Two separate articles. First, the two links, then the cut and paste of the two articles. Interesting stuff....
Rob _http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/12/detroit-2009-smart-ed-moving-to-pro duction-will-come-to-the-us/_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/12/detroit-2009-smart-ed-moving-to-production-will-come-to-the-us/) And, now, link two to a Top Gear test of the Smart ED- They weren't "terribly impressed". _http://w ww.autobloggreen.com/2008/04/04/top-gear-drives-the-smart-ed-isnt-terribly-impressed/_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/04/04/top-gear-drives-the-smart-ed-isnt-terribly-impressed/) _Detroit 2009: smart ed moving to production, will come to the US_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/12/detroit-2009-smart-ed-moving-to-production- will-come-to-the-us/) by _Sebastian Blanco_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/bloggers/sebastian-blanco/) on Jan 12th 2009 at 8:51AM (http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/smart-ed-for-usa/1283783/) Click above for a high-res gallery of the smart ed We got our first look at the new _smart ed for America_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/11/detroit-2009-smart-ed-comes-to-america/) yesterday (well, actually, it's just a European smart ed that's been brought over the pond). Daimler has now released details of just how Americans will be getting our hands on the vehicle that is already being tested in _the UK_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/09/02/smart-ed-test-is-in-full-swing-in-isling ton-uk/) and _Italy_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/15/e-mobility-italy-electric-drive-smarts-get-a-taste-for-pasta/) . In Europe, the smart ed will be going into production with lithium-ion batteries at the end of this year. Since Daimler is actually moving forward with making these cars now, it's high time we found out who would provide the batteries. Oh, and what's this? At the end of the press release (pasted after the jump), we learn that Daimler will work with Evonik Industries AG on the energy storage for the electric fortwo. Last month, the companies _announced a joint venture_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/14/daimler-to-bring-lithium-batteries- in-house-through-jv-with-evon/) to bring the batteries, called Li-Tec, to bring lithium cells to Daimler vehicles; now it's official for the smart eds. We'll have an interview with smart car of America's Dave Schrembi on how the Americans will get their hands on one of these electric smarts posted soon. [Source: Daimler] PRESS RELEASE: smart fortwo Planning Electric Drive Vehicle - smart examining potential of electric fortwo in the United States Detroit, Jan 11, 2009 smart is producer of one of the worldwide most economical and environmentally friendly cars: the smart fortwo. The brand takes advantages by using alternative technologies to develop even more ecologically friendly vehicles. The smart fortwo electric drive demonstrates the pioneering role of the young car brand. As an electric car it is locally emission-free, highly efficient and quite. It represents sustainability at its highest level. The next generation prototype of the smart fortwo electric drive is being presented in the US for the first time during the NAIAS Autoshow. At the End of 2009, smart will start the production of the smart fortwo electric drive with a lithium-ion battery. The company is exploring opportunities for the United States market. Lithium-ion battery technology The smart fortwo electric drive series will be equipped with a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery. Lithium-ion technology has decisive advantages over other type of batteries, including its compact dimensions, high performance, shorter charging times an higher reliability. London pilot project In 2007, smart started a pilot project in London, England to test the smart fortwo electric drive vehicle. smart leased 100 electric smarts of the former series to gain real world experience and determine the technology's long-term sustainability. The project has proven to be very successful with customers giving very encouraging feedback. In addition, the English authorities have rewarded smart's commitment by exempting drivers of electric smart vehicle from the expensive London congestion charge. London was selected as the perfect test city due to its high populations and infrastructure density, which has resulted in high traffic, parking shortages, severe noise and pollution. Participation in the project was first offered to companies that operate their own vehicle fleets and those who drive in inner city areas. The majority of the customers approached smart to participate in the London project. Participants lease the electric smart for four years or 40,000 miles, and the project will officially run until 2012. The company is using the test data and monitoring and evaluating many other different technologies to evolve the smart brand with new products as appropriate. "e-mobility Berlin" In addition to the London test program, smart is consistently working on the future development of electric drive technology. In September 2008, with the support of the German government and the state of Berlin, Daimler AG and the energy provider RWE introduced the "e-mobility Berlin" project. The two companies are jointly creating the conditions for zero emissions with