battery is lightweight and recyclable, but more remarkably it powers the Telsa Roadster from 0-60 mph in less than 4 seconds, with a top speed of 125 mph.
Given that the smart fortwo electric drive, currently undergoing extended pre-launch trials, has a range of up to 70 mph on a full charge and a top speed of 55 mph, it has yet to be revealed how Telsa’s lithium-ion battery will improve the performance of the smart fortwo ed.
Due to go into mass production next year, sales of smart fortwo ed will be given a huge boost if powered by the high performance Telsa lithium-ion battery.
A UK launch date for the Smart fortwo ed has yet to be announced. City Vehicle Leasing will be offering contract hire rates for business and personal use.
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