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The smart fortwo car ditches fuel engine and goes all-electric in the UK
The smart fortwo is the adorable little ultra-efficient minicar zipping around cities around the world. Now, an all-electric version is ready for release in the UK. No fuel required, ever.
The new smart fortwo will be able to reach top speeds of 60mph and go up to 72 miles per charge of its 41 hp Zytek electric motor. It can be plugged into any electrical outlet. Just don't forget your extension cord. Anyone else think it's interesting that they're completely skipping the hybrid and going straight to all-electric?
The cars will be released first in the UK, with France and Italy following shortly. According to the smartUSA folks, the US release is slated for the second half 2010 in very limited numbers and locations. The smart fortwo qualifies for the Cash for Clunkers program. Will you trade in for one?
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Via Inhabitat
By Old Man Dotes at 4:21 PM ON 06/23/09
Hell yes I'll trade in my gas-burining ICE cars for this! Or an Aptera, which looks a lot sexier. Depends on the price more than anything.
By CS Guy at 6:49 PM ON 06/25/09
While I applaud every electric car I see actually getting into production, the ForTwo driving experience is just too poor. Reading the link above about the lady who rented one (a gas burner though) is an eye opener about these cute little cars - terrible ride comfort, not enough cargo room and molasses-slow acceleration getting onto freeways, "terrifying" was the word the poster used referring to the gasser version taking up to 40 seconds to get to freeway speeds.
I hope the electric version corrects some of these deficiencies. Ride comfort should always be a top priority in vehicle design.
Looks like it's Aptera or Myers Motors for me. They are both 3 wheelers but have great pep and adequate cabin size in the case of the Aptera.
By John at 12:16 PM ON 07/07/09
Being an owner of a smart i have to comment this...Although my smart runs with diesel and the horse power is very low (45) it takes me where i want to go but..the smart cars have an electric airconditioning. If you live in UK or other 'north' European countries you won't need it...much. But if you live in Greece or south Italy i wonder how many miles it will take you with the aircondition on..Maybe the electric edition of the smart have an open roof instead of aircondition.
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John:
Being an owner of a smart i have to comment this...Although my smart runs with diesel and the horse power is very l...More »