battery electric drives, which is the world's largest initiative in this field to date. RWE is providing 500 electricity charging stations and Daimler is contribution 100 electric vehicles. Both companies aim to create an intelligent system, and the first joint tests are scheduled for the spring of 2009. Additionally, an "on-board unit" is being developed that will communicate with charging stations to ensure that the battery is automatically charged with low-priced electricity when the network is not used to full capacity, for example at off-peak times. "e-mobility Italy" Daimler AG is launching its next electric mobility project in cooperation with Enel, Italy's largest energy supplier. In 2010, the "e-mobility Italy" initiative will see more than 100 electric cars of the smart and Mercedes-Benz brands roll onto the streets of Rome, Milan and Pisa. Enel will be responsible for developing and setting up over 400 charging stations especially for this purpose in the three cities. The project aims to further develop automotive technology and an intelligent infrastructure, and also establish open standards. Infrastructure is a particularly important issue in Italy, where the majority of vehicles are parked in city streets. Evonik and Daimler establish strategic alliance for the development and production of lithium-ion batteries Evonik Industries AG, Essen and Daimler AG, Stuttgart are developing the energy storage of the future. Based on lithium-ion technology from Evonik and with Daimler expertise, both groups will drive forward the research, development and production of battery cells and battery systems in Germany. In the near future, Li-Tec cells will appear in electric vehicles of smart and Mercedes-Benz Cars. This will represent an important milestone in the series production of electric vehicles. En route to achieving its technological leadership in recent years, Evonik has invested around 80 million Euros. The outcome is production-ready hi-tech battery cells that are superior to competitor products in several key areas. On 15 December 2008, Daimler AG took over 49.9 percent of Li-Tec Vermögensverwaltung GmbH (Li-Tec). Evonik Industries AG already holds 50.1 percent. Both partners are seeking the involvement of a third shareholder in Li-Tec with expertise in electrical and electronic systems integration. Furthermore, the companies will also establish a joint venture with a clear focus on the development and production of batteries and battery systems for automotive applications. Daimler will hold 90 percent of this joint venture, and Evonik 10 percent. The lithium-ion batteries produced by the joint venture will be used in both the passenger car and commercial vehicle sectors. The capacity available at Li-Tec and the joint venture will initially concentrate on the needs of Daimler AG. Beyond that, the sale of cells and battery systems to third parties is planned. Tags: _fortwo_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/tag/fortwo/) , _smart electric car_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/tag/smart+electric+car/) , _smart electric drive_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/tag/smart+electric+drive/) , _smart electric vehicle_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/tag/smart+electric+vehicle/) , _smart fortwo_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/tag/smart+fortwo/) , _SmartElectricCar_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/tag/SmartElectricCar/) , _SmartElectricDrive_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/tag/SmartElectricDrive/) , _SmartElectricVehicle_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/tag/SmartElectricVehicle/) , _SmartFortwo_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/tag/SmartFortwo/) , _smat ed_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/tag/smat+ed/) , _SmatEd_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/tag/SmatEd/) ____________________________________________________________________________ ___________ _Top gear drives the Smart ED, isn't terribly impressed_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/04/04/top-gear-drives-the-smart-ed-isnt-terribly-impressed/ ) by _Jeremy Korzeniewski_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/bloggers/jeremy-korzeniewski/) on Apr 4th 2008 at 8:04AM We can think of a few _electric cars_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/03/14/ttac-tests-the-zap-xebra-hates-it/) which have gotten _less-than-stellar reviews_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/11/05/video-jeremy-clarkson-reviews-g-wiz/) , probably deservedly so. The first reviewer that we know of to tackle the smart ED, though, was rather _in favor_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/03/06/smartplanet-com-drives-the-smart-ed-were-jealous/) of the diminutive electric machine, enjoying the 60 mile-per-hour top speed and 72-mile range. _Top Gear_ (http://www.topgear.com/drives/ZY/A1/roadtests/22/01.html) , though, was less than impressed, citing a distinct lack of range and suggesting that "the Smart looks less appealing than a bike." Granted, smart thinks that the review unit provided to Top Gear must have had some ailments, but perhaps the system still has some growing-pains to overcome before it's truly ready for the mainstream market. It's likely that the Zebra battery would be replaced with lithium ion's in any real production version, in any