Mercedes-Benz to offer one of the most affordable electric cars on the market

• The new smart electric drive combines the unique agility of the smart with local emission-free driving – the ideal match for urban mobility
• smart is the only car manufacturer worldwide to offer its model range with both combustion engines and all-electric drive – the smart fortwo, smart fortwo cabrio and smart forfour are available as electric drive models
• The smart fortwo cabrio is the only electric cabriolet on the market
• With 160 Newton metres of torque, the 60 kW electric car boasts exceedingly agile acceleration
• The fully charged battery has sufficient power to cover approximately 160 kilometres in accordance with the New European Driving Cycle, making it ideal for urban use
• With the high-performance on-board charger the smart electric drive can be charged up to twice as fast as before (depending on the country version and the electric power grid)
• With the new fast charger (optional extra available from 2017) the vehicle can be charged in less than 45 minutes (from 0 to 80%)
• The 17.6 kWh lithium-ion battery from the Daimler subsidiary Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE is housed in the vehicle underbody in a safe position that is favourable for the vehicle’s centre of gravity
• The ECO mode is a particularly energy-efficient drive program. The radar-based recuperation controls energy recovery depending on the traffic situation.
• With the “smart control” app a host of electric drive information can be called up via smartphone, tablet or PC and functions such as pre-entry climate control or intelligent charging can be conveniently controlled remotely.
• In addition to the extensive standard equipment of the model series, the smart electric drive models also come with a dashboard instrument with power meter and battery status display and the Cool&Audio package. The winter package with a heated steering wheel for maximum thermal comfort is available as an exclusive option for the electric drive models
• The electric drive design package (option) gives the vehicle an expressive look. Among other features the tridion safety cell and door mirror caps are painted in exclusive electric green
• With eye-catching design details in electric green the special model smart electric drive greenflash is a further exciting highlight for the market launch
• This is already the fourth generation of electric drive for smart. With the launch of the first electrically driven test fleet in London back in 2007, smart took on a pioneering role in the field of electric mobility
• The smart fortwo and the smart forfour will be launched in Europe in the spring of 2017, the battery-electric version of the cabriolet will be introduced on the market in Europe in summer 2017
• In Germany prices for the smart fortwo electric drive will start at €21,940 (recommended retail price including 19% VAT). When the environmental bonus is taken into account this means that it will cost less than €18,000

The new smart electric drive^[1] makes opting into electric mobility more attractive than ever. This is because it combines the agility of the smart with local emission-free driving – the ideal match for urban mobility. Fourth-generation electric driving pleasure can be experienced not only in the smart fortwo coupé and smart fortwo cabrio, but for the first time also in the four-seater smart forfour. In future smart will be the only car manufacturer worldwide to offer its model range with both combustion engines and all-electric drive. The market launch will start in the spring of 2017. In Germany prices for the smart fortwo electric drive start at €21,940 (recommended retail price including 19% VAT).

“The smart is the perfect city car, and with electric drive it becomes a little bit more perfect”, says Dr Annette Winkler, Head of smart. “This is why we will soon be offering our entire range – smart fortwo, forfour and even our smart cabrio – as all-electric versions. Together with lots of smart fans and enthusiastic drivers of the three predecessor generations, we are looking forward to the unique driving fun offered by the new smart electric drive. And at very attractive prices, especially in countries where there is a buyer’s premium”.

The driving characteristics are as agile and lively as ever. The ultra-small turning circle also contributes to this, and at 6.95 metres for the two-seater it corresponds precisely to that of its sibling with conventional drive. And every wish will be catered for with regard to colours and optional equipment – electric driving at smart offers maximum scope for customisation.

The charging time is an important factor for electric vehicle customers and the new smart electric drive also boasts major improvements here. All models have a new, powerful on-board charger as a standard feature. In the USA and Great Britain the charging time is 2.5 hours – half as long as for the predecessor. With the “smart control” app the charging process can be conveniently monitored from afar and many more functions such as intelligent charging can be controlled.

From the autumn of 2017 a particularly powerful 22 kW fast charger will be available as an option. This enables the smart electric drive to be charged much more quickly: in less than 45 minutes (0-80%) when local conditions allow three-phase charging.

The smart fortwo electric drive models are series produced at smart’s Hambach plant in France. The smart forfour electric drive is produced at the Novo Mesto site in Slovenia. The smart is equipped with a battery from the Daimler subsidiary Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE. The company based in Kamenz, Saxony, has been building the electric heart of the smart electric drive since 2012.

A 60 kW (81 hp) electric motor runs at the rear of the smart electric drive and transmits its power via a constant ratio to the wheels. Powerful torque of 160 Nm is immediately available from a standstill. The electric drive has a range of approximately 160 km – ideal for local emission-free mobility in urban areas. The maximum speed is electronically limited to 130 km/h to maximise the range.

Thanks to the power characteristics of the electric motor, the smart needs just one single fixed gear ratio. There is no need for any gear changing – a major advantage in dense city traffic. To reverse, the engine’s direction of rotation changes. The drive is produced in Renault’s plant in Clèon, Northern France.

