Despite the disappointing sales of Smart globally, DaimlerChrysler is pushing ahead with its plan to equip the petite city cars with electric motors.
The lightweight and small engines meant the gasoline-engined Smart cars were quite frugal, but the electric version, called a ForTwo Electric Drive, should be even more so.
The electric motor is also suited to city traffic as it gets 100 percent torque straight away. Power is rated at a lowly 30 kilowatts, with a top speed of 70 mph and a 0-30 mph time of 6.5 seconds.
The automaker will first run a market trial in the United Kingdom, with the cars initially leased to select corporate customers. If it’s successful, Smart will bring the cars to other markets, including potentially the United States.
