When I hear the term “urban pickup”, images of the Clampetts fresh off a new oil discovery immediately come to mind. smart, however, had a slightly different vision of what an urban pickup should be and they called it the for-us.  It is designed for the young and those that still think they are young with active lifestyles that are conscious of the footprint they are leaving behind.  Don’t confuse low emission driving with small and slow, the smart for-us is designed to have a practical loading concept that helps to maximize interior space.  The for-us  also has a state-of-the-art electric drive with a55 kW magneto-electric motor that gives the driver a speedy response.

smart is turning the automotive world upside down once again and challenging ideas about what an urban pickup should look like. In a tongue-in-cheek manner the for-us signals that this is the right car for the young and young-at-heart with active lives who attach importance to low emissions and taking up minimum road space. The smart for-us translates the practical loading concept of a pickup to the reality of 21st century urban traffic for the first time.

With its exterior dimensions (length/width/height: 3547/1506/1701mm) it could almost go unnoticed on the loading area of a typical pickup, and it also anything but ordinary under the body. Thanks to the state-of-the-art electric drive with a55 kW magneto-electric motor the zero-emission smart for-us is agile and lively to drive. It will celebrate its world premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit (January 14-22, 2012).

smart CEO Dr. Annette Winkler says “We at smart love pick-ups – if they are small on the outside, large on the inside, very safe and extremely comfortable. With the smart for-us a petrol station is no longer required!”

Like car2go, the globally successful car sharing initiative from smart for more flexibility in city traffic, the smart for-us is a mobility concept. It has plenty of room for two people and space for two smart ebikes behind them. Thanks to the docking station on the cargo area of the smart for-us their batteries are always charged, and smart for-us drivers can also reach destinations that are out of bounds for cars – for example traffic-calmed zones in the city or isolated park trails.

The design: sassy and robust with extremely short overhangs

Compared with the series-produced fortwo the smart for-us makes a powerful statement and its appearance plays with the martial image of conventional mega-pickups. Nevertheless, it greets the viewer with a friendly yet assertive face. It features convex and sensuously shaped body surfaces. The large brand emblem is proudly sported on the grille, and the front has a pronounced three-dimensional design with an underride guard finishing off the lower part of the front end.

The longer wheelbase (2480 mm/plus 613 mm) and the track that has been widened by 50 mm on each side also emphasise the robust look of the study. At the same time the extremely short overhangs at the front and rear make it exceedingly compact.

The tailboard at the rear of the smart for-us is electrically driven. When it opens first of all the cargo floor including tailboard retracts by 280 mm, then the tailgate slides down in a parallel position. The cargo on the 900 mm cargo area is then extremely easy to access.

Sleek, taut surfaces in mother-of-pearl white combined with precisely designed technical functional elements in brushed aluminium – the interior is characterised by contrasts. Like in the smart forvision, the whole cockpit boasts aerodynamic styling for interior ventilation. In place of a conventional rear-view mirror the smart for-us features a smartphone accommodated in a holder on top of the instrument panel support. The driver can see what is happening on the road behind with the help of an integrated video camera.

Stylish, uncomplicated, highly functional and easy to individualise – the two seats in the concept car are typically smart. The seat shells, which are open in the middle, are covered with a soft yellow fabric throw giving them a hammock-like seating feel.

Electric drive – zero-local-emission driving fun

The electric drive of the smart for-us is based on the innovative drive concept of the smart fortwo electric drive, which will be launched in the spring of 2012. Thanks to the 55 kW magneto-electric motor the smart for-us is agile and lively to drive. With 130 Newton metres of torque it boasts powerful, lag-free acceleration and it can overtake other vehicles with the greatest of ease. The maximum speed exceeds 120 km/h. The lithium-ion battery has capacity of 17.6 kWh.

The third generation smart fortwo electric drive offering zero-emissions will be available beginning in the spring of 2012. Following on the heels of the second generation’s success, the next generation smart will give electric mobility to all those interested in more than 30 markets worldwide. In the development of the new generation smart benefited from extensive experience and customer feedback gathered worldwide over the past years. Driven by a battery supplied by Deutsche Accumotive for the first time the 55 kW electric motor passes the 74mph mark. From 0 to 62 mph in less than 13 seconds – even driving on urban motorways becomes enjoyable. The 17.6 kWh battery enables the smart fortwo electric drive to travel around 87 miles in city traffic without producing any local emissions.

“The smart fortwo has exceeded itself. It has always been a pioneer of urban mobility and with the new electric drive it is once again setting standards with even more driving fun and environmental compatibility,” says Dr. Annette Winkler, Head of smart. “With the new generation the frequently cited “electric era” has finally arrived.” For the further development of the smart fortwo electric drive the company was able to bring in extensive experience and customer feedback from various electric mobility projects. For example, this is reflected in clearly improved performance data. Driven for the first time by energy from a battery supplied by Deutsche Accumotive the 55 kW electric motor effortlessly passes the 120 km/h mark. The smart developers were also able to realise the more powerful acceleration requested by customers. From 0 to 100 km/h in less than 13 seconds – even filtering into traffic on urban motorways is a pleasure. The 17.6 kWh battery enables the lively city car to travel considerably more than 140 kilometres without producing any local emissions.

Ever since 1998 the smart has been revolutionising urban mobility like no vehicle before it. Compact, agile, environmentally friendly and stylish – it has evolved from a practical small car to a lifestyle product and has long become a familiar sight on the roads of cities around the world.

With the start of the first electrically driven test fleet in 2007 in London smart also took on a pioneering role in the area of electric mobility when 100 smart fortwo electric drives took to the roads of the British capital – with great success. Today the vehicle is a trendsetter and a synonym for forward-looking battery-electric-driven urban mobility of the future.

One of the largest electric fleets worldwide

With the introduction of the second generation in 2009 the smart fortwo electric drive was ready to take to the roads. The electrically driven avant-gardiste from Stuttgart was introduced in 18 markets. The objective of the second generation was to gather as much experience as possible about how customers use and charge electric vehicles. The huge demand exceeded all expectations. Instead of the planned 1000 vehicles more than 2000 smart fortwo electric drives are being produced in Hambach. This means that smart has one of the largest fleets of electrically driven vehicles on the roads worldwide and a trove of customer experience and wishes that have been input in the third generation smart fortwo electric drive.

A higher top speed and better acceleration at speeds above 37 mph were right at the top of the customers’ list of priorities.

Contrary to prevailing opinion the range wasn’t the crucial point from the perspective of the test customers. The vast majority of users confirmed the results of surveys which say that people drive approximately 30 to 40 kilometres per day on average in urban areas and they expressed great satisfaction with the range of their smart.

Even better in the third generation

With total production amounting to a five-figure number, from the spring of 2012 the further developed smart fortwo electric drive will start winning wide-ranging buyers in more than 30 countries for an innovative and forward-looking drive concept.

The third generation smart fortwo electric drive features a 55 kW magneto-electric motor – the first product from the EM-motive joint venture founded together with Bosch – which ensures that it is as agile and lively as ever. With torque of 130 Newton metres it accelerates powerfully and immediately from 0 to 60 km/h in 5 seconds and thanks to better acceleration in the higher speed range it can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 13 seconds as it has much more tractive power than its predecessor. This makes for speedy driving and overtaking. The battery-electric two-seater smart fortwo now also has a higher top speed of more than 120 km/h, putting it on a par with the combustion-engined smart.

A battery supplied by Deutsche ACCUmotive is fitted in the new smart fortwo electric drive for the first time. With capacity of 17.6 kWh the lithium-ion battery from the joint venture with Evonik Industries provides for well over 140 kilometres of pollutant-free driving fun. In addition to the higher battery capacity clear improvements have been made to the efficiency of the drive system, resulting in a greater range. When completely empty it takes a maximum of eight hours to fully charge the battery at a household socket or charging station on the electricity systems of most countries i.e. overnight.

Quick charging in just one hour

For the greater freedom of quick charging it is possible to optionally equip the vehicle with a quick-charging function. The 22 kW on-board charger enables a completely empty battery to be fully charged in less than an hour. A power cable is needed for this which is used to connect the vehicle to a public quick-charging station or a wallbox at home or work.

A comparison of the two smart fortwo electric drive generations

A fresh green and even more colours

With a larger radiator grille featuring the electric drive logo, stylish LED daytime driving lights below the headlamps, wider door sills and several modifications to the rear the new model is much more dynamic than its predecessor.

The new smart fortwo electric drive comes in all smart colours and colour combinations that are also available for the diesel and petrol models.

The new colour fresh green is a particularly visible manifestation of electric driving fun. In addition to crystal white bodypanels the electric drive design package comprises white alloy rims, a green tridion cell, green mirror caps and numerous green accents in the interior which form an attractive contrast to the black seats.

Perfectly equipped

As to be expected the new smart fortwo electric drive features extensive equipment. A highlight is the fully automatic air conditioning with pollen filter and pre-air conditioning. As with the second generation the vehicle can be pre-cooled or pre-heated as required for a programmed departure time when it is connected to the power network. A new feature is the possibility to start the pre-air conditioning via the internet or a smartphone at any time. The standard equipment furthermore includes electric windows and electrically adjustable door mirrors, a leather steering wheel, leather gear knob, the entry line radio, power steering, 9-spoke alloy wheels and a luggage compartment cover. As with the predecessor model in addition to the standard solid roof a glass roof and a cabrio version are available. The trip computer – also a standard feature in the electric smart – shows journey information including the remaining range. And like the predecessor model the two round instruments show the charge status of the battery and the energy used and recuperated. In addition, the smart fortwo electric drive can be equipped with a navigation system and a 3-spoke leather steering wheel.

Clever app for infotainment with smartphones

smart is the first car brand to develop its own drive app for the iPhone®. Together with the smart kit and cradle for the iPhone®the cult phone becomes a multimedia trip computer that is optimised for the smart fortwo in terms of function and design. The smart drive app for the iPhone®has all the important features needed whilst driving: phone calls via hands-free system, your own extensive music collection, internet radio and a clever navigation system with a special smart touch. There are also smart extras – for example the Car Finder that will guide you back to wherever you parked your car.