case. Still, we remain wanting to get a crack at the smart ED ourselves. Thanks for the tip, Forrest! [Source: _Top Gear_ (http://www.topgear.com/drives/ZY/A1/roadtests/22/01.html) ] Tags: _electric smart_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/tag/electric+smart/) , _electric-smart_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/tag/electric-smart/) , _ElectricSmart_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/tag/ElectricSmart/) , _smart_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/tag/smart/) , _smart ed_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/tag/smart+ed/) , _smart fortwo_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/tag/smart+fortwo/) , _smart fortwo ed_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/tag/smart+fortwo+ed/) , _smart-ed_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/tag/smart-ed/) , _smart-fortwo_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/tag/smart-fortwo/) , _smart-fortwo-ed_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/tag/smart-fortwo-ed/) , _SmartEd_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/tag/SmartEd/) , _SmartFortwo_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/tag/SmartFortwo/) , _SmartFortwoEd_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/tag/SmartFortwoEd/) , _top gear_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/tag/top+gear/) , _top-gear_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/tag/top-gear/) , _TopGear_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/tag/TopGear/) * (http://www.sphere.com/) Related Articles From Autoblog Green * _England beats Germany in smart fortwo football soccer match_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/02/13/england-beats-germany-in-smart-s-football -s-soccer-match?icid=sphere_blogsmith_inpage_autobloggreen) 117 days ago * _Detroit 2009: more details on the smart ed's 2010 US introduction_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/16/detroit-2009-more-details-on-the-smart-eds-2010-us-introductio?icid=sphere_blogsmith_inpage_autobloggreen) 145 days ago * _Why'd they push that Tesla into the garage? Top Gear responds_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/12/22/whyd-they-push-that-tesla-into-the-gara ge-top-gear-responds?icid=sphere_blogsmith_inpage_autobloggreen) 170 days ago Related Articles From Autoblog * _VIDEO: Top Gear Australia electric car build-off, Aussie rules style_ (http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/video-top-gear-australia-electric-car-build-off-aussie-rules-s?icid=sphere_blogsmith_inpage_autobloggreen) 13 days ago * _AutoblogGreen for 11.21.08_ (http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/autobloggreen-for-11-21-08?icid=sphere_blogsmith_inpage_autobloggreen) 201 days ago * _Tesla Roadster to appear on Top Gear?_ (http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/tesla-roadster-to-appear-on-top-gear) 292 days ago _See More Related Articles and Blog Posts_ (http://www.sphere.com/search?q=sphereit:http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/04/04/top-gear-drives-the-smart-e d-isnt-terribly-impressed) Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2) _Dave_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/profile/1151232/) 8:34AM (4/04/2008) A Zebra battery? Smart clearly wants to sell all the gassers they can. Once that market has peaked, then MAYBE they'll think about selling a real EV. That pisses me off. Boycott Smart now! _Reply_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/04/04/top-gear-drives-the-smart-ed-isnt-terribly-impressed/#commentform) _Tim_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/profile/454647/) 8:38AM (4/04/2008) It’s all about the intended purpose. Top gear likes sports cars which this is not. This is a tool for commuting and according to the US DOT research: 78% of ALL trips are less than 40 miles 85% are less than 50 miles 90% are less than 60miles 93% are less than 70 miles! _http://www.gm-volt.com/2007/12/06/how-did-gm-determine-that-78-of-commuters -drive-less-than-40-miles-per-day/_ (http://www.gm-volt.com/2007/12/06/how-did-gm-determine-that-78-of-commuters-drive-less-than-40-miles-per-day/) These cars would be recharged at night just like a cell phone which is another tool! Most owners will also keep one of their old ICE “smokers” for those occasional long trips. They will also quickly realize that it’s foolish to pay property tax, insurance and maintenance on an ICE car that they almost never drive and it would be far cheaper to just rent an ICE car or a “ hybrid” or take public transportation for those occasional trips to see grandma and rent an electric car at their destination. _Reply_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/04/04/top-gear-drives-the-smart-ed-isnt-terribly-impressed/#commentform) _phil easler_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/profile/1181706/) 8:45AM (4/04/2008) I would still like to have one here in the good old U.S. of A. I'm not sure the author of "Top Gear" is a EV fan. If you dog-it you will get less miles then maximum range( maximum range = batteries that are broken in, 63.5 F temp, flat newly surface hardtop, 12% humidity, variable light wends from the west, etc), get real. He should of plugged it up midway, break out the laptop, have lunch, and chill with a beer. He went 20+ miles without gasoline or pedals and he's complaining? Your equivalent gas mileage