Daimler Releases Additional Details About Smart ForTwo ED Coming to N. America
By Scott Doggett June 14, 2010
Following its launch in European cities last year, the new Smart ForTwo Electric Drive (a.k.a. Smart ED) will take to North American roads in coupes and convertibles in this autumn, Daimler announced in a statement today.
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The electrically powered city car has been rolling off the production line since November 2009, and due to what Daimler called "the huge demand" the initial production volume has been increased from 1,000 to 1,500 vehicles.
The second-generation Smart ED is equipped with a Tesla-developed 16.5-kilowatt/hour lithium-ion battery that powers the two-seater's 30-kilowatt rear-fitted electric motor, which can deliver a near-instant 88 ft-lb of torque.
That's enough power to accelerate the vehicle from 0-37 miles per hour in 6.5 seconds, which though not outstanding is as quick as the gasoline-powered Smart. The top speed has been limited to 62 miles per hour and driving range between charges is said to be 135 kilometers (83.8 miles).
Daimler has previously said it takes about 8 hours to charge a fully depleted battery using 220-volt outlet. Today, it stated that studies have shown that cars drive "an average of 30-40 kilometers [18-24 miles] per day in towns and cities. For this, the vehicle only needs to be charged for three hours."
Daimler said that at an average speed of 25-30 kilometers per hour (15-18 mph) "that is normal in city traffic" the Smart ED can drive for "around four to five hours continuously before it needs to be recharged. Plugging the car in overnight will fully recharge the battery."
Fifteen to 18 mph? No one in an American city drives 15-18 mph unless stuck in traffic, pulling away from a curb or maneuvering about a parking lot.
The first of the new, second-generation Smart EDs were handed over to customers in Berlin at the end of last year, and the zero-emissions vehicle "will now demonstrate its suitability for everyday use in further cities in Europe, North America and Asia," Daimler said.
From 2012, the Smart ED will be available to anyone interested in almost 40 Smart markets, Daimler said, without elaborating. It also did not discuss price today.
However, Smart USA President Jill Lajdziak told Green Car Advisor last week that plans call for leasing just 250 Smart EDs in the U.S. for a 4-year term at a whopping $599 a month.
The lease price is for a test program that will begin in the U.S. in October and concentrate on corporate fleet customers (80 percent) with a few individual leases tossed in (20 percent) for balance.
When retail pricing for 2012 (as 2013 models) is announced, it will reflect larger volumes of vehicles and the accompanying economies of scale, Lajdziak told us in an interview. We certainly hope that means less than $599 a month. The Nissan Leaf 5-seat EV will lease for $349 a month.
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