The new smart drive app for the iPhone®is simple to operate and features extra-large buttons among other things. The new app makes urban mobility even easier and more fun – the declared objective of the smart philosophy.

Two new elements developed by smart make the two-seater car and the iPhone®a perfect team:

• The smart cradle for the iPhone®with control unit and microphone serves as a stylish and functional holder. It charges the iPhone®and also functions as a hands-free system using the loudspeakers of the smart radio for sound output and automatically muting it when phone calls are made.

• The smart drive app for the iPhone®is the world’s first drive app on the market to be developed by a car brand. It combines all the features needed on the road in a single app. All the functions are extremely easy to use thanks to extra-large buttons and extra-large letters.

Always know how far you can go: connected services

The smart drive app for the iPhone can be tailored to the smart fortwo electric drive with further functions. However, the current charge status or the SmartCharging charge configuration can also be conveniently controlled and managed via a web portal from a home computer or with any modern smartphone.

The Vehicle Homepage offers every third generation smart fortwo electric drive customer a chance to visualise the range on an interactive map with 3D views. All the destinations that can be reached with the current battery charge are displayed. The public charging stations within reach can also be seen at a glance. If a desired destination is further away than the available range the Vehicle Homepage can be used to quickly check the additional battery charge needed. Among other things the depiction of the range considers the topography and the route profile. The intuitive graphic depiction that can be combined with 3D views and satellite images is an attractive feature. Furthermore, the vehicle itself can also become active. Information on the charge status and range can be sent by email or Twitter messages for example. The driver is notified as soon as the desired range can be reached with the current charge.

Intelligent charging

The smart fortwo electric drive can be connected to the internet at home via a standard powerline adapter (Homeplug AV) for SmartCharging. After entering the planned departure time in the vehicle or the web portal the vehicle will be fully charged in a battery-saving and economical way, and pre-air conditioned if required so that it is ready to start. The pre-air conditioning can also be conveniently activated online shortly before setting off.

San Diego will be the first North American city to have a 100-percent electric vehicle (EV) carsharing program from car2go N. A. LLC, a subsidiary of Daimler North America Corporation. San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, Nicholas Cole, President and CEO of car2go N. A. LLC, and Jonathan Read, CEO of ECOtality, made the official announcement at a news conference today at the El Cortez this morning.

“We’re proud that car2go has chosen to launch the first North American all-electric car sharing service in San Diego,” said San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders. “car2go’s launch here further supports our efforts to make San Diego the nation’s electric vehicle capital.”

The all-electric car2go program in San Diego is going to start operations before the end of 2011 with 300 smart fortwo electric drive vehicles.

“The launch of an all electric vehicle fleet marks a new era in carsharing in North America,” said Nicholas Cole, President and CEO of car2go N. A. LLC. “San Diego is a forward-thinking city determined to meet future transportation demands of its residents. Our goal is to complement the existing transportation infrastructure by providing an emission- free carsharing service for short and spontaneous one-way trips.”

All smart fortwo electric drive cars will be equipped with the latest car2go telematics technology, allowing fully automated, easy and convenient rental operations. As the world’s first free-floating carsharing service, car2go provides its members with the possibility to rent the cars spontaneously without having the burden to commit to a specific return time or location.

The car2go program is already very successful in four cities with a total of more than 40,000 members and 1,000 smart fortwo vehicles with low-emission gas engines.

Right from the beginning, the smart fortwo was designed for electric drive and that now shows,” says Dr. Annette Winkler, Head of smart. “I love driving the smart electric drive and I am convinced that the car2go members in California will enjoy using this forward technology to get around their home town San Diego – a new method of transportation both pleasing to the ear and the environment.”

The smart fortwo electric drive is powered by a 30 kW electric propulsion system. It is economical, quiet and emissions-free. In San Diego, the high-efficiency lithium-ion batteries can be recharged at designated EV charging stations. On a single charge, the car can travel up to 84 miles. Battery recharging time from 20 percent to 80 percent of battery full capacity is just three and a half hours. Recharging a completely discharged battery takes no more than eight hours, which makes it possible to recharge overnight. Past experience shows that this is seldom necessary, as the daily stretch covered by car2go drivers in urban areas rarely exceeds 6 miles.

“By being the first to make an all-electric network of vehicles easily accessible for thousands of people, we are revolutionizing carsharing and creating the future of the urban transportation,” says Cole.

The electric car2go vehicles will be charged at Blink EV charging stations developed by California-based technology provider ECOtality. The company is currently in the process of siting and installing the charging stations, and approximately 1,000 Blink commercial charging stations are expected to be installed by end of 2011 for public use in San Diego.

“Innovative carsharing programs like car2go’s service are pivotal to encouraging the mainstream adoption of electric vehicles,” said Jonathan Read, CEO of ECOtality. “As we deploy approximately 1,000 Blink charging stations in the San Diego region as part of The EV Project, we are creating the robust public infrastructure necessary for car2go’s program to succeed. Together, we will show that EVs are a perfect fit for the lifestyle of San Diego drivers.”

The electric car2go service in San Diego will be operated by car2go N. A. LLC. Further details of the service such as business area, parking and charging concept as well as start of customer registrations will be announced in the near future.

car2go today announced to bring its innovative mobility program to Amsterdam before end of 2011 and decided to run one of the world’s first large scale carsharing fleets of pure electric vehicles there with 300 smart fortwo cars.

“The future of mobility has arrived. The smart fortwo electric drive has already been delivered to our customers in 18 markets worldwide. And car2go, our innovative mobility concept, has proven to be a success in Germany and in the U.S.,” says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “We will next set a new benchmark for sustainable individual mobility by bringing these two intelligent concepts together.”

The car2go program is already very successful in Ulm/Germany and Austin/Texas with a total of more than 35.000 members. In Hamburg, the car2go program was made available to the public with 300 vehicles last week. The electric car2go program is going to start operations in Amsterdam before end of 2011 with 300 smart fortwo electric drive vehicles. All cars will be equipped with latest telematics technology, allowing fully automated, easy and convenient rental operations. It allows customers to rent the cars spontaneously with having the burden to commit to a specific return time or location.

“We are delighted that car2go has opted for Amsterdam as one of the first cities in the world to start this electric car sharing project”, says Eric Wiebes, alderman for traffic, transportation and air quality of the city of Amsterdam. “It fits perfectly into Amsterdam’s strive for improving the air quality in the city. This project brings electric car sharing a significant step closer to a major audience. As car sharing vehicles are completing many kilometres within the city, electrification of such vehicles in particular has a positive effect.”

Amsterdam is known world-wide for its openness to new technologies and businesses. Around 300 electric charging stations are expected to be installed by end of 2011 for public use, increasing to 1000 by end of 2012.

“As from the very beginning, our smart fortwo has been invented as the ideal car for individual mobility in dense urban areas,” says Dr. Annette Winkler, Head of smart. “The smart fortwo electric drive has been tailored to shape the future of urban mobility, combining environmentally responsible driving with a lot of fun and perfect functionality. smart is much more than just a small car – it is a big idea for metropolitan areas and now for the wonderful city of Amsterdam – Proficiat!”

“car2go is designed to meet the growth and diversity of mobility needs in dense urban areas while protecting environment and quality of life,”says Robert Henrich, CEO of car2go GmbH, “Amsterdam’s strong focus on implementing and fostering green technologies such as an extensive electric infrastructure and its citizen’s open-minded lifestyle makes it the perfect place to launch an electric car2go program.”

Amsterdam has an efficient public transit network as well as various bike and car sharing schemes which are well accepted by its citizens. “car2go is aiming to complement the existing transport systems by providing a service for short and spontaneous one-way trips. We see ourselves not as a competition to other means of transport, but as another puzzle piece in the mix of Amsterdam’s different means of urban transportation,”says Henrich.

car2go is planning to establish a subsidiary in the Netherlands in order to bring the service to Amsterdam. Further details of the service such as business area, parking/charging concept and start of customer registrations will be discussed in the course of the coming months based on a memorandum of understanding with the City of Amsterdam signed today.

Keeping with their tradition of uniqe exteriors, smart presented an electric two-seater in a glitzy ‘disco-ball’ look in Berlin. The smart fortwo electric drive is completely covered in reflective glass tiles from the roof to the hub caps and the windows also feature a mirror finish. The one-off model was conceived by the experimental artist formation ‘Apparatjik’ to be used in a film titled ‘Pixel City’, realized for their current installation at Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin. The project is brought to a climax by two very unusual live performances on the 26th and 27th of March.

smart is the official main sponsor in this project by Apparatjik, consisting of world-famous musicians Magne Furuholmen of a-ha, Guy Berryman of Coldplay, Jonas Bjerre of Mew and sought-after music producer Martin Terefe. Their “Apparatjik Light Space Modular” features not only concerts but also an interactive installation which collects data to be turned into a piece of music. The deriving song will be performed by the prestigious Deutsches Kammerorchester and accompanied by a spectacular image show titled ‘Apparat TV’. The projections will be streamed out of a six metre tall cube into the city through the museum’s glass walls. Inside that cube is where Apparatjik will be performing live on 26 and 27 March. Tickets can be purchased over 01805/88 00 15, via www.apparatjik.com

During their stay in Berlin Apparatjik members Magne Furuholmen and Martin Terefe took the opportunity to discover the German capital in the Discoball smart. Impressions of their trip are documented in a smart filmlet which can be seen over the smart Youtube channel www.youtube.com/smart

Over the weekend we brought you the first look at the smart forspeed electirc roadster along with a wealth of photos, and today, smart has officially launched the model.  Combining contemporary urban mobility with the fun factor typical of smart, the two-seater smart forspeed roadster has no roof or side windows and it features a low wind deflector instead of a windscreen in the style of a classic propeller aircraft. The result is an incomparable fresh air driving experience. The responsive electric drive that has been further developed and features a boost function also guarantees driving pleasure. A look forward at the next generation is particularly exciting as the era of electric mobility has already started at smart.

