New Smart Fortwo goes electric
There’s no question that driving an electric vehicle in a busy urban setting – in this case, Victoria – forces you to think about your transportation priorities in an entirely different way.
While electrics can’t compete with conventional gasoline powered or hybrid vehicles in terms of size, performance or range, you can make a powerful argument that in any two-car family, that second car could well be a Smart Fortwo ED (Electric Drive). Let’s face it, most people working in the city, drive less than 50 kilometres a day, to and from work. if you add a couple of side trips for shopping you’d still be well within the Smart Fortwo ED’s 140-kilometre range. Each night you would simply plug it in to your home electricity source and be ready to go next day. Just imagine what it would be like, not being subject to the wholly illogical roller-coaster ride of gasoline prices. and no more oil changes or tune-ups. That’s worth almost any compromise.
The more we drove around Victoria, the more logical it became. first of all, this is a two-seater that’s three feet shorter than a billiard table (and about the same width), so you quickly realize you have a size advantage in tight traffic . . . much less sheet metal to worry about. with its silky smooth gearless acceleration (it uses a CVT-Continuously Variable Transmission), short (1867 mm/74.0 in) wheelbase and quick steering, the Smart Fortwo ED is nimble as a Jack Russell terrier chasing a Frisbee. Parking spaces you’d have to bypass in a compact or even a subcompact sedan, now welcome you with open arms This is actually fun.
The Smart Fortwo concept was the brainchild of Nicholas Hayek of Swatch (Swiss Watch) fame. he looked at the congested streets of Europe’s major cities and realized there was a place for a vehicle that took up half the space, used half as much fuel and generated half as much pollution as a regular car. he took the idea to Mercedes-Benz and together, they made it happen. Today, the Smart Fortwo is celebrating its 12th birthday (8th in Canada), is sold in 37 countries around the world with well over one million on the road.
The Smart Fortwo ‘went electric’ in Europe in 2008. The model coming to Canada this Septem-ber will be the third generation with more power, longer range and better acceleration. Driven by a 17.6 kW battery and 55 kW electric motor, it will reach a top speed of 120 km/h and accelerate to 60 km/h in 5.0 seconds . . . more than enough to handle the rough and tumble of city traffic or highway cruising.
The lithium-ion battery represents the latest technology and guarantees in excess of 140 kilometre range (70 outbound and return). when fully discharged, it takes a maximum of eight hours to fully charge the battery at a household socket or charging station.
Safety is a prime consideration that starts on the inside with the rigid, highstrength Tridion safety cell that protects the cabin and its occupants. front and rear crumple zones are designed to absorb impacts while the safety cell resists deformation. Full size, dual-stage front seat airbags and head/upper body side airbags along with three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners and beltforce limiters are standard. The cockpit features a simplified instrument panel featuring a single, multi-functional display seen through the steering wheel. All the key information is there including the large speedometer with black on grey numerals, gear selection (P-N-R-D), turn signal indicator, odometer and trip odos (it seemed odd at first, driving a car without fuel or engine temperature gauges). The two “frog eye” gauges atop the dashboard indicate the charge status and the energy being used and recaptured when coasting and braking.
Our tester was a prototype with second generation performance – not quite up to the model coming here in the fall. nonetheless, we didn’t feel at any disadvantage with respect to performance. with additional power and a more efficient powertrain, the third generation can only be better. Basic design and equipment levels follow the standards set with the gasoline Smart Fortwos. The front bucket seats with integrated head restraints were nicely finished in a patterned charcoal fabric with black seatback inserts. Both had manual fourway adjustments and featured generous side seat and upper body bolsters plus a knee bolster for the driver. Full equipment includes automatic air conditioning with pollen filter, electric windows and power adjustable outside mirrors, power steering, leather wrapped steering wheel and gearshift. Dynamic assists include ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and four-wheel, power-assisted brakes with EBFD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution) that work together to maintain grip and directional control on low friction surfaces.
The Smart is the first car brand to develop its own drive app for the iPhone. it has all the features needed while driving: hands-free phone calls, your own music collection, internet radio and a clever navigation system. The Vehicle Homepage allows you to see your range on an interactive map with 3D views. All destinations within range and all public charging stations can be seen at a glance.
The Smart Fortwo ED can also be connected to the internet at home via a standard powerline adapter (Homeplug AV) for SmartCharging. after entering the planned departure time in the vehicle or the web portal, the vehicle will be fully charged in the most battery-saving and economical way – even pre-air conditioned if required – so it is ready to start in the morning.
No model details are available so far, but you can expect a coupe and cabriolet model with pricing (I would guess) slightly above current gasoline-engined Smart Fortwos. if you have any further questions, stop in at Three Point Motors in Nanaimo at 303 Terminal Avenue.
Type: RDW sub-compact two-seater
Engine: Battery-electric
Fuel economy: Not applicable
Base price: Not available
Price as tested: Not available
Vehicle provided by Three Point Motors, Victoria
- Alan McPhee is a Canadian automotive journalist and is former editor of Carguide Magazine. his articles appear each week in this space.
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