2 October 2008
News – Electric smart to join model line-up in 2010
Having run a successful road-test of the electric-powered smart fortwo in London, with 100 of the eco-friendly models, the German car manufacturer has announced that the car will go into mass production in 2010.
Businesses, fleet users and local authorities within the congestion charge zone trialed the car which has a 70-mile range and a top speed of 70mph. A smart representative told us London was chosen for the trial because it is one of the world’s least car-friendly cities. Traffic congestion still leaves parts of the city in gridlock at peak times of the day despite a hefty £8 a day congestion charge. Drivers also face limited parking availability, the risk of clamping and heavy fines.
Smart fortwo EV will have zero-emissions, making it the cleanest production car in the world. No exhaust fumes means no London congestion charges either which is a real boon to commuters or those who live in the centre of the city.
Running costs for the smart fortwo EV are expected to be around the same as for the petrol version, especially when free electricity hook-ups becomes more widely available for electric cars. The battery can be recharged through a standard domestic power point at the cost of around £1.20. A full recharge can be done overnight. Once fully charged the battery has a range of 70 miles and the 40 bhp motor can achieve a top speed of 70mph. Prices for the Smart fortwo EV have yet to be announced.
The Smart fortwo EV will join the petrol fuelled smart fortwo coupe, cabrio and BRABUS, and a diesel powered smart which is being launched in Spring 2009.
Mercedes-Benz cars have also announced that they will be launching an electric Mercedes car in 2010. CEO and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Dr Dieter Zetsche reportedly told a German newspaper: ‘We plan an electric Smart for 2010 and for the same year a Mercedes [electric] model as well’.
This is part of Mercedes’ commitment to sustainable mobility and one out of every five Mercedes will have hybrid-power by 2015. A new hybrid model will be launched every year from 2009.
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