The data for the new smart electric drive at a glance:

^*Recommended retail price for Germany incl. 19% VAT

As well as the basic transmission mode the driver can select ECO mode. This is designed for a particularly efficient driving style. In addition, the maximum speed is limited, the accelerator pedal curve adjusted and the maximum recuperation level is pre-selected. In overrun mode or when braking, the vehicle’s kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy – this is called recuperation. The radar-based recuperation, which is active in the basic transmission mode, is anticipatory. The traffic situation is monitored with a radar sensor and a recuperation level that suits the current situation is selected.

To save energy and extend the range, the smart electric drive also features pre-entry climate control. For example, this enables the desired temperature to be reached in the interior while the vehicle is still charging at a socket.

With the “smart control” app lots of electric drive information can be called up via smartphone, tablet or PC and functions such as pre-entry climate control or intelligent charging can be conveniently controlled remotely. The new model has more operating options than the predecessor. For example, two programmable departure times mean that intelligent charging and pre-entry climate control do not always need to be re-set for frequent journeys.

The smart electric drive models surpass the extensive standard equipment of their siblings with conventional drive as they additionally have a dashboard instrument with power meter and battery status display (standard) or on request the winter package with heated steering wheel for maximum climate comfort (optionally available). The electric drive design package (optionally available) gives the vehicle an expressive look with tridion safety cell and door mirror caps painted in exclusive electric green. And every wish can be catered for when it comes to colours and optional equipment, as the smart BRABUS tailor made individualisation programme is also available for the smart fortwo electric drive.

With eye-catching design details in electric green the special model smart electric drive greenflash is an exciting highlight for the market launch. This special smart electric drive will be available as a coupé and a cabrio with prices starting from €27,839 (incl. environmental bonus: €23,459).

Electric history at smart

With the start of the first electrically driven test fleet in 2007 in London, smart also took on a pioneering role in the field of electric mobility when 100 smart fortwo electric drives took to the roads of the British capital – with great success.

In 2009 smart launched the second generation of the smart fortwo electric drive, with the model introduced in 18 markets. The objective was to gather as much experience as possible about how customers use and charge electric vehicles. The huge demand exceeded all expectations. Instead of the planned 1000 vehicles more than 2000 smart fortwo electric drives were produced in Hambach.

From June 2012 the third generation of the smart fortwo electric drive also succeeded in winning wide-ranging buyers for its innovative and forward-looking drive concept. Moreover, in 2013 the smart fortwo was the first all-electric vehicle from a European importer in China. In Germany, the electric smart established itself as the market leader among battery-electric vehicles within a very short space of time with a market share of around 40 percent and was able to maintain this position for three years in a row.

The smart electric drive also contributed to the success of the brand as part of the car2go fleet with 1400 cars in three cities. As car2go vehicles alone, the smart electric drive has covered more than 35 million km in demanding everyday use since the launch.

^[1] Combined power consumption: 13.1 – 12.9 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km

 

The electric drive: Urban driving fun in the fourth generation

The new smart electric drive makes opting into electric mobility more attractive than ever. This is because it combines the agility of the smart with local emission-free driving – the ideal match for urban mobility. With torque of 160 Newton metres immediately available the 60 kW electric car boasts exceedingly agile acceleration. The fully charged battery has sufficient power to cover approximately 160 kilometres in accordance with the New European Driving Cycle, making it ideal for urban use. With the high-performance on-board charger the smart electric drive can be charged at a household socket up to twice as fast as before – depending on the country version. The ECO mode is a particularly energy-efficient drive program. The radar-based recuperation controls the energy recovery depending on the traffic situation.

A 60 kW (81 hp) electric motor runs at the rear of the smart electric drive and transmits its power via a constant ratio to the wheels. Powerful torque of 160 Nm is immediately available from a standstill. The electric drive has a range of approximately 160 km – ideal for local emission-free mobility in urban areas. The maximum speed is electronically limited to 130 km/h to maximise the range.

The electric motor takes the form of a separately excited three-phase synchronous motor. This configuration incorporates an excitation winding on the rotor that is magnetised when current flows. The flow of energy from the high-voltage battery to the electric motor is controlled by the power electronics that are compactly interlocked with the drive unit.

Thanks to the power characteristics of the electric motor, the smart needs just one single fixed gear ratio. There is no need for any gear changing – a major advantage in dense city traffic. To reverse, the engine’s direction of rotation changes. The drive is produced in Renault’s plant in Clèon, Northern France.

With battery certificate: lithium-ion battery from the Daimler subsidiary Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE

The smart is equipped with a lithium-ion battery from the Daimler subsidiary Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE. The company based in Kamenz, Saxony, has been building the electric heart of the smart electric drive since 2012 (see the corresponding section for details).

The battery has capacity of 17.6 kWh and is cleverly housed in the vehicle underbody between the two axles in a safe position that is favourable for the vehicle’s centre of gravity. The battery consists of 96 flat cells and the cell chemistry has been improved compared with the predecessor battery.

To strengthen customers’ trust in the innovative drive technology, smart is issuing a battery certificate and therefore a service commitment for the high-voltage battery for the first time. This guarantees that the maximum energy content is not less than the specified battery capacity – over eight years and/or to a mileage of 100,000 kilometres.

