Smart has been field testing a fleet of battery-powered ForTwo ED models in Britain for several months. Now Auto Motor und Sport out of Germany is reporting that an updated version could begin testing in the U.S. as early as 2009. The current model uses high temperature sodium-nickel-chloride Zebra batteries. The new generation will switch to a lithium ion pack and could be tested in the Los Angeles area. There are no specs available at the moment, but Smart's Anders Jensen has said that if the testing provides positive results the car could move to production quickly. Given the relatively disappointing fuel economy of the gasoline-powered version of the ForTwo, an electric drive model could prove quite popular. The layout of the Smart makes it amenable to alternative drivetrains, with a battery pack able to slide under the double floor and an electric motor easily replacing the internal combustion engine.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport]

We've seen two reviews now of the smart ed, one favorable, the other... not so much. Regardless, we hope that smart is able to offer an electric version of their little runabout sooner rather than later. Whether using the Zebra batteries of the ed or newer lithium ion packs, an electric smart car is just what the market needs in the U.S. We'd like a diesel and the micro-hybrid too, of course.


Halfway there: Number 10.

Smart has released some technical details on a plug-in electric version of the tiny ForTwo. The car will use a 41hp electric motor driving the rear wheels just as the internal combustion version does. In an unusual choice for this diminutive machine, they have chosen to use a sodium-nickel-chloride (Zebra) battery. While these batteries have good capacity and are very stable, they operate at very high temperatures (250°C).

The electric Smart should be able to get to 37mph in 5.7s and max out at 70mph. A full charge should allow the driver to go about 72miles before plugging back in to a standard (in Europe) 230V outlet. Currently 100 examples of the electric Smart are being tested in Britain and no commercial plans have been confirmed. The Smart release is after the jump.

[Source: DaimlerChrysler]

I found an electric-powered Smart while cruising the grounds at SEMA last month but it wasn't available for a test. Now a CNN reporter has taken one out for a silent drive, and he also took a spin in a Chyrsler Crossfire (called the "ultimate chickmobile" in the report) that had an EV conversion. Both cars are the work of Hybrid Technologies and both are a little pricey right now. The Smart goes for twice what it costs as a 60mpg gas vehicle. Those wanting an "statement vehicle" or early adopters are about the only customers right now. The CNN report does show the Smart making good time on the freeway. While the reporter did call it a "golf cart," at least he didn't treat it like one.

Related:

• Electric Smart from Hybrid Technologies on display

[Source: YouTube]

The electric version of the tiny SMART is now available to residents of Switzerland through the MES-DEA, manufacturer of the Zebra battery. At least, that's what the PDF that AutoblogGreen reader Davide Rivola sent to us says. The SMART EV will cost you $27,700 or $21,900 (depending on something, I can't quite comprehend all the Swiss on the sheet. UPDATE: See Davide's comments - below - for the explanation) plus about $160 each month for the battery rental. The SMART EV will not be available in the UK until November.

Related:

• SMART EV going carbon neutral, getting corporate partners
• Zytek drivetrain will power the new SMART EV
• British Motor Show to spark with SMART fortwo EV's arrival

[Source: AutoblogGreen reader Davide Rivola]

And now for a little look inside the recently announced the SMART EV. DaimlerChrysler's tiny SMART EV will be powered by an electric drivetrain developed by British company Zytek. The drivetrain uses rare-earth magnet technology, a DC motor, and regenerative braking system for a claimed range of 72 miles. The maximum speed of the SMART EV will be electronically limited to 70 mph. Zytek claims the SMART EV "provides all the safety features and dynamic ability of the standard smart fortwo, but with zero vehicle emissions" and slashed fuel costs. Initially, about 200 SMART EVs will be built and will be leased to selected corporate customers starting in November.

[Source: Zytek]

Related:

• British Motor Show to spark with SMART fortwo EV's arrival