Smart Fortwo Goes Electric

Now this is a "smart" move from the homonymous Swiss-German company, as Smart announced that it�s going to produce an electric version of the Fortwo model. The Smart EV (electric vehicle) will make its debut at the British Motorshow at ExCeL on 18 July.

To avoid any �blackouts�, Smart decided to run a market trial for the introduction of a fully electric version of it's two-seater car, with the Brit�s being the lucky old chaps as the UK was the selected market. The car will be made available on a lease arrangement to selected UK corporate customers with deliveries starting in November.

The Smart EV has 30kW output and a top speed of 70 mph (112 km/h). It promises to offers better in-town performance than its petrol powered stablemate, with 0-30 mph (0-48 km/h) in 6.5 seconds. With a range of up to 72 miles (116 km/h), the Smart EV is exempt from vehicle excise duty and congestion charge.

The drive train for the Smart EV is produced in the UK by technology partner Zytek Group who undertake final assembly of the smart ev in Fradley, near Litchfield.

Dermot Kelly, Managing Director Mercedes Car Group, commented: "A market trial of the smart ev is a significant step for the Mercedes Car Group as it is an important part of our commitment to sustainable mobility. We expect to deliver up to 200 units in this market trial phase and will work with corporate partners, to find suitable applications for the ev, and with green energy suppliers to deliver zero emissions from well to wheel."

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