No roof, minimal windows and a responsive and zero-emission electric drive at the rear: the smart forspeed combines responsibility and emotional appeal in a new and pleasurable way. Dr. Annette Winkler, Head of smart says “The smart forspeed is a completely new take on how much fun it is to drive electric: it boasts a superb design with a powerful drive system and, needless to say, locally emission-free. And if you put the smart forspeed next to our ebike, escooter and smart fortwo electric drive you’ll see that smart has realised all kinds of variations of electric driving – demonstrating that smart is not just a practical city car, but a great idea.” The smart forspeed boasts an extremely innovative and self-assured design. Prof. Dr. h. c. Gorden Wagener, Head of Design says “The cult brand smart has always taken an unconventional approach with bold design. The forspeed now carries purist sportiness to extremes and in terms of form it is also a pioneer for a new paradigm of mobility.”

Powerful and environmentally friendly electric drive with an extra boost

smart is a pioneer in modern electric mobility. The second generation smart fortwo electric drive has been delivered to customers since the end of 2009. It is been proving its suitability for everyday use in 18 countries including Germany, Italy, Spain, England, France, Switzerland, the USA, Canada and further countries in Asia. Due to the high demand production figures have been increased to 1500 vehicles. Thanks to this experience smart has already collected extensive customer feedback that has been integrated in the development of the smart forspeed’s electric drive. With its improved performance and charge management the concept vehicle offers a look at the performance potential of future generations of the electric smart.

For example, the smart forspeed accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h in just 5.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 120 km/h. A 30 kW magneto-electric motor is installed at the rear of the smart forspeed and the vehicle concept provides an immediate powerful response from stationary. Pressing a button in the centre console activates a boost function which provides an extra 5 kW of power for a short time and is ideal for overtaking manoeuvres on urban highways, for example. The smart forspeed is powered by a lithium-ion battery that delivers 16.5 kWh of electrical energy. It is simple to charge at any conventional 220 Volt socket. The charging device is located in the third brake light behind the smart logo and features a simple push/push opening mechanism. A fully charged battery is sufficient for 135 kilometres of driving fun (NEDC). Quick charging from 0 to 80 percent takes just 45 minutes.

The forspeed developers have integrated a further clever way of charging in the wind deflector: photovoltaic cells feed solar power to the on-board electrical system. As with the smart escooter this lengthens the battery life of the smartphone, for example.

Unconventional exterior

With its high-gloss white metallic paintwork the smart forspeed also builds a bridge to the two-wheel escooter and ebike studies that were presented at the Paris Motor Show.

The front and rear lamps have a very striking design. The outer rings are illuminated by a large number of rod-shaped LEDs whilst the centre of the lamps is white. The indicators seem to push outwards like arrows – like drops on the cockpit window of an aeroplane as it takes off. In the front and rear bumpers numerous holes with a honeycomb structure serve as air inlets and create an interesting progressive pattern. At the same time this pattern gives the forspeed a particularly wide appearance and a powerful road stance. The smart forspeed is fitted with front tyres in size 205/35 R 18 to match its dynamic look. On the driven rear axle the tyres measure 235/30 R 18 for full grip.

Purist and sporty interior

The exterior and interior of the smart forspeed are designed as a formal unit. This is manifested in numerous details: the tridion safety cell flows from the outside behind the roll-over bars towards the front to the cockpit and forms the centre tunnel as a load-bearing part. The outer and inner door sections connect seamlessly to form a single component, just like the floor and side walls. The leather seats also have a one-shell design and are a modern interpretation of purist sportiness.

The air inlet in the wind deflector ends in the central outlet in the centre console and can provide even more fresh air for the interior when needed.

The high-gloss white of the exterior paintwork also dominates in the interior. It is accentuated by green elements such as the sporty four-point seat belts for driver and passenger or the large horizontal shelf under the cockpit that provides stowage space. All the control elements that the driver uses particularly frequently, such as the gear lever, door openers or steering wheel come in natural brown leather. By contrast, load-bearing structural components such as the tridion safety cell or the curved trims on the instrument hoods are in matt platinum silver. Functional elements such as the steering wheel buttons and the shift lever with gate are painted in silver shadow.

The open two-seater has been deliberately designed without an outer door handle – an interior grip is all that is needed to open the door. The control for the electric parking brake is particularly convenient to operate and also has a simple and functional design: the switch on the centre tunnel is reminiscent of the lever used to pull in the landing gear of aircraft.

There is a block with ten LEDs in the middle of the instrument panel. When the forspeed is started the LEDs shine through the translucent paint and show the battery charge status of the electric smart. When switched off noting is seen of the charge indicator except its outline.

Weatherproof thanks to tonneau cover and coating

The whole interior of the smart forspeed can be protected against rain and sun when necessary with a tonneau cover. It is an easy matter to stretch it over the interior and fasten it to the body with the straps. It can be divided in the middle with the help of a zip to free the driver’s seat only, for example.

But even without weather protection a downpour will not lead to any serious problems. Water drainage channels in the vehicle floor ensure that water is channelled outside. The seat surfaces also have water drainage channels and all interior equipment has a waterproof coating for fun behind the wheel regardless of the weather.

Smartphone as a communication centre

The purist sportiness of the interior is also reminiscent of classic aircraft construction: the driver and co-pilot sit in front of two separate round turbine-like instrument clusters. Whilst the driver has the speedometer firmly in his field of vision, the passenger is responsible for communication and navigation: this area of the cockpit features a smartphone. It can be swivelled by up to 90 degrees in its holder and towards the driver so that the driver can also take a look at the display of the navigation system.

As in the production models from smart, the smart drive app for the iPhone® has all the important features needed whilst driving: phone calls via hands-free system, navigation with a special smart touch and a Car Finder that guides the driver back to the parked car.

Intelligent lightweight design, optimised aerodynamics and state-of-the-art LED technology

With its body made of glass fibre-reinforced plastic the smart forspeed is a real lightweight. The low power-to-weight ratio is conducive to driving pleasure. Moreover, the dynamic two-seater boasts excellent aerodynamics: round, taut forms, a deliberate lack of joints (for example on the single-piece front module), smooth, handleless surfaces on the doors and rear lid and the design of many details based on aircraft construction reduce aerodynamic resistance.

State-of-the-art LED lighting technology contributes to active safety. Furthermore, it is controlled intelligently: daytime running lamps are automatically activated during the daytime. The Citylight system also senses when the forspeed driver turns night into day: photoelectric sensors monitor the brightness and give the command to automatically switch on the low-beam headlamps when necessary.

smart is the first car brand to develop its own drive app for the iPhone. Together with the smart cradle for the iPhone the popular phone becomes a multimedia trip computer that is optimised for the smart fortwo in terms of function and design. The smart drive app for the iPhone has all the important features needed whilst driving: phone calls via hands-free system, your own extensive music collection, internet radio and a clever navigation system with a special smart touch. There are also smart extras – for example the Car Finder that will guide you back to wherever you parked your car.

Furthermore, the smart drive app for the iPhone can be tuned with a further function tailored to the smart fortwo electric drive. This shows customers the current charging status of the smart fortwo electric drive’s battery, the distance that can be covered, nearby charging stations and the distance to them. If the smart fortwo electric drive is plugged into a socket, the app shows how long it will take to fully charge the battery again and the time at which this will be completed.

The new smart drive app for the iPhone is simple to operate and features extra large buttons among other things. The new app makes urban mobility even easier and more fun – the declared objective of the smart philosophy.

smart has prepared the way for modern city vehicles with lots of innovative ideas and has redefined urban mobility. And Apple brought new ideas to mobile phones with the iPhone. The new smart drive kit for the iPhone is now bringing the lifestyle phone to the smart fortwo as a multi-talented companion. Marc Langenbrinck, Managing Director smart brand and Head of Sales & Marketing smart says “The smart fortwo and the iPhone are both lifestyle icons. This is why the smart drive kit is ideal for our smart community.”

Two new elements developed by smart make the two-seater car and the iPhone a perfect team:

• The smart cradle for the iPhone with control unit and microphone serves as a stylish and functional holder. It charges the iPhone and also functions as a hands-free system using the loudspeakers of the smart radio for sound output and automatically muting it when phone calls are made.
• The smart drive app for the iPhone is the world’s first drive app on the market to be developed by a car brand. It combines all the features needed on the road in a single app. All the functions are extremely easy to use thanks to extra-large buttons and extra-large letters.

Really smart – the clever app from smart

Listen to music, make phone calls and find your destination straight away – the smart drive app for the iPhone masters all this and makes city driving even easier and more pleasurable.

Media. Enjoy your entire private music collection with the app. Thanks to an integrated web radio function you can also listen to your favourite foreign radio stations and podcasts whenever you want. The song ID function of the app enables you to obtain information online about titles and singers of songs that are being played on the radio or on web radio.

Phone. The hands-free system and all important functions needed to make phone calls are automatically available as soon as the iPhone is put in the smart cradle. Keypad, contacts, favourites, call lists and other telephony functions are clearly arranged for simple use.

Map. The basic version of the app shows the vehicle’s position on a map of the area (“Follow-me maps”) and enables points of interest to be found via both the on-board database and off-board using Microsoft’s “Bing” search engine. The navigation upgrade is a highlight and turns the iPhone into a full navigation system with maps for Europe or the USA – enabling navigation without being online. A smart guides you to your destination on the display of your iPhone. Street names are not only shown but also read aloud. In addition, traffic information can be called up in realtime so that you know where traffic jams are.

Assist. With the Car Finder your iPhone will automatically remember where you parked your car when it is removed from the cradle and it will find the way back for you after a day’s shopping. The app from smart also uses the GPS function of the iPhone for a further service. Should roadside assistance ever be needed, the driver can give his or her precise position via a direct line to the smart hotline.

Available from the summer

smart driving with the smart drive kit for the iPhone will be possible from June 2010. The smart cradle for the iPhone will be available from smart dealers at a price of €240 (German list price with VAT plus fitting costs). The smart drive app for the iPhone can be downloaded from the App Store at a one-off price of €9.99 for the basic version (price in the European countries where it will be available) and $9.99 in the USA. The navigation upgrade with up-to-date maps costs €49.99/$49.99 per year and will be available in the second half of 2010.