Made-to-measure power output: on-board charger, fast charger, Wallbox

All smart electric drives have a powerful on-board charger as a standard feature. This enables an empty battery to be quickly charged. In the USA and the UK the charging time is 2.5 hours – half as long as for the predecessor. With the “smart control” app the charging process can be conveniently monitored from afar and functions such as intelligent charging can be controlled (see the corresponding section for details).

From the autumn of 2017 a particularly powerful 22 kW fast charger will be available as an option in Europe. This enables the smart electric drive to be charged much more quickly: in less than 45 minutes (0-80%) when local conditions allow three-phase charging.

Furthermore, smart offers a Wallbox as special equipment. This enables the vehicle to be charged with a higher charging capacity. The Wallbox must be installed by a qualified electrician and correctly connected to the mains supply.

With due regard to the given traffic situation: radar-based recuperation

As well as the basic drive program the smart electric drive driver can select the ECO mode. This is designed for a particularly efficient driving style. In addition, the maximum speed is limited, the accelerator pedal curve adjusted and the maximum recuperation level is pre-selected. Furthermore, the air conditioning control adjusts the outlet air temperature from the air vents to reduce the energy consumption.

The driver can deactivate the ECO program with the kickdown function if necessary, for example for an overtaking manoeuvre. Pushing the accelerator pedal right down activates a temporary boost. This enables maximum acceleration with defined maximum battery power if the current charge level and the temperature of the battery allow this function.

In overrun mode or when braking the vehicle’s kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy – this is called recuperation. The electric motor then operates as a generator and generates braking torque on the wheels. The electrical energy generated flows back to the battery. The attainable level of energy recuperation depends on the state of the battery (charge level and temperature).

The smart electric drive models have anticipatory radar-based recuperation as a standard feature that is active in the basic drive programme. The traffic situation is monitored with a radar sensor and a recuperation level that suits the current situation is selected. The electronically controlled recuperation takes place in five levels as soon as the driver takes their foot off the accelerator pedal (overrun mode). If the road is clear coasting is activated.

In the ECO drive program the highest recuperation level is automatically set.

To save energy and further extend the range, the smart electric drive also features pre-entry climate control – see corresponding section.

Technical data

smart fortwo coupé electric drive

Motor

Power transmission

Suspension

Dimensions and weights

Performance and fuel consumption

*In accordance with VDA

 

smart forfour electric drive

Motor

Power transmission

Suspension

Dimensions and weights

Performance and fuel consumption

*In accordance with VDA

 

Under the microscope:

The “smart control” app: Permanent online connection to the smart

With the “smart control” app a host of electric drive information can be called up via smartphone, tablet or PC and functions such as pre-entry climate control or intelligent charging can be conveniently controlled remotely. The new model has more operating options than the predecessor. For example, two programmable departure times mean that intelligent charging and pre-entry climate control do not always need to be re-set for frequent journeys.

Always informed: the “smart control” app enables simple operation of many functions of the smart electric drive. smart drivers can see the current battery state of charge and the range before they set off or activate the pre-entry climate control of the interior while the car is charging.

The most important functions at a glance:

• Vehicle information: battery charge level, range, average fuel consumption, mileage, eco score, next service, tyre pressure.
• The vehicle functions departure time and pre-entry climate control: compared with the previous series two programmable departure times mean that these functions do not always need to be re-set for frequent journeys, for example the daily commute. The programmed departure time can be used both for intelligent charging (see below for details) and for the pre-entry climate control. If the departure time is set the previous evening, the vehicle has a perfect interior temperature the next morning. If the customer wants to spontaneously set the temperature before a trip for a vehicle that is not connected to a charging station this can also be done via the “smart control” app as long as the battery charge level is at least 30%. For further information on pre-entry climate control please see the corresponding section.
• Charging properties: during the charging process the charge level, remaining charging time, charging capacity, range, the current state of charge (SOC) and the charging profile (expected state of charge depending on the time) can be called up. In addition, the smart electric drive enables convenient charging with automatic authentication and cashless payment in accordance with the ISO 15118-defined Plug & Charge profile. When a contract has been concluded with an energy provider the contract certificate needed can be transferred to the vehicle via a charging station. The “smart control” app assists the customer with the contract conclusion by displaying the Plug & Charge ID. The current contract status in the vehicle is always shown on the “smart control” app. Furthermore, “intelligent charging” can be activated for a charging process. With the help of information from the infrastructure or – if this is not available – a tariff table specified by the driver on the “smart control” app cost-optimised charging of the vehicle is possible. The tariff table can also be used to select solar power from the customer’s own photovoltaic system as the preferred charging option, for example.

 

Pre-entry climate control: Cosy warmth when you’re ready to set off

For a cosy and warm temperature, the “smart control” app can be used to conveniently set the pre-entry climate control for the interior of the smart electric drive in conjunction with the passion, prime and proxy lines. Energy-intensive climate control functions are rescheduled where possible to periods prior to departure and during the charging time of the high-voltage battery, which has a positive effect on the range.

