Smart’s two-seater is tiny, but it’s no stripped-down monk-mobile – standard features include AC, power windows, heated seats and anti-lock brakes.

A new EV (albeit a small one) joins the party this week, as Daimler has begun production of the smart fortwo electric drive at its factory in Hambach, France. It also announced a new investment of €200 million to upgrade the plant.

Smart’s two-seater is tiny, but it’s no stripped-down monk-mobile – standard features include AC, power windows, heated seats and anti-lock brakes. The 55-kW motor and 17.6-kWh battery deliver a maximum speed of 125 km/h and a range of approximately 145 km in city traffic. It comes in Coupé and Cabrio (convertible) models, and the respective prices in Germany are 23,680 Euros and 26,770 Euros. Deliveries will begin in Germany in late summer, with 30 other markets to follow soon.

“The new smart electric drive and the expansion of the Hambach plant are two important milestones for the future of smart,” said company head Dr. Annette Winkler. “With the new smart electric drive we are further expanding our leading position in urban mobility and making fully electric driving accessible to everyone. For this – and for the successor generation to the current smart – we are making significant investments in the Hambach site. And I am convinced that this is money extremely well invested.”

Dr. Joachim Betker, head of the Hambach plant, said, “For the first time we have realized the consistent and perfectly integrated production of models with electric drive and those with combustion engines. In production, we are now optimally utilizing the smart vehicle concept’s potential for different drive systems.”

Also today, smart Canada released pricing for the smart fortwo electric drive and the smart ebike. The Coupé will start at $26,990 while the Cabrio will start at $29,990. The first cars will be delivered in spring 2013.

Smart Canada also announced the launch of the new smart ebike. Priced from $3,240, the power-assisted two-wheeler features a 250-watt electric motor with user-selectable power levels, and a 423-Wh lithium-ion battery that can be charged either from an electrical outlet or while riding.

Source: Daimler
Image: Daimler