Smart moves from e-cars to e-mobility

The 2012 third generation Smart ForTwo Electric Drive will offer an upgraded drivetrain that gives improved acceleration, top speed and range, with sales commencing in 30 markets from Q2 next year.


The 2012 model will feature a new 73 hp electric motor jointly developed by Mercedes-Benz and Bosch.  0-37 mph (0-60 km/h) time is reduced by 1.5 seconds to 5.0 seconds. Top speed increases from 62 mph (100 km/h) to 75 mph (120 km/h). A new lithium-ion battery pack produced by Deutsche ACCUmotive, replaces the Tesla-supplied unit.

The capacity of the battery has increased from 16.5 kW/h to 17.7 kW/h in a move that provides the new Fortwo Electric Drive with a 5-mile increase in range over the older model at a claimed 87 miles. Smart claims a recharge time of eight hours on a 220-volt European socket, or just under an hour using the car's onboard high-ampere charger. 


Production is planned to be increased to over 10,000 units. The earlier model's production was capped at just 2,000 units.

Smart will also be launching a superbly styled e-Bike featuring a 400 watt li-ion battery, as part of its strategy to offer a range of personal city mobility products. 


This simple move helps to reposition and reaffirm the Smart brand within urban mobility, whilst differentiating and making the Smart brand a lot cooler. I like it.


Pricing has not been announced.