The smart fortwo electric drive is coming to the U.S. and Canada this fall after a successful launch in European cities. The electrically powered smart fortwo has been rolling off the production line since November 2009 – and due to the huge demand the initial production volume has been increased from 1000 to 1500 vehicles. The second generation smart fortwo electric drive is equipped with an innovative and highly efficient lithium-ion battery. It is neatly accommodated between the axles, which means that space is not compromised in any way in the intelligent two-seater vehicle. A 30 kW electric motor is fitted at the rear. This provides for very good acceleration and high agility with 120 Newton metres of torque that are immediately available.

The smart fortwo electric drive can be charged at any normal household socket. The fully charged battery has sufficient power to cover approximately 135 kilometres in accordance with the New European Driving Cycle, making it ideal for urban use. smart has made electric drive a practical alternative for mobility with zero local emissions in urban areas. The first of the new smart fortwo electric drive vehicles were handed over to customers in Berlin at the end of 2009, and the environmentally friendly pioneer will now demonstrate its suitability for everyday use in further cities in Europe, North America and Asia. From 2012 the smart fortwo electric drive will be available to anyone interested in almost 40 smart markets.

Marc Langenbrinck, responsible for brand management at smart says “In 1998 smart revolutionised urban mobility with the unique smart fortwo vehicle concept. Now smart is once again taking on a pioneering role and redefining zero-emission urban mobility. We are the first manufacturer to launch a series-produced electric vehicle. Daimler is spearheading electric mobility with the smart fortwo electric drive. The smart fortwo electric drive is a further logical step in the evolution of the smart brand which boasts the fleet with the lowest fuel consumption anyway.”

Environmental friendliness and state-of-the-art functionality have been defining features of the smart fortwo ever since it was launched more than ten years ago. Since then its innovative concept has combined sustainable, forward-looking technologies with individual urban mobility. With a length of just over two and a half metres the extremely compact vehicle can also park perpendicular to the flow of traffic. In addition, the space-saving and environmentally friendly two-seater currently has the lowest fleet consumption and it brings its occupants to their destination comfortably and safely. Its design is fresh, youthful, modern and yet sophisticated and has made it an automotive lifestyle icon which shows that mobility, responsibility to the environment and joie de vivre are compatible with one another. The smart fortwo has established a class of its own.

smart fortwo electric drive offers innovative driving fun

The new smart fortwo electric drive, which started rolling off the production line in November 2009, is a logical continuation of a very ambitious goal: the production of a well-engineered, attractive city car that has no local exhaust gas emissions i.e. a zero emission vehicle. In 2007 smart kicked off zero-emission motoring in London with its tough city traffic conditions. Since then 100 smart fortwo electric drives of the first generation have been in practical customer operation there. The feedback from the UK capital has been very positive and confirms the high degree of maturity of this vehicle concept.

In 2008 smart presented the second generation smart fortwo electric drive, a more advanced electric drive with an innovative lithium-ion battery. Lithium-ion technology has decisive advantages over other types of batteries including better performance, shorter charging times, a long life and high reliability. Marc Langenbrinck says “The second generation smart fortwo electric drive is based on a successful and accepted vehicle concept with character and inherent environmentally friendly characteristics. Its innovative electric battery drive makes it the perfect car for the city: it is agile, economical and climate-friendly. Motoring with zero local emissions in an urban environment has become a reality. This equates to driving fun with no compromises.”

Electric drive factored in from the very first concept

The smart fortwo electric drive is a smart fortwo that does not make any compromises with regard to safety, agility, comfort and space. Electric drives have been part of the smart concept right from the start. The later integration of the components needed for electric drive was planned at a very early stage. For example, there is space for the battery in the underfloor between the axles where the tank is located in other smart models. The electric drive module does not limit the space available in the smart fortwo electric drive in any way; there is just as much interior and luggage compartment space as in a smart fortwo with a combustion engine.

Powerful drive

A 30 kW magneto-electric motor is installed at the rear of the new smart fortwo electric drive and reacts directly without delay. Powerful torque of 120 Newton metres is immediately available. This results in a surprising amount of power when pulling away. The smart fortwo electric drive accelerates from 0 – 60 km/h in 6.5 seconds – just as quickly as a petrol model which it initially leaves behind it. After a year of driving the first generation smart fortwo electric drive in everyday conditions on British roads one of the participants in the large-scale London trial said “You can beat anything at the lights”. The maximum speed of the smart fortwo electric drive has been deliberately limited to 100 km/h, a suitable maximum speed for the city.

Thanks to the power characteristic of the electric motor, just one single fixed gear ratio is required. There is no need for any gear changing – a major advantage in dense city traffic. To reverse, the engine’s direction of rotation changes. “Fantastic and easy to drive. You just get in, turn on and go” was how experienced users from London summed up the smart fortwo electric drive.

The second generation smart fortwo electric drive is powered by a lithium-ion battery developed by Tesla Motors Inc. with electrical energy of 16.5 kWh. It is simple to charge at any fused 220 Volt socket. A fully charged battery is sufficient for up to 135 kilometres of driving fun (NEDC). This range is more than enough for city traffic as studies have shown that cars drive an average of 30 – 40 kilometres per day in towns and cities. For this, the vehicle only needs to be charged for three hours. At an average speed of 25 – 30 km/h that is normal in city traffic the smart fortwo electric drive 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.

Generation differences

Electronics optimise the battery status and power consumption

Special electronics ensure that all is well with the battery. This battery management system constantly monitors voltage, electricity and temperature. If one of these parameters reaches a specified limit – for example when driving up long hills at constant peak power (kickdown) – the electronics reduce the power output. However, this is barely noticeable and it rules out the risk of battery overload.

The electronics also monitor the charging process and control the capacity display. The vehicle’s power electronics supply the vehicle’s electrical system with electric current from the battery via a DC/DC converter. In addition, they also control the heating and air conditioning, for example, to minimise the strain on the battery. Clever drivers can air condition their smart fortwo electric drive in advance as long as their vehicle is being charged at home – the long-standing dream of stationary cooling becomes a reality! No other car offers this comfortable option.

Extensive equipment

The new second generation smart fortwo electric drive is based on the smart fortwo coupé/cabrio with high quality equipment. As well as air conditioning with automatic temperature control and pre-air conditioning, the equipment includes smart radio 9, electric power steering, electric windows, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, a two-spoke leather steering wheel, leather gear knob and 12-spoke alloy wheels. In addition to the battery indicator, an ammeter shows the consumption and the recuperated energy. Furthermore, all new second generation smart fortwo electric drives have green painted alloy wheels, green mirror caps, green contrast components and a green tridion cell created with green adhesive foil. The words “electric drive” on the rear and in the mirror triangle also draw attention to the vehicle’s special status.

Very low costs

There are also numerous factors in different countries that make electric mobility attractive for customers. Tax relief and other government subsidies play an important role. For example, the state of Monaco offers tax relief of up to €9,000 to electric car owners. Other countries have also set up funding programmes for sustainable mobility. France grants a “super environment incentive” of €5000 for every vehicle emitting less than 60 grams of CO2 per kilometre. In Great Britain there is a bonus of up to ₤5000 and in Belgium of €4540. In Denmark such cars are exempt from the extremely high registration tax and there are lots of further examples in Europe. In the USA there is a federal tax benefit of up to $7500 plus additional benefits depending on the state or city. China and Japan have announced subsidies of €6,500 and €11,000 respectively.

The maintenance costs are considerably lower than those of a smart with a combustion engine as the battery, motor and other components of the electric drive are maintenance-free.

smart fortwo electric drive in major cities in Europe and the USA

Since the end of 2009 the second generation smart fortwo electric drive has been delivered to selected customers. Leases are offered for a period of four years and 60,000 kilometres. The first vehicles were handed over to customers in December within the framework of the “e-mobility Berlin” project. Here, in cooperation with the energy provider RWE and with the support of the German government and the city of Berlin, Daimler is creating ideal conditions for running battery-driven vehicles with no local emissions. This includes setting up a network of electricity charging stations that enable intelligent communication between electric vehicles and the power network so that the battery can be charged when electricity is cheapest. But as mentioned, the smart fortwo electric drive can also be charged at any household safety socket with a 16 amp fuse (standard in Germany and other countries).

Further new generation smart fortwo electric drive vehicles will take to the roads of Hamburg, Paris, Rome, Milan, Pisa, London and the Midlands, Madrid, Zurich, Portugal, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands during the first half of 2010. In the autumn of 2010 the smart fortwo electric drive will then also be launched in cities in the USA and Canada, and from 2011 in some Asian countries. There is already a very lively demand for the smart fortwo electric drive, and from 2012 it will be produced in large volumes as a normal part of the smart range and sold via the smart dealer network. This third generation will be fitted with a new lithium-ion battery which Daimler is developing to production maturity in cooperation with Evonik. The lithium-ion battery currently used comes from Tesla and represents state-of-the-art technology. However, further progress is anticipated. The main differences between the two batteries lie in the structural design. The Tesla battery consists of lots of cylinder-shaped cells. The Daimler battery will be made up of fewer but larger plate units. This will first and foremost enable a greater energy density to be achieved (with greater energy content for a higher range) and an even longer life.

With the smart fortwo electric drive the brand is underlining its pioneering role on the road to attractive individual mobility with no local emissions in cities and urban areas. Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Head of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars says “All in all we believe that the outlook for electric mobility is good. Whilst our competitors are still presenting electric show cars, smart brought production models that are fully suitable for everyday use to the roads last year. This once again demonstrates our technical expertise and responsibility.”

The smart fortwo is part of the roadscape of modern cities and plays a role in shaping their change. New technologies and environmental framework conditions influence the future of urban areas and the way we live in cities. The car manufacturer smart is taking up this subject and inviting the exchange of ideas and dialogue on “The future of the city” in six European cities. A temporary exhibition platform is being set up – “smart urban stage” – where future-oriented projects will be exhibited. In the next twelve months the “smart urban stage” will visit the cities of Berlin, Rome, Zurich, Paris, Madrid and London.