my vary. _Reply_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/04/04/top-gear-drives-the-smart-ed-isnt-terribly-impressed/#commentform) _Luke_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/profile/1432083/) 9:24AM (4/04/2008) That sounds like an intriguing little commuter-car! I've been tinkering with the idea of doing an electric conversion on my pickup, so this news is timely for me. However, in a world where Viagra spam is rampant, though, having an "ED" version of a cute little car isn't going to make anyone want it... Could they please, please call it the "Smart EV"? _Reply_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/04/04/top-gear-drives-the-smart-ed-isnt-terribly-impressed/#commentform) _rar_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/profile/1463319/) 9:30AM (4/04/2008) Luke, that was funny. I think a EV version of this car would be better than the gas version. _Reply_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/04/04/top-gear-drives-the-smart-ed-isnt-terribly-impressed/#commentform) _Luke_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/profile/1432083/) 9:42AM (4/04/2008) rar, Me too -- I think the limitations of an electric drivetrain wouldn't be a problem for the uses I would have for this car. I'd be inclined to use the little smart-car for work and everyday errands, and with a 70-odd mile range, it would be a great fit. _Reply_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/04/04/top-gear-drives-the-smart-ed-isnt-terribly-impressed/#commentform) _josh_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/profile/893196/) 9:59AM (4/04/2008) Why on earth would any manufacturer name a model of car "ED". This car is the Smart Erectile Dysfunction. It can't be that great by virtue of the name. _Reply_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/04/04/top-gear-drives-the-smart-ed-isnt-terribly-impressed/#commentform) _Throwback_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/profile/1470568/) 10:10AM (4/04/2008) The average daily miles driven data that everyone uses is based on 1,000 randomly selected households. My questions is, how many of these households drive every day? How many are in rural America? How many included people who never drive, or use public transportation? As a rural resident I can tell you 70 miles a day is nothing. _Reply_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/04/04/top-gear-drives-the-smart-ed-isnt-terribly-impressed/#commentform) _Tim_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/profile/454647/) 10:31AM (4/04/2008) Throwback, an electric car may not be your best choice at this time. Perhaps a small airplane? _Reply_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/04/04/top-gear-drives-the-smart-ed-isnt-terribly-impressed/#commentform) _brn_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/profile/1725168/) 11:01AM (4/04/2008) EV still don't make sense for the average commuter. That will change over time. Top Gear reviews are meaningless ratings grabs. That likely won't change. Thankfully, those are two very separate issues. _Reply_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/04/04/top-gear-drives-the-smart-ed-isnt-terribly-impressed/#commentform) _rgseidl_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/profile/760205/) 11:03AM (4/04/2008) @ Dave - the smart electric drive version was developed by the UK sales force in collaboration with local investors. They selected a Zebra battery because it was proven automotive technology at the time, whereas Li-ion was not. This special version is not even available to the general public, just investors in the project. At smart's HQ in Germany, they had bigger problems than producing an EV version - specifically, keeping the brand from going under. Now that the revised model is selling well in the US and Li-ion safety has advanced, there have been noises about an official EV. As for TopGear's verdict, remember that these are die-hard pistonheads that spend all day drifting super sports cars on abandoned stretches of tarmac while making carefully wordsmithed snide remarks. Entertaining, yes, but not exactly relevant to the issues of how we get off oil or reduce congestion in our cities. _Reply_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/04/04/top-gear-drives-the-smart-ed-isnt-terribly-impressed/#commentform) _RickM_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/profile/803315/) 11:03AM (4/04/2008) Throwback, I too live out in the country, and having recently changed jobs, I work downtown. My commute, depending on the route I choose on a given day, is 22 to 30 miles one way. Any side trips and I'm probably over 70 miles a day. But that's a consequence of my own choices. One of the inconvenient truths you and I face is that to be green, one should live small. Live near the office or work near the home. Shop locally. Learn to economize on mileage. Take only necessary trips, and plan ahead to get the most out of every mile. Use an EV when you can, and a gas burner when you must - and don't blame others for your own lifestyle choices. _Reply_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/04/04/top-gear-drives-the-smart-ed-isnt-terribly-impressed/#commentform) _Whopper_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/profile/1583159/) 11:21AM (4/04/2008) Forget the small airplane. I just sold my 165 HP single engine Beech. At 9 gallons per hour fuel burn and a