When the smart electric drive passion, prime or proxy is connected to the charging network, the pre-entry climate control can be activated particularly conveniently with the help of the planned departure time. The planned departure time can be entered via the instrument cluster or the “smart control” app. When the departure time has been entered the controller becomes active approx. two hours before this time. The pre‑entry climate control starts up to an hour before the departure time by determining the time needed for this based on the temperature difference between the inside of the vehicle and the outside temperature. Depending on the difference, the rear window, the seats and the steering wheel are heated, for example, or the interior is cooled. The target temperature is 21° Celsius. Particularly convenient and practical: the controller also allows for slightly earlier or later arrival at the vehicle.

Spontaneous pre-entry climate control without a pre-programmed departure time is also possible when the vehicle is not connected to the charging network. In this case the pre-entry climate control time is limited to five minutes. The function is conveniently activated via the “smart control” app on a PC, tablet or smartphone. The target temperature for the interior is also 21° Celsius. In conjunction with the winter package (see section “Equipment and features”) the seat and steering wheel heating can also be automatically activated and deactivated.

The smart electric drive has an energy-efficient air conditioning system. An electric heater booster (high-voltage PTC; Positive Temperature Coefficient) heats the interior while an electrically powered AC compressor cools it.

In ECO mode (see “Drive” section for details) the outlet air temperature from the air vents is lowered or raised to reduce energy consumption.

 

Electrification of the entire model range

The new smart electric drive makes opting into electric mobility easier than ever as it combines the unique agility of the smart with local emission-free driving – the ideal match for urban mobility. Zero-emission driving fun can be experienced not only in the smart fortwo and smart fortwo cabrio, but for the first time also in the four-seater smart forfour. In future smart will be the only car manufacturer worldwide to offer its model range with both combustion engines and pure battery-electric drive.

Short overhangs, a minimal length and a high steering angle are optimal prerequisites for ensuring that the new smart models get around every corner and into every parking space. The new smart fortwo electric drive (length/width/height: 2.69/1.66/1.55 metres) sets a new turning circle benchmark: at 6.95 m (from kerb to kerb) and 7.30 m (from wall to wall) it makes turning manoeuvres extremely simple. The characteristic proportions offer outstanding visibility and manoeuvrability and, together with the rear engine, enable a passenger cell to be realised with an unrivalled amount of space for such compact dimensions.

The new smart generation introduced in 2014 is characterised by a one-and-a-half box design – an evolutionary development of the typical smart silhouette. The higher bonnet lends the smart a more grown-up and sportier character. The colour contrast between tridion cell and bodypanels is another characteristic feature of the smart brand.

The smart displays a friendly but self-assured face. A decisive feature of this friendly face is the signature smart grille with the large logo. The grille’s perforated structure results from a honeycomb pattern. The honeycomb features a fading effect and becomes paler towards the outside.

The rhombic front lamps are truncated slightly at the top, producing an attractive sporty look. The U-shaped daytime driving lights add a characteristic design feature. In combination with the LED & Sensor package, the headlamps incorporate a welcome function: when the car is unlocked, the light in the headlamps pulsates, as if the smart were welcoming its owner.

“Loop” is the designers’ name for the emotional sweep that features as a leitmotif in the interior, embellishing the dashboard and doors, for example. The sculptural dashboard itself consists of two sections – a bold and sensuous outer section which can optionally be covered with fabric, and a large, concave inner section incorporating the functional elements. In front of the dashboard, the instrument cluster and the infotainment centre with radio/navigation appear to hover as added elements.

The dashboard and the door centre panels in the three lines feature extensive fabric coverings. This high-quality textile surface is very pleasant to the touch and is reminiscent of the mesh inserts in modern sports shoes. The colour and material concept underscores the easy-going and charming character of the new smart generation.

The essential safety concept embodied so successfully by the preceding models has been retained. Like a nut, the interior is protected from harm by a rigid shell: the tridion safety cell. A high proportion of ultra-high strength hot-formed steels and maximum-strength multiphase steel is now used on the new smarts. In keeping with the Mercedes-Benz “real-life safety” philosophy, the focus in car-to-car crash tests was on compatibility with substantially larger and heavier vehicles. The new smart fortwo performed well in frontal collision with the S- Class.

The battery of the electric smart is housed centrally under the front seats – ideal for a low centre of gravity and balanced handling. It is supported by an all-round crash-absorbing frame. The frame structure is made of modern high-strength steel tubes that give the battery all-round protection with the profiles used and also absorb and distribute intrusion forces in the event of an accident.

Sound generator: safety in traffic-calmed zones

On account of its quiet drive the new smart electric drive is available with an acoustic presence indicator (optional extra). The sound generator is a cubic component on the right-hand side behind the radiator grille; it consists of a weatherproof loudspeaker and an integrated controller. It generates a smart-specific sound for the protection of other road users: This sound is speed-dependent. The pitch and volume increase as the vehicle speed increases. Above 30 km/h the sound is automatically deactivated, as rolling noise and wind noise predominate from this speed. The sound generator can be switched on and off with a switch on the left of the switch strip.

Advanced assistance systems further enhance safety and comfort. These include Crosswind Assist (standard) and Lane Keeping Assist (option). The smart electric drive models also have Active Brake Assist as standard.

