Smart Car Goes Electric

Daimler presented their Smart Electric Drive Car at the 2007 Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS 23) in Anaheim last December. The Smart Electric promises to be a huge success as a production model, and is classified as a ZEV (zero emissions vehicle). Daimler has not yet announced a release date for when the Smart Electric Car will go on sale, but anticipate long waiting lists for the Smart Electric once this happens.

The Smart Electric Car is powered by a rear-mounted electric motor that takes the place of the original gasoline (petrol) engine. The electric motor generates 30 kW or 41 bhp of rated output power. The battery technology is an environmentally friendly sodium/nickel chloride battery, which is mounted under the body of the Smart Electric so as to keep the original occupant space the same as in the petrol (gasoline) version.

In London in the United Kingdom, Daimler is running a pilot car project in which 100 of these Smart electric cars have been put in service for testing. Because these are electric cars, they are exempt from the Congestion Charge in London which is an excellent benefit and savings for motorists.

The Smart Electric Car has a top speed of 112 km/h (70mph), a range of 115km (72 miles) and accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h (38 mph) in 5.7 seconds.