03 September 2010

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Smart EV – electric cars

In many respects the Smart car company has embraced the aspects of electric car design since it was first founded by Daimler AG in 1994. The concept was to create a vehicle that was easy to park and short enough to allow ‘nose-in’ parking and the result has been a series of vehicles with innovative features designed predominantly for young people.

Now Smart is emerging as a manufacturer of electric vehicles with a new version of the Smart Fortwo set to rival the likes of the G-Wiz and the NICE Mega City.

Quick links:

History of the Smart EV
Environmental credentials of the Smart EV
Smart EV statistics
Future of the Smart EV

History of the Smart EV

The Smart Fortwo is arguably the manufacturer’s most successful model having been first showcased at the Paris Motor Show in 1998 and still going strong to this day, albeit it was originally known as the City Coupe. The model moved to its second generation on its 10th anniversary in 2008 and now further versions of the vehicle are planned with alternative propulsion.

One such example is an all-electric version of the Fortwo, which will be known as the Fortwo ED (electric drive). Superficially the vehicle will be identical to the Smart Fortwo coupe but will include batteries supplied by Tesla.

The first Smart electric vehicle was delivered to Coventry City Council in January, 2008 as part of a 100 vehicle piloting scheme across the UK. It will feature 30 kW (41 hp) output and will typically take around eight hours for a full charge. It is capable of 0-30mph in just 6.5 seconds and should be able to travel around 72 miles between charges.

Environmental credentials of the Smart EV

The Smart electric vehicle claims to be 100 per cent carbon neutral – a first among commercially available vehicles.

As an electric vehicle, the Smart EV produces no emissions of its own, but unlike many similar electric cars it does address the issue of the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions that are generated during the production of its energy. The emissions produced during the production and logistics chain of the Smart EV are measured and reduced where possible with the rest offset through a combination of renewable energy, energy efficiency and forestry projects. This should save and absorb around one tonne of carbon dioxide for every tonne the Smart EV produces.

The Smart electric vehicle will be ideally suited to motorists who generally make short journeys. Nearly half of Europe’s registered cars travel less than 20 miles each day and around 7,000 miles a year.

Many critics have described the Smart EV as the benchmark for electric cars with a number of financial incentives including being exempt from the London Congestion Charge and free from vehicle excise duty.

Smart EV statistics

Here are some crucial statistics about the Smart EV:

Charge time: Five hours.
CO2 emissions: None.
Engine: Zytek electric motor.
Range: 72 miles.
Top speed: 70mph.

Future of the Smart EV

The Smart electric vehicle is scheduled to be released in 2010. At the British International Motor Show in 2008, Smart representatives estimated that the purchase price would be £16,000.