A front axle design adopting elements from the former Mercedes-Benz C‑Class, a De Dion rear axle, long spring travel all round and an unprecedented small turning circle are the highlights of the chassis.

smart fortwo cabrio: the only cabrio with electric drive

Three cars in one: at the touch of a button the smart fortwo cabrio is transformed from a closed two-seater into a car with a large sliding canvas sunroof, or a fully-fledged cabriolet with the soft top completely open. This enables the fresh air driving experience to be adapted to the weather or the driver’s mood. This flexibility offered by the “tritop” folding soft top and the removable roof bars is a special feature – and not just in this segment. At the same time, the new smart fortwo cabrio is the only true cabriolet in its vehicle class – and as an electric drive the only electrically powered cabriolet worldwide.

The smart fortwo cabrio (length/width/height: 2.69/1.66/1.55 m) is clearly recognisable as a member of the new smart generation: the third model also embodies the smart design philosophy of FUN.ctional design, defined by two poles – the heart and mind. The design idiom is clear, purist and very progressive. This includes the typical profile with ultra-short overhangs, the clear lines, shapes and surfaces and, of course, the tridion safety cell. With the grille in a fading honeycomb design and the rhombic headlamps, the face is unmistakably smart. The B-pillar is narrower than on the closed variant and the styling of the tridion safety cell is more progressive, giving the smart fortwo cabrio an even sportier and more forward-focused look.

smart forfour: variable four-seater with electric drive for the first time

The smart forfour is also available with electric drive, making smart the only car manufacturer worldwide to offer its model range with both combustion engines and all-electric drive.

The smart forfour (length/width/height: 3.49/1.66/1.55 m) shares many of its design features with the smart fortwo. The typical smart genes are thus recognisable from afar on the road: the striking door contours and the unique tridion cell. A characteristic swage line, such as is featured in the middle of the doors, underscores the brand image. The side view of the smart forfour reveals the same elements as the fortwo, but has a longer tridion cell as well as the additional door. The front and rear overhangs appear just as short as on the fortwo. The forfour’s roof line slopes downward towards the rear in coupé style.

The smart forfour naturally offers the larger luggage compartment. The rear seat backrests can be folded down to produce a level load surface measuring 1285 x 996 mm with a cargo volume of up to 975 litres – the benchmark in its segment. The loading length with the front passenger seat backrest folded forward is also exceptional, at 2.22 metres.

And on top of all this, reversible cushions are optionally available for the rear seats in the forfour. The “readyspace” seats in the rear can be turned around and lowered substantially in next to no time to produce 12 cm more loading height inside, which is very simple to make use of thanks to the rear doors which open to an angle of almost 90 degrees.

 

Equipment and features: Maximum scope for individualisation

The smart electric drive models surpass the extensive standard equipment of their siblings with conventional drive as they additionally have a dashboard instrument with power meter and battery status display (standard) or the winter package with heated steering wheel for maximum climate comfort (optionally available). The electric drive design package (optionally available) gives the vehicle an expressive look with tridion safety cell and door mirror caps painted in exclusive electric green. And every wish can be catered for when it comes to colours and optional equipment, as the smart BRABUS tailor made individualisation programme is also available for the smart fortwo electric drive. Electric driving at smart therefore offers maximum scope for customisation.

Like all models of the current smart generation, the electric drive versions come with extensive safety and comfort equipment. The standard equipment includes power steering, LED daytime driving lights, central locking with radio remote control, visual locking-verification signal and immobiliser, cruise control with limiter (variable speed limitation), exterior temperature indicator with frost warning, instrument cluster with monochrome LCD display and trip computer, and electric windows. The Cool&Audio package with smart Audio-System featuring AUX/USB Bluetooth^® interface and automatic climate control is also on board as a standard feature.

In addition the smart electric drive models have several special features such as the dashboard instrument with power meter and state of charge. It is next to the A-pillar trim on the dashboard. The electric power recuperated is displayed on the left side of the power meter and the current electric power demand is shown on the right side. LEDs between the segments show the power that is available/on tap. The battery charge status is displayed in the lower part of the dashboard instrument.

The standard equipment also includes an instrument cluster with a monochrome display in LCD technology where the functions charge level and total eco score that are specific to the electric drive can be shown.

A colour 8.9 cm display in TFT technology (Thin-Film Transistor) with a trip computer is available as special equipment. These are the additional functions:

• Display of radar-based recuperation combined with the ECO button
• Extended display of the charging rate
• Display of the battery charge level with animated battery icon
• Detailed specific eco score for the electric vehicl
• Histogram including recuperated energy
• Energy flow display including auxiliary consumers with digital values
• Setting and display of pre-entry climate control and smart charging in conjunction with entering a departure time.
• smart electric drive customers who opt for the smart Media-System with a 7-inch colour display and touchscreen operation can also look forward to several additional functions:
• The current range can be considered when selecting navigation destinations
• Charging stations can be added as intermediate destinations
• Navigation to the nearest charging station when the first battery reserve warning is reached
• Charging station search based on POIs on the SD card
• Graphic representation of the range on the navigation map.

