Smart Car all-electric drive

The Smart Car Fortwo ED All-Electric BEV...As the totally electric Smart Fortwo ED proceeded to the starting line and got the green flag it appears Daimler has waved the black flag at the Penske Group and smart USA sending them to the garage. Smart USA, a division of the Penske Automotive Group were the sole distributor of eco-friendly Smart ForTwo and the Smart EV Electric Vehicle.

Daimler and smart GmbH, the parent companies for the smart fortwo will become the USA distributor, while it attempts to save the sinking ship. Daimler will now be in control of the smart subsidiary in the USA. Daimler's experience and willingness to spend ad dollars could set the stage for the exciting EV Smart car.

The Smart Fortwo is environmentally friendly and consumers want them and similar eco-friendly vehicles. Hopefully they'll make a difference!

November 2009 was the birth date for the first commercially produced electric-drive Smart car, at the smart, GmbH factory in Hambach, France.

So as soon as I got the invite I went to test drive a Smart Fortwo electric car and see for myself how it compared to the other EV's and plug-in cars currently available. Including how it compared to the BRABUS convertible I had owned. I was lucky and got to test drove the Smart ForTwo EV at a local smart center.

The EV smart's outward appearance as well as the interior was virtually identical to my gas version. Except for the badges. I did think the EV smart car sat lower to the ground?

Starting your Smart EV

Starting a Smart EV is like starting any other vehicle. All do is turn the smart's key which is located between the comfortable bucket seats. Once you do this you'll hear some computer like electronic clicking and clacking, then the gauges become animated.

One Forward Gear

There is no shifting required in the Smart EV, which takes a little getting used to. Simply press on the accelerator and the car is in motion. As you gain speed, the whine of the electric motor will increase to a pleasant near silent hum, which isn't much different from the Leaf. However, the Smart Fortwo electric car has an impressive glide ratio. Remove your foot from the accelerator and the car will glide beautifully with very little drag.

The Smart ED (electric drive version) was quite enjoyable to drive at low speeds. The smart electric drive car I test drove seemed to have more get up and go and better accelerate and blended into traffic a little better than the old BRABUS.

Upgraded Drive Train

As a past owner of a BRABUS Smart convertible. I can tell you one big difference between my BRABUS and the Smart EV. The transmission on my BRABUS was of questionable quality, which made for a bumpy ride and there was a noticeable jerk when my transmission shifted. The new EV, with its upgraded drive train and takes advantage of all technology has to offer. The ride is smooth, the shifting is non-existent, and the overall driving experienced of the smart ev is truly refined and enjoyable.

Iffy Range

The 70 mpg range of the EV Smart car is respectable but not what many EV buyers require. Unlike traditional internal combustion powered cars that have the engine under the hood, this cars power is stowed under the seats, along with the liquid-cooling system and all the related electronics. Estimates put the cost of driving a Smart car at about one dollar for every fifty miles. This is a third of the cost of a Prius.

Hydraulic brakes

Hydraulic brakes are used in each Smart car, making stopping the car very similar to stopping any vehicle. The big difference is that the small bit of initial pedal pressure will trigger an increased regeneration level in the motor, allowing the car to be slowed naturally. As you push harder, the brakes will engage.

BRABUS suspension

The cars suspension has been improved and upgraded to BRABUS standards, allowing the car to offer an extremely better ride.

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