MONTVALE, NJ – The Smart fortwo electric car is a natural next step for the trend-setting smart brand. In light of the brand’s environmental leadership, the zero emission electric drive is an evolutionary extension of the fortwo, which has led the auto industry in urban mobility and energy conservation.
The smart fortwo electric drive is a zero-emission visual statement that further defines the spirit of smart. Based on the iconic smart fortwo, and available in coupe and cabriolet body styles, the new generation smart fortwo electric drive has the smallest footprint of any car on U.S. roads and represents a key step in sustainable transportation. It enters the U.S. market at an ideal time as the United States is setting policy goals for reducing CO2 and dependence on fossil fuels.
development of the smart fortwo electric drive
smart fortwo electric drive was part of the smart concept from the very start. When the smart design was first conceived more than 20 years ago,Daimler developers anticipated high-torque electric motors.
Because electric motors produce instant high torque, the car uses a single gear instead of a multiple-gear transmission. As a result, there’s no need for shifting – a major advantage in dense city traffic.
To back up, the electric motor simply runs in the opposite direction. Its 55-kilowatt magneto-electric motor provides 35 kilowatts of continuous power. In its kickdown mode, the EM-motive motor (joint venture between Bosch and Daimler) makes peak power of 55 kilowatts for about two minutes, which translates to 96 pound-feet of torque. This power provides acceleration from zero to 60 mph in less than 13 seconds, and a top speed of 78 mph.
electric motor details
In the new generation of the smart fortwo electric drive, an EM-motive (joint venture between Bosch and Daimler) 55-kilowatt electric motor provides 35 kilowatts of continuous power that translates to 130 Nm of torque. In its kickdown mode, the motor can generate peak power of 55 kilowatts for about two minutes. This power provides acceleration from zero to 60 mph in less than 13 seconds, and a top speed of more than 75 mph.
lithium-ion battery
In general, lithium-ion batteries boast shorter charging time, better performance, longer life and higher reliability than other battery technologies. Neatly hidden under the floor, the lithium-ion battery from the Daimler subsidiary Deutsche ACCUmotove in the new generation of the smart fortwo electric drive provides 17.6 kilowatt-hours of electrical power, with an efficiency of 110 watt hours per kilogram.
The range for the third-generation electric drive is expected to be more than 100 miles. However, much like conventional fuel economy, the range of any electric vehicle depends on 13 driving habits and weather so consumers can expect the range between charges to vary widely.
intelligent charging
The smart fortwo electric drive features a sophisticated battery management system to make it convenient and maximize its efficiency. First, it can be charged from any normal household 110-volt wall socket or a 240-volt socket like those used for electric clothes dryers, kitchen ranges, or a wall box. No external charger is needed, since the car has a 3.3 kilowatt on-board charger that can draw 16 amperes of current.
Charging time depends on battery temperature and which outlet is used. From a 240-volt outlet, it only takes 3½ hours to charge the battery from 20 to 80 percent and about seven hours to reach full charge from a depleted battery. Charging from a 110-volt outlet or in cold temperatures takes longer, so 240-volt charging should be done whenever possible. As recommended by the Society of Automotive Engineers, the car comes with a J1772 charging socket and connector on the charging cord, as well as a 110-volt travel cord that makes charging easy during travel.
Source: Daimler / Smart at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show
