Test Marketing an Electric Version of the smart fortwo

An electric version of the smart fortwo is undergoing test marketing with select corporate customers in the UK, with the smart brand expected to ultimately deliver up to 200 units of the battery-powered two-seater. To convert the microcar to run on electric power, a 40 horsepower electric motor displaces the conventional fortwo’s internal combustion engine at the rear of the vehicle. The transmission is locked in second gear since the electric motor’s ability to operate in a wide range of speeds eliminates the need for other gears. A reverse gear is also provided. Changes to the interior include removing the standard model’s gearshift and mounting a charge level indicator for the battery in a central position on the instrument panel, where the rev counter would be in other vehicles. Interior and luggage room is not affected by the conversion to electric power.

The company claims that acceleration is slightly better than the gasoline-powered model, citing a zero to 30 mph time of 6.5 seconds. Top speed for the smart fortwo ev is reportedly 75 mph. Energy is supplied by a sodium nickel- chloride battery located centrally in the underbody of the car. The battery will charge from 30 to 80 percent of its capacity in three and a half hours, while an empty battery can be fully charged in less
than eight hours. A range of about 70 miles, combined with limited top speed, makes the smart fortwo ev best suited for short journeys in urban traffic.

The smart fortwo ev’s $0.04 cost-per-mile is considerably lower than that of the already inexpensive smart fortwo, which operates for about $0.12 per mile. Another cost advantage for lessees is that the electric powered smart is exempt from the central London congestion charges.