Electric Smart ForTwo is in the testing
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Last summer Smart unveiled three new concept versions of its second-generation ForTwo minicar, all based around an ultra-efficient electric drivetrain. The trio included a regular petrol hybrid, a diesel hybrid and a zero-emissions electric vehicle.
The all-electric ForTwo, features a 30kW motor powered by a sodium-nickel-chloride battery and a range of 115km(about 70 miles) on a single charge.
For the past several months, Smart has been conducting official tests of this car in the UK and will be doing more in California next year.
The U.S. version will feature a second-generation electric drive system with lighter and more efficient lithium-ion batteries. Consuming just 12kw-hours per 100km, the average cost of running the car is around two and a half cents per mile and it takes just 5.7 seconds to accelerate from rest to a reasonable driving pace of 60km/h.(~37mph)
If the tests prove successful, Smart exec Anders Jensen says the zero-emissions vehicle could enter production very quickly. With rising gas prices and most people just driving in the city this car could be a success with its low costs per mile and small size which allows it to park almost everywhere. Would you replace your second SUV for something smaller and more economic?
Stumble it!