“What will the future be like in urban areas and how will we move around? These questions have always driven the smart brand. With the “smart urban stage” we are bringing leading thinkers from relevant areas together to discuss visions of urban life with them”, says Marc Langenbrinck, Managing Director of the smart brand and Head of Sales & Marketing smart.

The starting signal will be given for the “smart urban stage” in Berlin. From 8th May to 13th June 2010 ten national projects from the fields of society, design, architecture, media, science and mobility will be presented in specially constructed temporary premises with an innovative architecture concept at Oranienburger Straße 59-63. The works shown are concerned with future-oriented and sustainable ideas relating to the future of urban life. They aim to provide answers to the question of how people living in urban areas can bring more community and sustainability into their everyday lives. The exhibits will be curated by experts and leading thinkers from these fields.

The importance of the projects is reflected in the “smart future minds award”. The car brand will award the future prize with €10,000 to the most innovative project at each of the six “smart urban stage” stations. The national winners from the six cities will also take part in the international final. In 2011 the overall winner will receive a smart fortwo electric drive.

In addition to the exhibition, smart is the first car manufacturer to offer a personal introduction to the subject of electric mobility. Those interested can experience mobility of the future in theory and practice and test drive the smart fortwo electric drive for themselves.

This makes the smart fortwo electric drive one of the main players on the “smart urban stage”. With its zero-emission drive it is already redefining urban mobility. smart has been producing the electric variant of the two-seater car since the end of 2009 and the vehicles are being delivered to the first customers in a total of eight countries in Europe and North America. From 2012 the smart fortwo electric drive will be available from dealers as alternative alongside the petrol and diesel models.

experiencing electric mobility of the future

As part of the international “smart urban stage” exhibition series and in tune with the brand itself, smart is offering an unconventional and personal introduction to the mobility of the future. With the smart electric drive experience, interested individuals can experience the theory and practise of electric mobility for the first time. Personal test drives in a smart fortwo electric drive will be available from 8th May until 13th June 2010 from 12 noon until 8 p.m. each day at Oranienburger Straße 59-63 in Berlin. Through to 13th June 2010 smart offers people an opportunity to experience urban mobility of the future as part of a unique customer-oriented campaign. The backdrop is the market launch of the smart fortwo electric drive, available for sale to everyone beginning in 2012.

Interested individuals are offered a personal presentation of information about the history of electric drives and the special characteristics of the electric motor. Following this, anyone in possession of a driving licence will have an opportunity to try out driving on electric current for themselves in the smart fortwo electric drive. Register online beginning 29th April 2010 at www.smart-urban-stage.com or directly on the premises.

The “smart urban stage” is being held through to mid-2011 in six European cities – Berlin, Rome, Zurich, Paris, Madrid and London.

smart fortwo electric drive: The new generation smart with electric drive

Sustainable mobility and easy everyday use are declared aims of the new smart fortwo electric drive which has been rolling off the production line at smart’s factory in Hambach, France, since mid-November 2009. Unlike its predecessor, the electrically driven smart fortwo of the second generation is fitted with an innovative and highly efficient lithium-ion battery. It is housed in a space-saving position between the axles, which means that space is not compromised in any way in the intelligent two-seater vehicle. A 30 kW electric engine is stored in the rear. This provides for good acceleration and high agility with 120 Newton metres of torque that are immediately available. The smart fortwo electric drive can be charged at any normal household socket. A full battery charge is sufficient for a range of around 135 kilometres – more than enough for city traffic. smart has made electric drive a practical alternative for mobility with zero local emissions in urban areas. The first models of the new smart fortwo electric drive were handed over to customers in Berlin on 17 December 2009. Further cities in Europe and the USA will follow, allowing the environmentally friendly trendsetter to demonstrate its suitability for everyday use. From 2012 the smart fortwo electric drive will be available to anyone interested.

Marc Langenbrinck, Managing Director smart brand and Head of Sales & Marketing smart, says “In 1998 smart revolutionised urban mobility with the unique smart fortwo vehicle concept.” Now smart is once again taking on a pioneering role and redefining zero-emission urban mobility. “We are the first manufacturer to launch a series-produced electric vehicle. Daimler is spearheading electric mobility with the smart fortwo electric drive. The smart fortwo electric drive is a further logical step in the evolution of the smart brand which boasts the fleet with the lowest fuel consumption anyway.”

Environmental friendliness and state-of-the-art functionality have been defining features of the smart fortwo ever since it was launched more than ten years ago. Since then its innovative concept has combined sustainable, forward-looking technologies with individual urban mobility. With a length of just over two and a half metres the extremely compact vehicle can also park perpendicular to the flow of traffic. In addition, the space-saving and environmentally friendly two-seater currently has the lowest fleet consumption and brings its occupants to their destination comfortably and safely. Its design is fresh, youthful and modern yet sophisticated and has made it an automotive lifestyle icon that shows that mobility, responsibility to the environment and joie de vivre are compatible with one another. The smart fortwo has established a class of its own.

smart fortwo electric drive offers innovative driving fun

The new smart fortwo electric drive, which started rolling off the production line in mid November 2009, is a logical continuation of a very ambitious goal: the production of a well-engineered, attractive city car that has no local exhaust gas emissions i.e.: a zero emission vehicle. In 2007 smart kicked off zero-emission motoring in London with its tough city traffic conditions. Since then 100 smart fortwo electric drives of the first generation have been in practical customer operation there. The feedback from the UK capital has been very positive and confirms the high degree of maturity of this vehicle concept.

In 2008 smart presented the second generation smart fortwo electric drive, a more advanced electric drive with an innovative lithium-ion battery. Lithium-ion technology has decisive advantages over other types of batteries including better performance, shorter charging times, a long life and high reliability. Marc Langenbrinck says “The second generation smart fortwo electric drive is based on a successful and accepted vehicle concept with cult character and inherent environmentally friendly characteristics. Its innovative electric battery drive makes it the perfect car for the city: it is agile, economical and climate-friendly. Motoring with zero local emissions in an urban environment has become a reality. This equates to individually tailored driving fun with no compromises.”

Electric drive factored in from the very first concept

The smart fortwo electric drive is a smart fortwo that does not make any compromises with regard to safety, agility, comfort and space. Electric drives have been part of the smart concept right from the start. The later integration of the components needed for electric drive was planned at a very early stage. For example, there is space for the battery in the underfloor between the axles where the tank is located in other smart models. The electric drive module does not limit the space available in the smart fortwo electric drive in any way; there is just as much interior and luggage compartment space as in a smart fortwo with a combustion engine.

Powerful drive

A 30 kW magneto-electric motor is installed at the rear of the new smart fortwo electric drive and responds directly without delay. Powerful torque of 120 Newton metres is immediately available. This results in a considerable amount of power when pulling away. The smart fortwo electric drive accelerates from 0 – 60 km/h in 6.5 seconds – just as quickly as a petrol model which it initially leaves behind it. After a year of driving the first generation smart fortwo electric drive in everyday conditions on British roads one of the participants in the large-scale London trial said “You can beat anything at the lights”. The maximum speed of the smart fortwo electric drive has been deliberately limited to 100 km/h, a suitable maximum speed for the city.

Thanks to the power characteristic of the electric motor, just one single fixed gear ratio is required. There is no need for any gear changing – a major advantage in dense city traffic. To reverse, the engine’s direction of rotation changes. “Fantastic and easy to drive. You just get in, turn on and go” was how experienced users from London summed up the smart fortwo electric drive.

The smart fortwo electric drive is powered by a lithium-ion battery developed by Tesla Motors Inc. with a capacity of 16.5 kWh. It is simple to charge at any fused 220 Volt socket. A fully charged battery is sufficient for up to 135 kilometres of driving fun (NEDC). This range is more than enough for city traffic as studies have shown that cars drive an average of 30 – 40 kilometres per day in towns and cities. For this, the vehicle only needs to be charged for three hours. At an average speed of 25 – 30 km/h that is normal in city traffic the smart fortwo electric drive 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.

Electronics optimise the battery charge status and power consumption

Special electronics ensure that all is well with the battery. This battery management system constantly monitors voltage, electricity and temperature. If one of these parameters reaches a specified limit – for example when driving uphill at constant peak power (kickdown) – the electronics reduce the power output. However, this is barely noticeable and it rules out the risk of battery overload.

The electronics also monitor the charging process and control the capacitydisplay. The vehicle’s power electronics supply the vehicle’s electrical system with electric current from the battery via a DC/DC converter. In addition, they also control the heating and air conditioning, for example, to minimise the strain on the battery. Clever drivers can air condition their smart fortwo electric drive in advance as long as their vehicle is being charged at home – the long-standing dream of stationary cooling becomes a reality! No other car offers this comfortable option.

Extensive equipment

The smart fortwo electric drive is based on the smart fortwo coupé/cabrio with high-quality equipment. Along with air conditioning with automatic temperature control and pre-air conditioning, the equipment includes smart radio 9, electric power steering, electric windows, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, a two-spoke leather steering wheel, leather gear knob and 12-spoke alloy wheels. In addition to the battery indicator, an ammeter shows the consumption and the recuperated energy. In addition, all new second generation smart fortwo electric drives have green painted wheels, green mirror caps, green contrast components and a green tridion cell created with green adhesive foil . The words “electric drive” on the rear and in the mirror triangle also draw attention to the vehicle’s special status.

smart fortwo electric drive in major cities in Europe and the USA

Since the end of 2009 the smart fortwo electric drive has been delivered to selected leasing customers. Leases are offered for a period of four years and 60,000 kilometres. The first vehicles were handed over to customers in December within the framework of the “e-mobility Berlin” project. Here, in cooperation with the energy provider RWE and with the support of the German government and the city of Berlin, Daimler is creating ideal conditions for running battery-driven vehicles with no local emissions. This includes setting up a network of electricity charging stations that enable intelligent communication between electric vehicles and the power network so that the battery can be charged when electricity is cheapest. But as mentioned, the smart fortwo electric drive can also be charged at any household safety socket with a 16 amp fuse (standard in Germany and other countries).

