14 January 2009 – Contract hire news – New smart fortwo electric drive
Smart fortwo looks set to be the most economical and ecologically friendly contract hire car on the planet well into the future. The next generation of the smart fortwo coupe – an electric drive prototype - is being shown this weekend at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) aka the Detroit Motorshow, as smart explores the opportunities for the electric fortwo in the US.
The American market for smart is still in its infancy with the brand having been launched there only a year ago. Whilst some industry commentators were skeptical that the micro-car would catch on with a nation that drive the largest motorcars in the world, American motorists have taken to the smart in their thousands. Annuals sales targets were smashed within the first nine months and almost overnight America became the third largest market in the world for the smart car.
The electric drive fortwo demonstrates smart’s pioneering role in developing alternative technologies to power motorcars not just of the future, but of the here and now. Following numerous pilot projects around the world the lithium-ion battery powered smart fortwo goes into production towards the end of this year.
Lithium-ion-technology looks set to take electric drive cars a step nearer to being a real option to car drivers. More reliable and compact that other types of battery (that can take up half the boot space), lithium-ion packs offer high performance and shorter recharge times.
In 2007 London was the destination for 100 smart fortwo electric drives. High traffic congestion, pollution levels and shortage of parking made the UK capital the idea city to put the battery-powered cars to a real-life test. Local businesses and individuals who drive in inner city areas were given the opportunity to lease a smart fortwo electric drive for four years or 40,000, and provide valuable feedback to help smart assess the long-term sustainability of the lithium-ion powered car and the technologies it uses.
Smart fortwo is also part of the world’s largest initiative to create zero-emission battery electric drives - e-mobility Berlin. Energy provider RWE is building 500 electricity charging stations and Daimler is supplying 100 electric drive cars. The tests start in the spring.
A similar project ‘e-mobility Italy’ sees smart partner with Italy’s leading energy supplier Enel for a trial with 100+ electric smart cars and 400 charging stations in Rome, Milan and Pisa.
The lithium-ion powered smart fortwo coupe will be available on contract hire in the UK at the end of 2009.
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