Smart Fortwo Electric Drive

From January 2013 will be available in Spain the third generation smart fortwo electric drive. As in the rest of the range fortwo there are two body styles, coupe and convertible with retractable canvas roof. There are currently no sale in Spain any electric sightseeing smart size.

For the first time it will be possible to buy from individuals, previously offered by some companies leasing. smart offers two options, buy for 23 000 or 18 950. The difference is that in the second case the battery is not customer property but it's rented. Subsidies for electric cars end up in December 2012 and that, in principle, this smart buyer can not benefit from them.

The rental price of the battery is € 65 a month during the ten years of the contract unlimited mileage (which is a total additional cost of 7800 euros, compared to 4050 which means buy). The advantage of renting is that it includes the program smart called "sale & care" and that allows the customer to walk away from potential problems that may have the battery (when purchasing the warranty is 2 years) during those ten years since in case of failure or performance loss is replaced free of charge. End of that period may sign another lease or buy.

The reviews are scheduled every 20 000 km and, as we have said smart managers, costs 30% less than in the heat engine. The electric motor requires no maintenance, to the battery, a cartridge change moisture.

Compared to the previous electric fortwo no noticeable change as the main power ( 75 hp ) , which allows higher top speed and much better acceleration when driving over 50 km / h . According to smart , acceleration 0-100 km / h is 11.5 seconds , when the former needed more than doubled, 26.7 s . It also increases the autonomy , increased 10 km to reach 145 km. Comparative table smart 2010 and 2012.

Brabus will also be a version with changes in appearance ( gallery) , a firmer suspension and an engine of 82 hp. So far no data on their performance and price .
The smart fortwo electric drive is possibly the best car for city driving provided they do not need more than two seats and a trunk very capable. It is quiet and smooth as can only be electric cars, maneuver very well and you can move nimbly in traffic.
I have driven the car in the city and I was surprised acceleration capacity and also the further refinement over the previous model . Now the electric motor is not heard inside ( before it was very obvious) and when you lift off the accelerator retains much less, which for my taste allows dosing better braking. By retaining and smooth braking recharges the battery thing because it is the electric motor that offers drag to function as a generator ( converts kinetic energy , due to a mass movement in power ) . If you brake intensity is more conventional hydraulic system which reduces the speed . As is the case with thermal motor fortwo in electric brake pedal is hinged on the ground and goes hard .
I have not had a chance to try on the road, where perhaps more noticeable improvements by increasing the top speed to 125 km / h . In the previous model was circulated to the rhythm of slow trucks and other vehicles , in this normally should not involve passenger cars.

To charge the battery there are several possibilities. The series is a normal plug (Schuko) that connects to the 230 V with which it takes seven hours to make a full recharge. Optionally you can purchase the so-called "wallbox" junction box which reduces the recharge time one hours through greater efficiency in the refill. Finally there is a rapid recharge system that requires the "wallbox" and a special charger and charge the battery getting in just one hour. It has one drawback: the price. The wallbox costs and charger € 710 € 2000 (price in Germany).

In addition, the "wallbox" can be of three types. Normal (710 euros), another internet connection (€ 880) and one for many who need to recharge electric vehicles (up to 16 cars, € 2800). With the "wall box" with internet connection can be programmed recharging. For example to be done overnight, if you have hired a cheaper rate. It is made from a specific application for mobile and from a website that is accessible to each owner. It also allows you to advance the interior temperature. If it's cold it warms up to 19 ° C and cooled if hot it until it reaches 24. Not just a comfort system, also serves to decrease autonomy less use of air conditioning. Smart has improved the insulation of the cabin-door seals and front-wall so that there is less waste and consume less energy climate.

In the interior no major changes from the previous model. The most obvious is that the glove box now has a lid and no controls on the steering wheel for the cruise. In the instrument panel shows the remaining range.