cruise speed of 110 mph you can see the mileage. AV gas is running around $4.50 or $5 per gallon too and may soon become unavailable due to regulations regarding how it is transported etc. Insurance and maintenance are going through the roof too. _Reply_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/04/04/top-gear-drives-the-smart-ed-isnt-terribly-impressed/#commentform) _Throwback_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/profile/1470568/) 11:44AM (4/04/2008) RickM, I blame no one for my choices, nor am I complaining. My point is for EVs to really take off a 70 mile range is not sufficient for most commuters. Living green is not my primary concern, I don't like sending my money to countries that hate me and my fellow countrymen. I don't think being dependent on foreign oil from countries who despise us makes sense. I would love an EV that has a 250 mile range, and seats 4. My next car will probably be the Saturn Flexstream (if built) although I would love a Honda FCX. As for where I live, I moved where I did to be close to work, however my job is now in India. I made a conscious decision to not move near a job which may be out sourced whenever it makes economic sense. I have chosen to work in an industry in which out sourcing is a possibility so moving "close" to a job makes no sense. _Reply_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/04/04/top-gear-drives-the-smart-ed-isnt-terribly-impressed/#commentform) _Tim_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/profile/454647/) 11:46AM (4/04/2008) RickM, I couldn't have said it better myself if by the word "green" you mean being good stewards of all of our resources. We don't have to do without, but we NEED to realize that waste is BAD and a direct consequence of the choices we make. With freedom we have choices which are balanced by PERSONAL responsibility. Don’t blame others for your life choices and when pointing fingers ALWAYS start with the man in the mirror. _Reply_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/04/04/top-gear-drives-the-smart-ed-isnt-terribly-impressed/#commentform) _Whopper_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/profile/1583159/) 12:04PM (4/04/2008) RickM, I don't think Throwback was blaming others for his lifestyle choice. I think he finds himself in that uneviable position, as do I, of having to defend his choice against the attack by others. Some folks who contribute to this site are very passionate about EV's and "green" and can be quite venomous in their feelings about those who don't agree. My cousin in NYC doesn't understand the need for my Silverado; he neither drives nor owns a car. Sorry, we all can't live like that. He shuffles paper and programs computers; I make "stuff". If I stop making "stuff" he will be out of work too. I don't want to live next door to a manufacturing plant, do you? _Reply_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/04/04/top-gear-drives-the-smart-ed-isnt-terribly-impressed/#commentform) _MetroMPG.com_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/profile/35407/) 1:16PM (4/04/2008) If you haven't seen it, Fifth Gear (Top Gear's competition in the UK) did a review of the Smart EV, comparing it against the petrol version. Much more positive than the Top Gear review. (Also they got it to go 30 miles in somewhat spirited driving.) The final word in the 5th Gear review, despite disclaimers: "it starts to make a lot of sense, doesn't it?" Video of the road/track test: _http://forum.ecomodder.com/showthread.php?t=1270_ (http://forum.ecomodder.com/showthread.php?t=1270) _Reply_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/04/04 /top-gear-drives-the-smart-ed-isnt-terribly-impressed/#commentform) _mike_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/profile/843950/) 3:29PM (4/04/2008) How big an electric motor did they put into the ED? The electric should have smacked the petrol version. Guess those heavy batteries really hurt. Still, the fuel economy is there even with the Zebra battery. _Reply_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/04/04/top-gear-drives-the-smart-ed-isnt-terribly-impressed/#commentform) _Chris M_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/profile/163704/) 4:52PM (4/04/2008) I'd be much more concerned about that 60 mph top speed tnan the 70 mile range, especially for short freeway commutes. The Zebra battery has good energy density but poor power density, that means slow acceleration and a low top speed. The LiIon version should perform better. _Reply_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/04/04/top-gear-drives-the-smart-ed-isnt-terribly-impressed/#commentform) _Ron Fischer_ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/profile/394000/) 5:07PM (4/04/2008) I leased the Th!nk City from Ford here in Los Angeles for three years. Its 35 mile range made it barely acceptable for home to work commuting. Personally I need enough range to allow for lunchtime shopping trips and use of air conditioning during the hot Southern California summers (the City was quite brutal in that regard). **************Dell Deals: Don’t miss huge summer savings on popular laptops starting at $449. (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1221770187x1201425153/aol?redir=http:%2F%2Fad.doubleclick.net%2Fclk%3B215566131%3B37864407%3B i) _______________________________________________ Florida EAA mailing list [email protected] http://www.floridaeaa.org