A standard feature on board all smart electric drive models is a rigid cable bag that is open at the back. The cable bag is accommodated in the luggage compartment on the right-hand side in the direction of travel. It is fastened in the luggage compartment with two quick-release fasteners, a retaining strap and Velcro strips and can be removed if necessary. The surface is made of stain-resistant material.

These two packages reserved for the smart electric drive models offer a striking design and even more utility value:

• electric drive design package: the tridion safety cell in the exclusive colour electric green can be combined with black or white bodypanels and radiator trim. The door mirror caps are also painted in electric green. 16-inch wheels in black or white, “electric drive” lettering and corresponding logos round off the look.
• Winter package: in addition to the heated steering wheel and the heated seats (also at the rear for the forfour), the expanded insulation of doors and cockpit ensure a comfortable warm temperature, even in icy outside temperatures. These features can also be activated by smartphone as part of the pre-entry climate control (see corresponding section). The package is available in combination with the lines.

All three lines: lots of opportunities for differentiation in the interior

passion, prime and proxy are the names of the three lines which provide for visual differentiation, as with the combustion engine models. The most important features at a glance:

• The passion line has a very stylish and modern interior with a choice of colour combinations in black/orange or black/white. The multifunctional steering wheel in leather, the instrument cluster with a 3.5-inch colour display and the Direct-Steer system combine a high-quality ambience with functionality

• The elegant tone-in-tone look in black/grey and seats and multifunction steering wheel in leather give the interior of the prime line an elegant and classic appearance. Standard equipment includes electric power steering, heated seats for driver and passenger and Lane Keeping Assist.
• The proxy line defines itself as an innovative trendsetter. Highlights are the panoramic roof and the seats in leather look and white/blue fabric. The Sleek Style package with 16-inch alloy wheels stands for dynamism.

smart BRABUS tailor made: a fully customised smart fortwo electric drive

The extensive smart BRABUS tailor made individualisation programme is also available for the smart fortwo electric drive. With paint finishes in numerous different colours, leather in various basic colours and the sporty tailor made exterior style package, creative customers can configure a smart fortwo in line with their own personal ideas.

A number of attractive tailor made packages facilitate the search for that special style. The leather appointments in the tailor made leather package are unique in the small car segment and comprise customised leather on the seats, dashboard and door centre panels with an individually chosen seam line. By contrast, in the interior colour package the trims around the instrument cluster, dashboard instrument and radio/navigation system and the rings of the air vents and accent trim parts on the dashboard are painted in a colour of the customer’s choice. The interior style package rounds off the exclusive design of the interior with a BRABUS shift lever knob, BRABUS hand-brake lever, BRABUS door sills and BRABUS sports pedals.

The tailor made exterior style package gives the exterior of the smart fortwo a sporty, individual look. Among other features it includes a BRABUS front spoiler, side skirts, a roof spoiler and a BRABUS rear diffuser.

 

smart electric drive greenflash: Exclusive special model for the launch

With eye-catching design details in electric green the special model smart electric drive greenflash is an exciting highlight for the market launch. This special smart electric drive will be available as a coupé and a cabrio in Germany with prices starting from €27,839 (recommended retail price incl. 19% VAT; incl. environmental bonus: €23,459).

Electric green trim elements in conjunction with selected equipment features such as the LED & Sensor package underline the sporty styling of this exclusive special model. 40.6 cm (16-inch) BRABUS Monoblock VIII alloy wheels painted in black give this model a dynamic and striking look. The tridion safety cell and radiator trim also come in black. In contrast, the door mirror caps are painted in an eye-catching electric green.

The tailor made exterior style package emphasises the sporty, individual look. Among other features it includes a BRABUS front spoiler in black/electric green, BRABUS side skirts and a BRABUS rear diffuser in this colour combination. The BRABUS roof spoiler is painted in black, the third brake light has a smoked-glass look.

Thanks to the interior colour package that comes as a standard feature, the trims of the instrument cluster and dashboard instrument and the rings around the air vents are also painted in electric green. The interior style package rounds off the exclusive design of the interior with a BRABUS shift lever knob featuring the electric drive logo in electric green on a black background, BRABUS hand-brake lever, BRABUS sports pedals and BRABUS door sills. Furthermore, floor mats with a green seam and electric drive lettering are a standard feature.

The LED & Sensor package is also on board. It comprises: H4 headlamps with welcome function, integral LED fibre-optic daytime running lamps and LED tail lamps, fog lamps with cornering light, rain and light sensor. Further optional equipment can be freely selected with a few exceptions.

Prices in Germany start at €27,839 for the smart electric drive coupé (recommended retail price incl. 19% VAT; incl. environmental bonus: €23,459). The starting price for the special model as a cabrio is €31,098.

 

Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE: Energy storage from Saxony

The battery for the new smart electric drive comes from the Daimler subsidiary Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE. Because as well as in-house development and production expertise and the module strategy for alternative drives it is part of Daimler’s philosophy to secure direct access to key components for electric mobility. With Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE Daimler has sound expertise in the development and production of highly complex drive batteries.