Further vehicles of the new generation smart fortwo electric drive will take to the roads of Hamburg, Paris, Rome, Milan, Pisa, Madrid and Zurich and they will also be deployed in further projects in Europe. Start: in the first half of 2010. Some of the models will also be sent to US cities in the second half of 2010.

There is already a very lively demand for the smart fortwo electric drive, and from 2012 it will be produced in large volumes as a normal part of the smart range and sold via the smart dealer network. This third generation will be fitted with a new lithium-ion battery, which Daimler is developing to production maturity in cooperation with Evonik. The lithium-ion battery currently used comes from Tesla and represents state-of-the-art technology. However, further progress is anticipated. The main differences between the two batteries lie in the structural design. The Tesla battery consists of lots of cylinder-shaped cells. The Daimler battery will be made up of fewer but larger plate units. This will first and foremost enable a greater energy density to be achieved (and therefore a higher range) and an even longer life.

With the smart fortwo electric drive the cult brand is underlining its pioneering role on the road to attractive individual mobility with no local emissions in cities and urban areas. Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Head of Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars, says: “All in all we believe that the outlook for electric mobility is good. Whilst our competitors are still presenting electric show cars, smart brought production models that are fully suitable for everyday use to the roads last year. This once again demonstrates our technical expertise and responsibility.”

Daimler is to display its long-term commitment to sustainable mobility and future-orientated drive technologies through its participation at the Shanghai World Expo 2010. The automobile inventor is to take part in numerous activities at the motorshow, including offering visitors the chance to experience a smart fortwo electric drive model, which is powered by an electric motor in combination with a lithium-ion battery.

A further exhibition will focus on the car2go mobility concept, which allows customers to rent a smart fortwo vehicle from anywhere at any time.

Dr Thomas Weber, Member of the Daimler Board of Management for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, said: “Fully in line with our strategy for sustainable mobility, we will present a broad spectrum of drive technologies at the World Expo. “As well as electric cars powered by batteries or fuel cells, we will also present our innovative mobility project. The ‘flex mover’ concept also provides a visionary outlook of future possibilities for individual mobility.”

The smart fortwo electric drive was on show earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show and is able to reach a limited top speed of 62 miles per hour.

smart fortwo electric drive offers innovative driving fun

The new smart fortwo electric drive is a logical continuation of a very ambitious goal: the production of a well-engineered, attractive city car that has no local exhaust gas emissions meaning it is a zero emission vehicle. In 2007 smart kicked off zero-emission motoring in London with its tough city traffic conditions. Since then 100 smart fortwo electric drives of the first generation have been in practical customer operation there. The feedback from the UK capital has been very positive and confirms the high degree of maturity of this vehicle concept.

In 2008 smart presented the second generation smart fortwo electric drive, a more advanced electric drive with an innovative lithium-ion battery. Lithium-ion technology has decisive advantages over other types of batteries including better performance, shorter charging times, a long life and high reliability. Marc Langenbrinck says “The second generation smart fortwo electric drive is based on a successful and accepted vehicle concept with character and inherent environmentally friendly characteristics. Its innovative electric battery drive makes it the perfect car for the city: it is agile, economical and climate-friendly. Motoring with zero local emissions in an urban environment has become a reality. This equates to driving fun with no compromises.”

The smart fortwo is part of the roadscape of modern cities and plays a role in shaping their change. New technologies and environmental framework conditions influence the future of urban areas and the way we live in cities. The automobile brand smart is taking up this subject and inviting the exchange of ideas and dialogue on “The future of the city” in six European cities. A temporary exhibition platform is being set up – “smart urban stage” – where future-oriented projects will be exhibited. In the next twelve months the “smart urban stage” will visit the cities of Berlin, Rome, Zurich, Paris, Madrid and London.

“What will the future be like in urban areas and how will we move around? These questions have always driven the smart brand. With the ‘smart urban stage’ we are bringing leading thinkers from relevant areas together to discuss visions of urban life with them”, says Marc Langenbrinck, Managing Director smart brand and Head of Sales & Marketing smart.

The starting signal will be given for the “smart urban stage” in Berlin. From 08 May to 13 June 2010 ten national projects from the fields of society, design, architecture, media, science and mobility will be presented in specially constructed temporary premises with an innovative architecture concept at Oranienburger Straße 59-63. The works shown are concerned with future-oriented and sustainable ideas relating to the future of urban life. They aim to provide answers to the question of how people living in urban areas can bring more community and sustainability into their everyday lives. The exhibits will be curated by experts and leading thinkers from these fields.

The importance of the projects is reflected in the “smart future minds award”. The car brand will award the future prize with prize money of €10,000 to the most innovative project at each of the six “smart urban stage” stations. The national winners from each of the six cities will also take part in the international final where the overall 2011 winner will be chosen.

In addition to the exhibition, smart is the first car manufacturer to offer a personal introduction to the subject of electric mobility. Those interested can experience mobility of the future in theory and practice and test drive the smart fortwo electric drive.

The smart fortwo electric drive is one of the main players on the ‘smart urban stage’. With its zero-emission drive it is already redefining urban mobility. smart has been producing the electric variant of the two-seater car since the end of 2009 and the vehicles are being delivered to the first customers in a total of eight countries in Europe and North America. From 2012 the smart fortwo electric drive as an alternative drive will be available from dealers alongside the petrol and diesel models.

Further information is available at www.smart-urban-stage.com.

Spring is in the air at this year’s Geneva Motor Show and invites visitors to the smart stand to take a break and recharge their batteries. Minimum stress and easy-going joie de vivre are also declared aims of the new smart fortwo electric drive which has been rolling off the production line at smart’s factory in Hambach, France since mid November 2009. Unlike its predecessor, the electrically driven smart fortwo of the second generation is fitted with an innovative and highly efficient lithium-ion battery. It is housed in a space-saving position between the axles, which means that space is not compromised in any way in the intelligent two-seater vehicle. A 30 kW electric motor is fitted at the rear. This provides for good acceleration and high agility with 120 Newton metres of torque that are immediately available. The smart fortwo electric drive can be charged at any normal household socket. In Germany, a full battery charge costs approximately two euros and is sufficient for a range of around 135 kilometres – more than enough for city traffic. smart has made electric drive a practical alternative for mobility with zero local emissions in urban areas. The first models of the new smart fortwo electric drive were handed over to customers in Berlin on 17 December 2009. Further cities in Europe and the USA will follow, allowing the environmentally friendly trendsetter to demonstrate its suitability for everyday use. From 2012 the smart fortwo electric drive will be available to anyone interested.

Marc Langenbrinck, responsible for brand management at smart says “In 1998 smart revolutionised urban mobility with the unique smart fortwo vehicle concept. Now smart is once again taking on a pioneering role and redefining zero-emission urban mobility. We are the first manufacturer to launch a series-produced electric vehicle. Daimler is spearheading electric mobility with the smart fortwo electric drive. The smart fortwo electric drive is a further logical step in the evolution of the smart brand which boasts the fleet with the lowest fuel consumption anyway.”

Environmental friendliness and state-of-the-art functionality have been defining features of the smart fortwo ever since it was launched more than ten years ago. Since then its innovative concept has combined sustainable, forward-looking technologies with individual urban mobility. With a length of just over two and a half metres the extremely compact vehicle can also park perpendicular to the flow of traffic. In addition, the space-saving and environmentally friendly two-seater currently has the lowest fleet consumption and it brings its occupants to their destination comfortably and safely. Its design is fresh, youthful, modern and yet sophisticated and has made it an automotive lifestyle icon which shows that mobility, responsibility to the environment and joie de vivre are compatible with one another. The smart fortwo has established a class of its own.

smart fortwo electric drive offers innovative driving fun

The new smart fortwo electric drive, which started rolling off the production line in mid November 2009, is a logical continuation of a very ambitious goal: the production of a well-engineered, attractive city car that has no local exhaust gas emissions i.e. a zero emission vehicle. In 2007 smart kicked off zero-emission motoring in London with its tough city traffic conditions. Since then 100 smart fortwo electric drives of the first generation have been in practical customer operation there. The feedback from the UK capital has been very positive and confirms the high degree of maturity of this vehicle concept.

In 2008 smart presented the second generation smart fortwo electric drive, a more advanced electric drive with an innovative lithium-ion battery. Lithium-ion technology has decisive advantages over other types of batteries including better performance, shorter charging times, a long life and high reliability. Marc Langenbrinck says “The second generation smart fortwo electric drive is based on a successful and accepted vehicle concept with character and inherent environmentally friendly characteristics. Its innovative electric battery drive makes it the perfect car for the city: it is agile, economical and climate-friendly. Motoring with zero local emissions in an urban environment has become a reality. This equates to driving fun with no compromises.”

Electric drive factored in from the very first concept

The smart fortwo electric drive is a smart fortwo that does not make any compromises with regard to safety, agility, comfort and space. Electric drives have been part of the smart concept right from the start. The later integration of the components needed for electric drive was planned at a very early stage. For example, there is space for the battery in the underfloor between the axles where the tank is located in other smart models. The electric drive module does not limit the space available in the smart fortwo electric drive in any way; there is just as much interior and luggage compartment space as in a smart fortwo with a combustion engine.

Powerful drive

A 30 kW magneto-electric motor is installed at the rear of the new smart fortwo electric drive and reacts directly without delay. Powerful torque of 120 Newton metres is immediately available. This results in a surprising amount of power when pulling away. The smart fortwo electric drive accelerates from 0 – 60 km/h in 6.5 seconds – just as quickly as a petrol model which it initially leaves behind it. After a year of driving the first generation smart fortwo electric drive in everyday conditions on British roads one of the participants in the large-scale London trial said “You can beat anything at the lights”. The maximum speed of the smart fortwo electric drive has been deliberately limited to 100 km/h, a suitable maximum speed for the city.

