smart electric drive cabriolet: emission-free power introduced

the smart ‘electric drive’ is making electric mobility more attractive thanks to the the agility of a smart coupled with emission-free driving. this is the fourth-generation electric smart, which is now available in all three bodystyles–including, for the first time, the smart ‘forfour’. this makes german-automaker the only car manufacturer worldwide to offer its model range with both combustion engines and pure battery-electric drive options. the smart ‘electric drive’ will celebrate its world premiere at the paris motor show (1 to 16 october 2016), while the market launch will start in the USA in december 2016 and in europe in early 2017. the ‘electric drive’ will go on sale early 2017, and first cars will arrive in the UK from september 2017.

the smart fortwo cabrio is the only electric cabriolet on the market

‘the smart is the perfect city car, and with electric drive it becomes a little bit more perfect,’ said annette winkler, head of smart. ‘this is why we will soon be offering our entire range – smart fortwo, smart cabrio and even our smart forfour – as all-electric versions. together with lots of smart fans and enthusiastic drivers of the three predecessor generations, we are looking forward to the unique driving fun offered by the new smart electric drive. and at very attractive prices, especially in countries where there is a buyer’s premium.’

with torque of 160 newton metres, the 60 kw electric car boasts exceedingly responsive acceleration

smart’s driving characteristics are expectedly agile and lively as ever. the ultra-small turning circle of 6.95 metres contributes to this. the smart electric drive will come with a variety of colors and will feature a host of optional equipment–making it easy for the customer to personalize their ‘electric drive’. a 60 kW (81 hp) electric motor works at the rear of the vehicle and transmits its power via a constant ratio to the wheels. powerful torque of 160 Nm is immediately available from a standstill. the electric drive has a range of approximately 160 km (100 miles). the maximum speed is electronically limited to 130 km/h (80 mph) to maximize the range.

electric drive has a range of approximately 160 km (100 miles)

charging time is an important factor for electric vehicle customers and the ‘electric drive’ boasts major improvements here. all models feature a powerful on-board charger as standard. in the USA and great britain the charging time is 2.5 hours–half as long as for its predecessor. in germany, where a different charger is needed due to single-phase alternating current, the ‘electric drive’ can be charged 40 percent faster than before at a household socket. with the ‘smart control’ app the charging process can be conveniently monitored remotely, the app also includes many more functions such as intelligent charging.

max speed is electronically limited to 130 km/h (80mph) to conserve energy

‘electric drive’ models come with additional dashboard instruments which show a power meter and battery status display or, on request, the winter package with heated steering wheel. the electric drive design package (optionally available) gives the vehicle an expressive look with tridion safety cell and door mirror caps painted in exclusive electric green. and every wish can be catered for when it comes to colors and optional equipment as the smart brabus tailor made individualization programme is also available for the ‘fortwo electric drive’.

smart fortwo, smart fortwo cabrio and smart forfour are all available as electric drive models

as well as the basic transmission mode the driver can select ‘eco’ mode. this is designed for a particularly efficient driving style. in addition, the maximum speed is limited, the accelerator pedal curve adjusted and the maximum recuperation level is pre-selected. in overrun mode or when braking the vehicle’s kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy–this is called recuperation. the radar-based recuperation, which is active in the basic transmission mode, is anticipatory. the traffic situation is monitored with a radar sensor and a recuperation level that suits the current situation is selected.

from 2017 a 22 kW fast charger will be available, charging in as little as 45 minutes

the smart ‘fortwo electric drive’ models are series produced at smart’s hambach plant (france). the ‘forfour electric drive’ is produced at the novo mesto site (slovenia). the smart is equipped with a battery from the daimler subsidiary deutsche accumotive. the company, based in kamenz, saxony, has been building the electric heart of the smart electric drive since 2012.

when fully charged the battery has sufficient power to cover approximately 160 kilometres (100 miles)