On a growth path: Daimler is currently investing €500 million in the construction of a second battery factory in Germany and is therefore greatly expanding the production capacities for lithium-ion batteries from Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE GmbH & Co. KG. Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE, founded in 2009, is a 100% subsidiary of Daimler AG with sites in Kirchheim/Nabern (research and development) and Kamenz (production).

The company develops and sells highly complex drive batteries based on lithium-ion technology for hybrid and electric vehicles of the Mercedes-Benz and smart brands. Since the start of series production in 2012 more than 75,000 lithium-ion batteries have been delivered. The Daimler subsidiary employs more than 420 staff – including 330 in Kamenz. From 2017 all battery systems for Mercedes-Benz and smart will come from Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE.

In 2015 Daimler entered the new field of business with stationary battery storage, opening up additional growth opportunities outside the automotive industry (see corresponding section).

 

the smart electric drive in studies: Good marks in surveys

The new smart electric drive is already the fourth generation of electric mobility for smart. It goes without saying that the experiences of previous users were considered in the development of the new models – with several studies confirming that smart electric drive drivers are extremely happy with their purchase decision.

Buyers of the last generation smart fortwo electric drive expressed above-average satisfaction with their vehicle, first and foremost due to its environment-friendliness (79%), followed by the acceleration (75%) and the quiet drive (75%) according to the results of an internal survey of buyers of new smart cars in 2015. In addition to the advantages of electric drive such as the drive/motor (40%) and low emissions (20%), classic smart strengths such as compact dimensions (31%) and manoeuvrability (28%) were among the top buying reasons.

In contrast, the Technical University of Dresden examined the everyday practicality of electric vehicles in a study. In November 2015 the two authors, René Pessier and Armin Raupbach, interviewed precisely 685 drivers of electric cars in Europe on topics such as purchase decision-making parameters, driving and usage behaviour and charging infrastructure. Here are some of the results:

• Most respondents use another vehicle in addition to the electric car, almost half of them (49.7%) a vehicle with conventional drive.
• In terms of general satisfaction with the vehicle the smart electric drive is above average and ranks fourth out of the nine electric vehicles considered. It therefore leads the line-up of German electric cars.
• Private charging clearly dominates. In Germany only one in three drivers has access to all kinds of charging infrastructure, although internationally this figure rises to almost every second driver. A Wallbox at home is the primary source of charging current. Due to the regular usage, this and charging at the workplace are of decisive importance.

A survey by the digital association Bitkom in 2016 showed great interest in electric cars in Germany. Although German consumers are still reticent about buying them, electric cars could soon change the face of the city. According to the Bitkom survey approximately 7 out of 10 Germans (69 percent) could imagine buying an electric car.

However, a prerequisite for 62 percent of the respondents is that they are able to travel a similar distance with a battery charge as with a conventionally powered vehicle. 47 percent would buy an electric car if it were no more expensive than a comparable car with a petrol or diesel engine. A further prerequisite for 37 percent is that the vehicle has a similar level of comfort to a conventional car – for example as regards spaciousness and equipment.

The basis for the information is a study carried out by Bitkom Research on behalf of the Bitkom digital association. 1010 people aged 18 and over were interviewed including 773 car drivers. The survey is representative. The question asked was: Could you imagine buying an electric vehicle?

 

Powered by the wind, from the car to the grid

Daimler keeps thinking ahead with electric mobility in innovative projects. For example, used smart electric drive batteries are given a second life outside the vehicle as so-called 2^nd use battery storage. A “live replacement parts warehouse” for battery systems from the third smart electric drive generation also serves to compensate fluctuations in the German grid. This efficient double usage improves the life cycle assessment and also the life cycle costs of e-mobility. Four years ago Daimler acquired a wind turbine which is used to test CO₂-neutral mobility over the entire life cycle of the last smart electric drive model series in the framework of a pilot project.

The life cycle of an e-vehicle battery needn’t end with operation in a car; the batteries can be further used for stationary battery storage. Because with this type of use slight loss of power is not important, which means that cost-effective operation in stationary applications is possible for an estimated further ten years at least. The further use of the lithium-ion modules enables their economic use to be virtually doubled.

The world’s largest 2^nd use battery storage facility is currently being set up in Lünen, Westphalia. Systems from second generation smart electric drive vehicles are bundled in Lünen to create a stationary storage facility with capacity of 13 MWh. A joint venture between the partners Daimler AG, The Mobility House AG and GETEC will start operation of the stationary storage on the site of REMONDIS SE before the end of the year and sell it on the German primary regulation energy market.

Live replacement part store

Battery systems that have not yet been fitted in electric cars but are kept as replacement parts can also find a second use as energy storage systems. Before the end of the year the cooperation partners Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE and enercity (Stadtwerke Hannover AG) will start the construction of a new battery storage facility. The special feature: this is a replacement part store for electric mobility battery systems. Around 3000 of the battery modules kept for the third smart electric drive generation are bundled to create a stationary storage facility at the enercity site in Herrenhausen. With total storage capacity of 15 MWh the facility is one of the largest in Europe. Upon completion the energy storage facility will be marketed on the German primary regulation energy market (PRL). At the same time thanks to the controlled charge cycle the battery modules remain fresh for possible use as a replacement part in a smart.