Thanks to the power characteristic of the electric motor, just one single fixed gear ratio is required. There is no need for any gear changing – a major advantage in dense city traffic. To reverse, the engine’s direction of rotation changes. “Fantastic and easy to drive. You just get in, turn on and go” was how experienced users from London summed up the smart fortwo electric drive.

The second generation smart fortwo electric drive is powered by a lithium-ion battery developed by Tesla Motors Inc. with capacity of 16.5 kWh. It is simple to charge at any fused 220 Volt socket. A fully charged battery is sufficient for up to 135 kilometres of driving fun (NEDC). This range is more than enough for city traffic as studies have shown that cars drive an average of 30 – 40 kilometres per day in towns and cities. For this, the vehicle only needs to be charged for three hours. At an average speed of 25 – 30 km/h that is normal in city traffic the smart fortwo electric drive 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.

Special electronics ensure that all is well with the battery. This battery management system constantly monitors voltage, electricity and temperature. If one of these parameters reaches a specified limit – for example when driving uphill at constant peak power (kickdown) – the electronics reduce the power output. However, this is barely noticeable and it rules out the risk of battery overload.

The electronics also monitor the charging process and control the capacity display. The vehicle’s power electronics supply the vehicle’s electrical system with electric current from the battery via a DC/DC converter. In addition, they also control the heating and air conditioning, for example, to minimise the strain on the battery. Clever drivers can air condition their smart fortwo electric drive in advance as long as their vehicle is being charged at home – the long-standing dream of stationary cooling becomes a reality! No other car offers this comfortable option.

Extensive equipment

The new second generation smart fortwo electric drive is based on the smart fortwo coupé/cabrio with high quality equipment. As well as air conditioning with automatic temperature control and pre-air conditioning, the equipment includessmart radio 9, electric power steering, electric windows, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, a two-spoke leather steering wheel, leather gear knob and 12-spoke alloy wheels. In addition to the battery indicator, an ammeter shows the consumption and the recuperated energy. In addition, all new second generation smart fortwo electric drives have green painted wheels, green mirror caps, green contrast components and a green tridion cell created with green adhesive foil. The words “electric drive” on the rear and in the mirror triangle also draw attention to the vehicle’s special status.

Very low costs

Based on German electricity prices it costs approximately two euros to drive the smart fortwo electric drive for 100 kilometres (even cheaper with off-peak electricity ). This is less than the price of two litres of petrol. Electric power is much cheaper in lots of countries. The maintenance costs are considerably lower than those of a smart with a combustion engine as the battery, motor and other components of the electric drive are practically maintenance-free.

There are also numerous other factors that make electric mobility attractive for customers. Tax relief and other government subsidies are an important aspect. For example, the state of Monaco offers tax relief of up to €9,000 to electric car owners. Other countries have also set up funding programmes for sustainable mobility. France grants a “super environment incentive” of €5000 for every vehicle emitting less than 60 grams of CO2 per kilometre. China and Japan have announced subsidies of €6,500 and €11,000 respectively.

smart fortwo electric drive in major cities in Europe and the USA

Since the end of 2009 the second generation smart fortwo electric drive has been delivered to selected leasing customers. Leases are offered for a period of four years and 60,000 kilometres. The first vehicles were handed over to customers in December within the framework of the “e-mobility Berlin” project . Here, in cooperation with the energy provider RWE and with the support of the German government and the city of Berlin Daimler is creating ideal conditions for running battery-driven vehicles with no local emissions. This includes setting up a network of electricity charging stations that enable intelligent communication between electric vehicles and the power network so that the battery can be charged when electricity is cheapest. But as mentioned, the smart fortwo electric drive can also be charged at any household safety socket with a 16 amp fuse (standard in Germany and other countries).

Further vehicles of the new generation smart fortwo electric drive will take to the roads of Hamburg, Paris, Rome, Milan, Pisa and Madrid and they will also be deployed in further projects in Europe. Start: in the first half of 2010. Some of the models will also be sent to US cities in the second half of 2010.

There is already a very lively demand for the smart fortwo electric drive, and from 2012 it will be produced in large volumes as a normal part of the smart range and sold via the smart dealer network. This third generation will be fitted with a new lithium-ion battery which Daimler is developing to production maturity in cooperation Evonik. The lithium-ion battery currently used comes from Tesla and represents state-of-the-art technology. However, further progress is anticipated. The main differences between the two batteries lie in the structural design. The Tesla battery consists of lots of cylinder-shaped cells. The Daimler battery will be made up of fewer but larger plate units. This will first and foremost enable a greater energy density to be achieved (and therefore a higher range) and an even longer life.

With the smart fortwo electric drive the brand is underlining its pioneering role on the road to attractive individual mobility with no local emissions in cities and urban areas. Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Head of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars says “All in all we believe that the outlook for electric mobility is good. Whilst our competitors are still presenting electric show cars, smart brought production models that are fully suitable for everyday use to the roads last year. This once again demonstrates our technical expertise and responsibility.”

The handover of the first smart fortwo electric drives to customers together with the official launch of the RWE electricity charging infrastructure introduces the next stage of electric mobility: As of today clean, intelligent and customer-friendly electric mobility is enabled by “e-mobility Berlin”. From public charging stations to RWE’s home charging stations – loading and paying for green electricity is now as easy as using a mobile phone. An intelligent charging management enabling a direct data exchange between the vehicle and the charging station forms the foundation for this. Customers receive a complete package containing the smart fortwo electric drive with intelligent charging management and a full service contract, an intelligent and fast RWE home charging station and free green electricity for the first 18 months. “e-mobility Berlin” makes electric mobility convenient, safe and manageable for every customer.

The first smart electric drives will be handed over in Berlin today. In line with a full service rental model the vehicles will be passed on to selected fleet, business and private customers. In the course of the project, the Berlin fleet will be completed by Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-CELL vehicles. Daimler will provide a total of more than 100 electric vehicles with battery from smart and Mercedes-Benz for “e-mobility Berlin” and will also service and maintain them.

“Our pioneering mobility concept offers an integrated solution which combines electric cars that are absolutely suitable for everyday use with an adjusted charging infrastructure. The smart fortwo electric drive is worldwide the first electric vehicle equipped with an intelligent charging management and the latest lithium-ion technology. It combines driving pleasure with an emission-free range of 135 kilometers – more than enough for daily use in urban areas. From today this sustainable and customer-friendly electric automobile will be an integral part of Berlin’s street picture”, says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Daimler CEO and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

RWE is providing the area-wide intelligent electricity charging infrastructure for “e-mobility Berlin” with around 500 electricity charging stations and is also responsible for the operation, supply of green electricity and central system control of the infrastructure. Dr. Jürgen Großmann, RWE CEO says “Only green electricity from renewable sources is being used for the “e-mobility Berlin” project. Thanks to our know-how as an electricity producer we bring climate protection to individual mobility through renewable energies. We are setting up a comprehensive system with an intelligent and user-friendly charging infrastructure that is suitable for quick everyday charging at home, work and in public areas. Our technology is already creating the basis for even more climate protection in future, especially the more efficient use of renewable energies.”

Rainer Brüderle, Federal Minister for Economics and Technology, affirms the federal government’s support for businesses’ climate protection efforts: “I have faith in the innovative strength of our industry and research institutions. To make sure Germany remains a leader in automotive technology in future, we need to work together across industries. This is the only way we will be able to solve the open questions of storage technology and infrastructure for electric mobility. The joint fleet project being undertaken by Daimler and RWE is an outstanding example of such cooperation. With substantial funding for research and development projects in the fields of transport, energy and information and communications technology, the federal government is supporting the development of market-ready products and hence raising Germany’s profile as a centre for innovation in these sectors. Starting in early 2010 the Joint Agency for Electric Mobility planned by the federal government will coordinate the implementation of the National Development Plan for Electric Mobility as central contact point for both businesses and the scientific community.”

Charging and paying: as easy as using a mobile phone

So electricity charging is even more convenient than filling up with petrol today. The preconditions are easy technical handling (“Plug & Charge”), the automatic exchange of information between the vehicle and the charging station during the charging process and a customer-friendly and safe billing system – as simple as for a mobile phone. In the framework of the “e-mobility Berlin” project customers conclude a contract for automotive electricity with RWE. The personal contract code (ID) is called up only once via the internet by the vehicle with the signing process familiar from online banking and saved in the RWE co-contractor billing system. When contact between the vehicle and the charging station has been established by the charging cable, the electronics on board the smart fortwo electric drive and the charging point enable all relevant information such as the identification data for the electricity contract to be exchanged with the electricity grid.

The charging process is only automatically activated when the personal ID is recognized. Among other things this enables a convenient, simple and – above all – secure billing at all times. Customers receive a single electricity bill from RWE regardless of where and from which charging station operator they get the electricity for their smart. This has the advantage for customers that they do not need to actively gain access, for example with a PIN or a credit card. At the same time data protection is guaranteed in all processes through the encryption and anonymisation of customer data. As a further function, drivers are able to monitor the status of the charging process and therefore the current range of their smart fortwo electric drive anywhere and at any time, for example via a smartphone such as an iPhone, a Blackberry or any PC with internet access. Drivers are also able to pre-air-condition their smart fortwo electric drive as long as their vehicle is being charged at home or at a charging station. No other car offers the comfortable options of pre-heating in winter and pre-cooling in summer.

The vehicle electronics also form the basis for features to be implemented in the smart fortwo electric drive and the A-Class E-CELL in future such as the possibility of actively controlling the charging process. For example, by retrieving the maximum available charging capacity and the corresponding electricity costs from the supplier whilst the vehicle is stationary. This enables the most economical charging strategy for the vehicle to be calculated. If the electric smart is parked for a longer period of time, the car can be recharged at times when there is a lower network load and therefore electricity is mostly available more cheaply, for example during the night.

With its various billing, control and monitoring functions the intelligent overall system of “vehicle and charging point” guarantees extremely customer-friendly electric mobility that is convenient and safe.

