Smart Fortwo Electric Drive (2006 - )  

Smart Fortwo Electric Drive (2006 - )

Good performance and reasonable range for an electric city-only car. Exempt from congestion charge and road tax. Cheap to run.
Initially available as a business lease car only and the monthly rentals are a high £375pm.

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Introduction

With its diminuitive size and proven city car credentials the smart fortwo makes a sensible base for a pure electric vehicle, so it’s no surprise that smart is set to introduce this model in 2012.

The smart ed (electric drive) is powered by a rear mounted  30KW (40bhp) magneto-electric motor which produces 120Nm of torque. Drive is delivered through a single gear ratio to the rear wheels.

A full charge from empty takes eight hours and gives a theoretical range of 84 miles. The Tesla developed battery can be charged from any 220 Volt three -pin socket, providing it has a fuse.

Top-speed is limited to 62mph, so the smart ed isn’t suited to an out-of-town environment.

It’s about to finish a 12-month UK consumer trial, and should be available to buy from 2012. 

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Last updated 28 November 2011
More at the Smart website  

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