The business model thus makes an important contribution to stabilising the power grid and making electric mobility an economically viable proposition. With increasing fluctuations in electricity feed from renewable energy sources such as wind and sun, such storage units serve to optimally regulate a power frequency that must be kept constant.

Green electricity from a wind turbine

Zero-emission individual mobility – from the well to the wheel – is possible with renewable energies such as sun and wind. In 2012 Daimler AG bought a wind turbine as part of a pilot project in North Bavaria which generates enough electricity to power around 2500 smart electric drives. In this way Daimler and smart are sending a clear signal that CO₂-neutral mobility is possible with electric cars.

The wind turbine is currently operated by Primus Energie and is located in the Windpark “Oberland I” (municipality of Helmbrechts) around 150 metres from the A9, the main transport artery between Munich and Berlin. With a nominal output of 2.3 megawatts per year the onshore wind energy plant type Enercon E82 generates enough green electricity to run approximately 2500 smart fortwo electric drives until the end of their life cycle.

The heritage: Powered by electricity since 2007

With the start of the first electrically driven test fleet in 2007 in London, smart also took on a pioneering role in the field of electric mobility. As early as 2005 the company presented the smart electric drive as a one-off vehicle. In 2009 smart launched the second generation of the smart fortwo electric drive, with the model introduced in 18 markets. From June 2012 the third generation of the smart fortwo electric drive also succeeded in winning wide-ranging buyers for its innovative and forward-looking drive concept.

In 2007 a vision that the company had from the very beginning and that was always planned for in the design became a reality: urban mobility with zero local emissions. Still based on the first smart generation, the company started a project with 100 smart electric drives in London. The cars were used by numerous customers, including the London police.

The smart electric drive came with everything that makes a smart a smart – but without a combustion engine. A 30 kW/41 hp magnetic motor ran at the rear of the smart fortwo electric drive, powered by a constant high-performance, high-temperature battery made from environmentally compatible sodium-nickel-chloride. It was accommodated in the underbody, which means that the interior space is not compromised.

Boasting NEDC consumption of just 12 kilowatt hours per 100 kilometres and zero carbon dioxide emissions, the smart fortwo electric drive was the most economical and climate-friendly alternative in urban traffic. When charged, the two-door car could travel around 115 kilometres (EUDC). When the battery was empty, it could be charged at any 230 volt power socket – at least 1000 times. This means that the battery could last for up to ten years. It took four hours to charge the battery to 80 percent capacity and eight hours to charge it to full capacity.

Acceleration from zero to 60 km/h was at the same level as the petrol version, the maximum speed was 112 km/h. Furthermore, as a zero emission car the smart fortwo electric drive enjoyed tax advantages in many countries and was exempt from local restrictions such as the London congestion charge. The small electric car therefore offered a combination of agility, economy and environmental compatibility that is unique in this class.

2008: The smart fortwo electric drive enters series production

At the Paris Motor Show in 2008 smart presented the latest smart fortwo series with electric drive to an international audience for the first time. In real-world driving the zero-local-emission smart fortwo electric drive initially demonstrated its advantages in the project “e-mobility Berlin”. This underlined the leading role of the young car brand on the way to environmentally friendly, sustainable concepts for individual mobility of the future.

Market launch followed in 2009, the model was launched in 18 markets. The objective was to gather as much experience as possible about how customers use and charge electric vehicles. The huge demand exceeded all expectations. Instead of the planned 1000 vehicles more than 2000 smart fortwo electric drives were produced in Hambach.

2012: The third-generation smart fortwo electric drive is launched

12 June 2012 – this date marked the starting signal for the first real alternative to the usual refuelling stops. The launch of the new smart fortwo electric drive meant that smart customers could now enjoy even more fun at the wheel of an attractively priced vehicle that had the familiar compact dimensions – as a coupé or a cabriolet. With its 55 kW electric motor the smart fortwo electric drive accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h in 4.8 seconds, and with a maximum speed of 125 km/h driving pleasure is also guaranteed on urban motorways. The 17.6 kWh battery enables the urban two-seater to travel approximately 145 kilometres in city traffic without producing any local emissions. The new sale&care model makes opting into electric mobility particularly attractive: it offers customers an opportunity to buy, finance or lease the vehicle at an attractive price and to rent the battery for a monthly fee.

2012 also saw the introduction of the first smart with just two wheels: The smart ebike features an unconventional design in line with the style of the brand, functions appropriate for city use and high technology standards which are reflected by an extremely efficient high-performance drive package, among other merits.

Moreover, in 2013 the smart fortwo was the first all-electric vehicle from a European importer in China. In Germany, the electric smart established itself as the market leader among battery-electric vehicles within a very short space of time with a market share of around 40 percent and was able to maintain this position for three years in a row. At times the sales figures for the smart fortwo electric drive in the USA accounted for 25 percent of all smarts sold there. In 2014 and 2015 the “American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy” voted it the “most environment-friendly car in the USA” twice in succession.

The smart electric drive also contributed to the success of the brand as part of the car2go fleet with 1400 cars in three cities. As car2go vehicles alone, the smart electric drive has covered more than 35 million km in demanding everyday use since the launch.