http://www.autonet.ca/en/2013/10/01/smart-fortwo-electric-drive-green-sporty-and-smart Smart Fortwo Electric Drive: Green, sporty and Smart October 1, 2013
[image http://storage.canoe.ca/v1/dynamic_resize/sws_path/autonet-prod-content/1288375135514_WIDESCREEN.jpg?quality=80&size=638x&stmp=1379084814764&clip=0 2014 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive ] There is no middle ground on the Smart Fortwo: either you love it or you don't. The Fortwo Electric Drive's added technology completely transforms the microcar, but is even more polarizing. Car Review Overall rating: 6/10 Strengths and weaknesses: Without a doubt, the Fortwo ED is the most fun to drive Smart. Tiny interior, minimal storage room. Editor's Ratings: Comfort (front): 7/10 Consumption: 10/10 Equipment: 5/10 Handling/driving: 7/10 Look: 7/10 Performance: 6/10 Price: 6/10 Storage: 3/10 There is no middle ground on the Smart Fortwo: either you love it or you don't. The Fortwo Electric Drive's added technology completely transforms the microcar, but is even more polarizing. The electric components found under the body of this third-generation Fortwo Electric Drive (ED) profoundly changes the behaviour of this two-seater, making it faster and smoother all at once. Replacing the gas engine and its semi-automatic gearbox is a 30 kilowatts electric motor, generating a peak power output of 74 horsepower, and a torque of 96 lb-ft. Most of all, a fixed-ratio one-gear transmission sends that power to the wheels, generating a very linear acceleration at all times, up to 120 km/h. Yes, 120 km/h. As in "faster than the speed limit on Canadian highways". Most drivers used to owning the left lane are baffled by the simple fact that an electric microcar can actually overtake them, if needed. In fact, with the electric torque available instantly, this Fortwo bounces from stand still to 60 km/h in just about 5 seconds, making it the sportiest Smart on the market. Even more fun to drive than the occasional posh Brabus Fortwo… Driving the Fortwo ED is surprisingly enjoyable. Some would say it's like driving a souped up electric golf cart that can actually be driven on public roads. Ironically, the convertible Fortwo ED, with its two-stage electric rooftop, is only the second electric convertible car sold in Canada after a certain Roadster made by Tesla Motors… Talk about polar opposites! 100 kilometers range As with most of today's "affordable" electric cars (ahem) sold in Canada, including Ford's Focus Electric and Nissan's Leaf, the Fortwo ED has a range of about 100 kilometers per charge. That means you might not be able to drive from Toronto to Niagara-on-the-Lake and back again on one charge, but according to available statistics, 100 kilometers is more than enough for the daily commute of two thirds of Canadian drivers. Of course, range varies a lot depending on driving conditions and habits. Following a tall van can decrease by almost half the power needed to cruise on the highway. Stop-and-go city driving will also affect the range. Regenerative braking adds a few kilometers to the total. In the end, a full charge requires about 5 to 6 hours on a regular 110-volt outlet. It goes down to 3 hours if you use a wall charger made specifically for electric vehicles. That makes it one of the fastest-charging EVs on the market, considering the range you get from even a quick charge. Minimal space Obviously, the Fortwo's small size makes it that more efficient than the larger four-door EVs, but anyone who ever drove a regular Fortwo knows how this translates into very little storage space throughout the vehicle. The front portion of the interior is almost exclusively dedicated to the two passengers. You can fit a medium-sized travel bag in the trunk, nothing more. A good thing that the engineers thought of using the inside of the trunk lower hatch to house the charging cord and transformer. For a retail price of $26,990 to $29,990, depending on whether you want a hard or removable top on your Smart, here's an attractive, albeit limited vehicle, if you're into small city cars. Subtract the generous governmental subsidy you get in some provinces and this electric car doesn't cost all that much more than its gas-powered siblings. Like any other electric vehicle (except, of course, Teslas…), the Fortwo ED is a compromise, but for anyone already looking to buy a Smart, the additional sacrifice does not appear to be that big. Fact file Model: 2014 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive Price: $26,990 to $29,990 As driven: Fortwo ED Convertible ($29,990) Engine: 55 kilowatts electric motor Transmission: fixed-ratio automatic Power/torque: 74 hp/96 lb-ft Battery capacity: 17,6 kW-h (complete charge: 5 hrs) Range: 140 km (as tested: 103 km) Warranty: 4 years/80,000 km Competition: Ford Focus Electric, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Nissan Leaf [© autonet.ca] For all EVLN posts use: http://electric-vehicle-discussion-list.413529.n4.nabble.com/template/NamlServlet.jtp?macro=search_page&node=413529&query=evln&sort=date Here are today's archive-only EV posts: EVLN: Mission's Fastest Electric Superbike Flexes Its Muscle EVLN: The little ELF EV that could&did, expands&adds West Coast center EVLN: Spark EV First to Offer SAE Combo L3 Connector EVLN: % Complaining Utilities want others to pay for grid upgrades % EVLN: Yes, Virginia, your state may get a Tesla dealership + EVLN: Tesla-S Compatible With CHAdeMO L3 Quick-Charging EVSE {brucedp.150m.com} -- View this message in context: http://electric-vehicle-discussion-list.413529.n4.nabble.com/EVLN-Smart-Fortwo-ED-either-you-love-it-or-you-don-t-tp4665626.html Sent from the Electric Vehicle Discussion List mailing list archive at Nabble.com. _______________________________________________ UNSUBSCRIBE: http://www.evdl.org/help/index.html#usub http://lists.evdl.org/listinfo.cgi/ev-evdl.org For EV drag racing discussion, please use NEDRA (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NEDRA)