Full safety and individual online monitoring options via internet

Maximum safety for users is also guaranteed from a physical perspective: the plug and cable register whether charging point and vehicle connection are in perfect order and condition. Only then are the respective connections locked so that the electricity can flow. This means that there is practically no risk to the user through incorrect operation. There are no exposed electrical connections in the system and the cables are always de-energized when not in use. If the vehicle is connected to a charging station or home charging station customers have the individual possibilities to obtain information, to monitor or to control online. For example the current charging status can be called up online with a laptop or an internet-compatible mobile phone.

Pioneering solutions for a worldwide technology standard

In addition, further innovative technologies are used in the vehicle and the charging system. Together with 20 car manufacturers, suppliers and energy providers, RWE and Daimler have jointly developed a charging plug which shall be established as a standard throughout Europe. The target of all cooperation partners is to create a mandatory standard for charging interfaces for electric vehicles in Europe respectively worldwide. This global standardisation is an essential precondition for setting up a smoothly functioning as well as customer-friendly electricity charging infrastructure so that electric vehicles are accepted by customers and used across all vehicle classes in the long run. To standardise the communication interface between the vehicle and the charging station Daimler and RWE have also jointly developed a communication protocol that is available to third parties free of charge on the internet to enable them to develop their own products – in line with the open source idea. This should ensure that the communication protocol is constantly developed further – like the Unix operating system in the computer world – and not affected by industrial property rights.

Daimler – driving force for electric mobility that is innovative and suitable for everyday use

Within the initiative “e-mobility Berlin” Daimler is the first European car manufacturer to bring battery-driven electric vehicles that are suitable for everyday use to market in appreciable numbers. The smart fortwo electric drives to be applied in the Berlin project are part of an initial series of 1,000 vehicles. Production of these vehicles started at smart’s Hambach plant in mid-November. In the course of the next year the vehicles will take to the roads in a total of eight countries. In addition to Germany, smart fortwo electric drives will be handed over to customers in Italy, Spain, England, France and Switzerland. The market launch in the USA and Canada will start in the second half of 2010. Dr. Zetsche says “About ten years ago smart reinvented urban mobility. The second generation of our smart fortwo electric drive is the next milestone in the compact smart fortwo’s career which has been “green” right from the start. Volume production will start in 2012 and then the electric smart will be available to anyone interested.”

The electric drive of the intelligent two-seater convinces not only by being environmentally compatible and suitable for everyday use – but also by being fun to drive. The second generation surpasses its predecessor which has been successfully tested in London since 2007 in every respect, starting with the high range. With capacity of 16.5 kWh the highly efficient lithium-ion battery enables the vehicle to travel 135 kilometers – 30 percent more than before. The battery capacity can be charged from around 30 percent to around 80 percent in just three to four hours – that equates a distance of more than 100 kilometers. If a public charging station or the RWE home charging station is not available, the smart fortwo electric drive can also be charged at a normal household socket. The smart makes the emission-free electric drive an ideal alternative for urban mobility. A 30 kW electric motor is fitted at the rear and provides good acceleration with 120 Newton meters of torque immediately available from the start. Thanks to the no-shift electric drive it also guarantees high agility. The smart developers also attached great importance to the safety concept. The driver and passenger are seated above the impact zone and the battery is located between the side members, cross members and the two axles where it is also extremely well protected. This means that the full interior space is retained in the compact 2.7 meter smart.

RWE – pacemaker for an intelligent charging infrastructure

RWE is establishing and operating the charging infrastructure for “e-mobility Berlin”. 500 charging points are being successively set up in urban areas of Berlin. Parallel to this RWE is erecting publicly accessible charging stations in all large cities and metropolitan regions in Germany, for example on public roads, in APCOA multi-storey car parks and in front of all large ADAC offices. By the end of 2010 customers will find the first RWE automotive electricity charging stations in all large German cities. In addition, together with partners from public services, RWE is driving the comprehensive expansion of a charging infrastructure forward. RWE’s goal is flexible “refuelling” wherever cars are parked anyway – at home, work or on a shopping trip. This is how electric driving will become suitable for everyday use.

The charging stations for public operation and the RWE home charging stations are completely new developments. RWE attached great importance to safety, an attractive design and maximum user-friendliness. The central system control is also new. In future, it will enable even more efficient use of electricity from renewable energy sources and will compensate demand peaks in the grid – in line with the principle “Greater protection of the environment through innovation!”, as Jürgen Großmann says.

The RWE charging stations already deliver tomorrow’s technology today. They enable fast charging and have an assured charging capacity of 22 kW at RWE home charging stations and 44 kW at public charging stations. Compared with this, a normal household socket supplies a maximum of 3.7 kW.

Convenient, low cost and transparent electricity charging

With a consumption of just 12 kWh per 100 kilometers the smart fortwo electric drive represents the most economical and environmentally friendly way of driving a car in urban areas. An exemplary solution for driving locally emission-free into the future. Environmental zones with entry restrictions are increasingly being set up in many cities, from which electric cars with no emissions are exempt. In addition to possible state subsidies, for example the tax relief that buyers of electric cars are already entitled to in various European countries, this is a further way of reducing running costs. Furthermore, the energy costs are lower compared with fossil fuels. Within “e-mobility Berlin”, the green electricity from RWE is free for the first 18 months.

No emissions, yet pure driving pleasure: The first smart fortwo electric drive were handed over to customers in Berlin today. The compact two-seater is the first emission-free vehicle in the world with state-of-the-art lithium-ion technology and an intelligent charging management system on board. This makes the smart fortwo electric drive the first environmentally and customer-friendly electric vehicle. In order that, smart has once again demonstrated its innovation power and redefines urban mobility.

The very first drivers of the electric smart will be Rolf Bauer (artist and owner of a film dubbing studio) and Lutz Tamaschke (owner of a dental technology company). Both have sworn by the compact two-seater for years. “I’ve always been a fan of smart and am proud to be able to set a new trend once again by driving the electric smart. Thanks to the smart fortwo electric drive, I can make my own contribution to preserving the environment,” comments Rolf Bauer. With the smart fortwo electric drive, these two men now own a vehicle that is perfectly suited to urban mobility and offers driving pleasure, while being locally emission-free at the same time. “I allow myself and my car a rest for the night, so that we can both recharge our batteries. After a few hours sleep, we’re both good to go,” says Lutz Tamaschke enthusiastically. The first two vehicles were handed over today in Berlin by Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, and Harald Schuff, Executive Vice President Mercedes-Benz Sales and Marketing Organization.

“Environmental compatibility and latest functionalities have been defining features of the smart fortwo ever since it was launched more than ten years ago. Since then, its innovative concept has combined pioneering technology with individual, urban mobility. The smart fortwo electric drive is just as convincing as its siblings with conventional drive when it comes to suitability for everyday use, safety and driving pleasure. In terms of environmental compatibility it sets a new benchmark with its emission-free electric drive. In addition, with just 12 kwH consumption and its purely electric drive system, it is the most economical and environmentally-friendly way of driving,” stated Dr. Thomas Weber.

The electric smart will be delivered to selected fleet, business and private customers around the world as part of various “e-mobility” projects. These customers will receive a complete service package for their vehicle thanks to a so-called “full-service rental model”. “Beside state-of-the-art vehicle technology, we also want to provide our customers the best service possible – for us, this is an integral part of the concept of groundbreaking mobility,” commented Harald Schuff.

Key objective of these projects is to evaluate customer behaviour and specific support services. In addition to Germany, the electric smart will also be made available to customers in Italy, Spain, England, France, Switzerland, as well as the USA and Canada.

The concept

Thanks to its innovative vehicle concept, the intelligent two-seater combines sustainable, forward-looking technologies with individual, urban mobility. Its unique design has led it to quickly become an automotive lifestyle icon, which today is quite at home on the streets of trendsetting cities. And the new smart fortwo electric drive is still a smart fortwo without any compromises in terms of safety, comfort and space. A 30 kW electric motor operates in the rear of the smart fortwo electric drive, which ensures good acceleration as soon as the car is started thanks to 120 Nm torque. When fully charged, the highly-efficient lithium-ion battery guarantees a range of 135 kilometers thanks to its 16.5 kwH capacity – more than enough for city traffic. In order to charge the battery if required, the smart can either be hooked up to a public charging station, a wall box in the garage or simply to any standard household socket.

Intelligent charging management: charging and paying, as easy as using a mobile phone

As the world’s first electric car, the smart fortwo electric drive is equipped with an intelligent charging management system. The on-board electronics allow for the permanent exchange of information with the grid. As such, electricity billing, for example, can be arranged in a very convenient, simple and secure way. Irrespective of where and from whom the smart fortwo electric drive has obtained electricity, the customer will only receive one electricity bill from his own energy supplier. He can also check the charging status and therefore the current range of his electric smart in any place and at any time, by using a smartphone, for example, or other internet interfaces. As the heating and air-conditioning of the vehicle are also controlled by the power electronics unit, drivers of the smart fortwo electric drive can pre-aircondition their car as soon as the vehicle is connected to the grid supply – no other car offers this convenient option of pre-heating the car in winter and pre-cooling it in summer.

The electronics of the vehicle also form the basis for future applications, such as active management of the charging process. As the electronics can retrieve the maximum available charging capacity as well as the corresponding electricity costs when the vehicle is hooked up, it can calculate in which period of time recharging would be the most cost-effective. If the electric smart is parked for a longer time, charging can be carried out at times with lower electricity network load, for example.

On-board economy as standard

Depending on the respective electricity contract partner, around two up to three Euro are incurred in operating costs for every 100 kilometres driven in the smart fortwo electric drive. In addition, more and more governments and city authorities around the world are introducing regulations to promote emission-free driving and are setting up low-emission zones, which will also lead to cost benefits.

smart solutions for electric mobility

With the smart fortwo electric drive, smart is continuing its success story as the founder of the intelligent city vehicle. The new electric smart has redefined urban mobility by focusing on a purely emission-free way of driving. As such, the brand is not only demonstrating its role as a trendsetter, but also its technological innovation power: the smart fortwo electric drive is the ideal solution for locally emission-free driving of the future.