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“Environmentally-friendly driving fun at a customer-friendly price” – it is under this motto that the new smart fortwo electric drive will be launched spring 2012 on more than 30 markets around the world. In Germany, it will be available to order for less than EUR 16,000 net – plus just the monthly rental fee for the battery.
“The smart electric drive is now on sale worldwide – with the fun continuing right into the price,” says smart boss Dr. Annette Winkler. “The electric smart has what it takes to bring a little more quality-of-life to our cities. But a car that wants to change the world can’t cost the earth. For this reason, we are offering the new electric smart within our sale&care model for considerably less than EUR 16,000 before tax – plus less than EUR 60 per month for battery rental. Anybody wishing to buy or lease the vehicle with the battery can, of course, do that, too.”
If you want to be there from the start – register online!
Starting right now, interested parties can complete a no-obligation registration process on www.smart.com to be kept up-to-date with the latest information about the new electric smart. Those who would like to be among the first owners of the new third-generation smart fortwo electric drive will have the opportunity to reserve one online as of the fourth quarter 2011.
The third generation can do everything better
The further developed third-generation drive technology delivers 100 percent driving fun with zero emissions. The 55 kW electric motor now breaks through the 120 km/h mark, ensuring that the feel-good factor on the urban autobahn is now the same as the one that kicks in within 5 seconds of sprinting away from the lights. That is how quickly it now accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h. And thanks to 130 Newton meters of torque, the new electric smart is now more responsive at higher speeds – and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 13 seconds.
The new smart fortwo electric drive exceeds its popular predecessor in every regard. It has more range – considerably more than 140 kilometers – enabled by the new lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 17.6 kWh that comes for the first time from Deutsche Accumotive. Morever, charge time has been significantly shortened. Completely empty, the battery can be fully recharged at a household outlet or charging station in a maximum of eight hours – or overnight, if you will. It can be done even faster – in less than one hour – with the optional rapid charge function using a 22 kW on-board charger.
“The smart fortwo has excelled itself. It was already the pioneer in urban mobility and, with the new electric drive, is now once again setting benchmarks with even more driving fun and environmental compatibility,” says Dr. Annette Winkler. “The much-quoted electric era is now definitely upon us.” As a result, production at the smart factory in Hambach, France has already been ramped up to a five-figure volume.
Travel in Germany complete CO2-free
“Furthermore,” adds Dr. Annette Winkler, “we will ensure that our customers will be able to drive the new electric smart in Germany completely CO2-free. We will – with no prompting from the renewable energy law – make available the same amount of ‘green’ electricity as that consumed by all third-generation smart fortwo electric drives sold.”
Two generation of the smart fortwo electric drive in comparison
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Local zero-emission driving with even more driving fun – the third generation smart fortwo electric drive will be available from the spring of 2012. In total a five-figure number of vehicles will roll off the production line in Hambach, France. Following the huge success of the second generation, electric mobility will then become accessible to anyone interested in more than 30 markets worldwide. In the development of the new generation smart benefited from extensive experience and customer feedback gathered worldwide in the past few years. Driven by a battery supplied by Deutsche Accumotive for the first time the 55 kW electric motor passes the 120 km/h mark. From 0 to 100 km/h in less than 13 seconds – even driving on urban motorways becomes enjoyable. The 17.6 kWh battery enables the lively city car to travel around 140 kilometres in city traffic without producing any local emissions. A new sales model makes the introduction to electric mobility particularly attractive for customers: the sale&care model offers customers an opportunity to buy the vehicle at an attractive price and to lease the battery for a monthly fee. Reservations for third generation smart fortwo electric drive can be made from the fourth quarter of 2011. In Germany the new electric smart will be completely CO2-neutral thanks to the provision of additional "green" electricity.
"The smart fortwo has exceeded itself. It has always been a pioneer of urban mobility and with the new electric drive it is once again setting standards with even more driving fun and environmental compatibility ," says Dr. Annette Winkler, Head of smart. "With the new generation the frequently cited "electric era" has finally arrived."
For the further development of the smart fortwo electric drive the company was able to integrate extensive experience and customer feedback from various electric mobility projects. Ever since 1998 the smart has been revolutionising urban mobility like no vehicle before it. Compact, agile, environmentally friendly and stylish – it has evolved from a practical small car to a lifestyle product and has long become a familiar sight on the roads of cities around the world.
With the start of the first electrically driven test fleet in 2007 in London smart also took on a pioneering role in the area of electric mobility when 100 smart fortwo electric drives took to the roads of the British capital – with great success. Today the vehicle is a trendsetter and a synonym for forward-looking battery-electric-driven urban mobility of the future.
One of the largest electric fleets worldwide
With the introduction of the second generation in 2009 the smart fortwo electric drive was ready to take to the roads. The electrically driven avant-gardiste from Stuttgart was introduced in 18 markets. The objective of the second generation was to gather as much experience as possible about how customers use and charge electric vehicles. The huge demand exceeded all expectations. Instead of the planned 1000 vehicles more than 2000 smart fortwo electric drives are being produced in Hambach. This means that smart has one of the largest fleets of electrically driven vehicles on the roads worldwide and a trove of customer experience and wishes that have been input in the third generation smart fortwo electric drive.
