Frankfurt motor show: Smart Electric Drive
The third generation Smart electric drive has been officially revealed at the Frankfurt show, alongside some fetching silver-clad dancers. The electric drive, unveiled for the first time in Frankfurt, will go on sale spring 2012 with an improved drivetrain boasting greater range and a higher top speed: now 86 miles and 74mph respectively.
From the Frankfurt Motor Show Daimler subsidiary Smart has announced that its flagship electric vehicle, the Fortwo, is preparing for the third-generation upgrade as well as worldwide distribution.
The Fortwo, which recently acted as a test vehicle for a habit study in the United Kingdom, is equipped with an improved 55 kilowatt electric motor, giving it a top speed of approximately 75 miles per hour, and a 17.6 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, giving the car a range of around 60 miles.
The tiny vehicle, already commonly seen in many cities in its traditional gasoline form, will enter more than 30 markets next year with a five-figure production volume, Smart announced at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
The price in Germany will be under €16,000 before taxes, Smart added, with other global markets expected to boast similar price points.
A price of €16,000 will make the Fortwo one of the most affordable electric cars on the road, especially given the generous discounts offered by some countries and cities for electric vehicle ownership.
