2013 is going to see a brand new version of the Smart Fortwo. This one will be a pure electric version plus there is going to be a Cabriolet version made as well. When it goes on sale in America, it will be the lowest priced electric car starting at $25,000 and the Cabriolet will start at $28,000.
The electric motor is going to be a 55 kilowatt one which has been developed by Bosch. The motor is going to be quieter and more powerful than the fuel powered one it replaces. The motor will be positioned between the rear wheels.
0 - 96 km/h takes about 11.5 seconds which is actually 1.3 seconds faster than the petrol version however top speed is only 125 km/h. The Fortwo Electric will be able to pull away from a standstill quicker than its fuel powered cousin as the motor generates a lot more torque. It gives out 96 ft-pounds whereas the fuel powered smart only puts out 68 ft-pounds. The Electric version gives out 74 hp whilst the fuel version gives out 70 hp.
The battery is a new 17.6 kilowatt lithium-ion one made by Mercedes. The battery pack has been placed under the seats. This is where it would be best protected from any impact to the vehicle. The range of the battery is around 140 km’s. Recharging the battery should charge to full in 6 hours and a typical charge from about 20 to 85 percent should take three hours and thirty minutes. There will also be an option for a quick charge.
Smart are also offering three different charging stations for the vehicle. There is a basic version and there will also be a connected version. The connected one would allow for some functions to be controlled through your smart phone or by using the internet when the vehicle is plugged into the charger. There is also a connected-plus version which will allow multiple vehicles to be charged at the same time. This version would mainly be used for commercial fleets. If you have access to a charging station that uses a 499-volt charge, you will be able to charge up the vehicle in one hour.
Features of the vehicle will include an enlarged grille opening at the front as well as LED daytime running lights. It will have fully automatic air conditioning that has a pollen filter and pre-air conditioning. There is also some minor modifications to the rear of the vehicle to enhance aerodynamics, safety and comfort.
If car rental companies in major cities, like Sydney do start to move their fleets to vehicles which are a hybrid or all electric like the then this would reduce their carbon footprint as well as helping to reduce their maintenance costs for their fleets and the need to refuel their vehicles. This would also reduce the cost for car rental in sydney.