2012 Smart ForTwo Electric Debuts In Frankfurt
The third generation of Smart’s electric version of the ForTwo is exhibited this week at the Frankfurt Motor Show and promises to be more than just an eco-friendly car. Launched back in 2009, the second generation of the model reached 18 markets and the automaker managed to deliver a little over 2,000 cars. It had a lithium-ion battery pack borrowed from Tesla that had a constant output of 27 hp (20 kW), peaking at 40 hp (30 kW). This allowed the car to do the 0-37 mph (0-60 km/h) sprint in 6.5 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 62 mph (100 km/h).
As for the new one, Smart has significantly improved the lithium-ion technology and this time it packs a 17.6 kWh unit developed with Deutsche Accumotive. In addition, this new electric motor is more powerful than the one it replaces, being capable to provide a constant output of 47 hp (35 kW) and a peak torque of 74 hp (55 kW). The car is propelled to 37 mph in exactly 5 seconds and hits a maximum speed of 75 mph (120 km/h). It has 95 lb.-ft (130 Nm) of torque which should make it more responsive at higher speeds.
The battery of the 2012 Smart ForTwo Electric should be able to provide enough juice for up to 140 km and you will be able to charge it from a regular household outlet in approximately 8 hours. If you get the optional rapid charge function that has a 22 kW on-board charger, recharging the battery will take less than 60 minutes.
Set to go on sale in the spring of next year, the car will be available in 30 countries and Smart says that they plan on selling at least 10,000 units. In Germany, the car will have a base price of less than 16,000 Euro ($22,000), but every month they’ll have to pay a battery rental fee which will set them back another 60 Euro ($82).
Source: Smart via Carscoop
Post tags: Tags: frankfurt motor show, Green, Smart, smart fortwo electric, smart-fortwo