A higher top speed and better acceleration at speeds above 60 km/h were right at the top of the customers' list of priorities.
However, contrary to prevailing opinion the range wasn't the crucial point from the perspective of the test customers. The vast majority of users confirmed the results of surveys which say that people drive approximately 30 to 40 kilometres per day on average in urban areas and they expressed great satisfaction with the range of their smart.
Even better in the third generation
With total production amounting to a five-figure number, from the spring of 2012 the further developed smart fortwo electric drive will start winning wide-ranging buyers in more than 30 international markets for an innovative and forward-looking drive concept.
The third generation smart fortwo electric drive features a 55 kW magneto-electric motor - the first product from the EM-motive joint venture founded together with Bosch - which ensures that it is as agile and lively as ever. With torque of 130 Newton metres it accelerates powerfully and immediately from 0 to 60 km/h in 5 seconds and thanks to better acceleration in the higher speed range it can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 13 seconds as it has much more tractive power than its predecessor. This makes for speedy driving and overtaking. The battery-electric two-seater smart fortwo now also has a higher top speed of more than 120 km/h, putting it on a par with the combustion-engined smart.
A battery supplied by Deutsche Accumotive is fitted in the new smart fortwo electric drive for the first time. With capacity of 17.6 kWh the lithium-ion battery from the joint venture with Evonik Industries provides for well over 140 kilometres of pollutant-free driving fun. In addition to the higher battery capacity clear improvements have been made to the efficiency of the drive system, resulting in a greater range. When completely empty it takes a maximum of eight hours to fully charge the battery at a household socket or charging station on the electricity systems of most countries i.e. overnight.
Quick charging in just one hour
For the greater freedom of quick charging it is possible to optionally equip the vehicle with a quick-charging function. The 22 kW on-board charger enables a completely empty battery to be fully charged in less than an hour. A power cable is needed for this which is used to connect the vehicle to a public quick-charging station or a wallbox at home or work. smart will offer this in the future in cooperation with SPX, one of the world's leading suppliers of technology solutions in the fields of energy and automotive, as a global installation and service partner, and with KEBA – a specialist for innovative e-infrastructure and wallboxes. Should a customer wish to install a wallbox at home or work the smart Sales department will contact SPX who will examine the local conditions, make an offer, and after discussing the cost estimate, see to it that the KEBA wallbox is installed.
The wallbox is standardised and can of course also be used for the quick charging of vehicles from other manufacturers, for example if there is a mixed fleet. Infrastructure solutions designed to meet the special requirements of vehicle fleets are currently being developed with their introduction parallel to the market launch of the third generation smart fortwo electric drive.
A comparison of the two smart fortwo electric drive generations
Attractive introduction to electric mobility
Thanks to a new marketing concept the smart fortwo electric drive makes the switch to electric mobility very attractive. With the sale&care model customers can buy, lease or finance the vehicle at an attractive price and lease the battery for less than €60 per month plus VAT. This means that the monthly costs for electric driving are no higher than those for a comparable vehicle with diesel drive. The leasing costs include regular maintenance, annual servicing of the battery and – if necessary – the quick replacement of the battery, regardless of how old the vehicle or the battery is. smart also has a solution for all those who want to buy the entire vehicle.
The price for the vehicle with the sale&care model is considerably less than €16,000 plus VAT. In view of the low operating costs electric driving therefore represents a very attractive form of individual mobility. National promotion programmes in many countries and mobility benefits such as the use of special lanes or exemption from city congestion charges are further advantages of electric driving. With the attractive sale&care package and the significant progress in technology for the smart fortwo electric drive of the third generation smart offers its customers affordable driving fun for daily use based on the environmentally friendly drive. "In addition we want to ensure that our customers drive the new electric smart in Germany without producing any C02", says Annette Winkler. "This is why we will additionally provide as much "green" electricity as all third generation smart fortwo electric drives sold here consume – without support measures from the Renewable Energy Act."
Anyone interested can now register on www.smart.com with no obligation and will receive all the latest news on the new electric smart. Customers who would like to be among the first owners of the new third generation smart fortwo electric drive will be able to reserve a vehicle in advance online from the fourth quarter of 2011.
A fresh green and even more colours
With a larger radiator grille featuring the electric drive logo, stylish LED daytime driving lights below the headlamps, wider door sills and several modifications to the rear the new model is much more dynamic than its predecessor.
The new E-smart comes in all smart colours and colour combinations that are also available for the diesel and petrol models.
The new colour fresh green is a particularly visible manifestation of electric driving fun. In addition to crystal white bodypanels the electric drive design package comprises white alloy rims, a green tridion cell, green mirror caps and numerous green accents in the interior which form an attractive contrast to the black seats.
Perfectly equipped
As to be expected the new smart fortwo electric drive features extensive equipment. A highlight is the fully automatic air conditioning with pollen filter and pre-air conditioning. As with the second generation, when it is connected to the power network the vehicle can be pre-cooled or pre-heated as required for a programmed departure time. A new feature is the possibility to start the pre-air conditioning via the internet or a smartphone at any time. The standard equipment furthermore includes electric windows and electrically adjustable door mirrors, a leather steering wheel, leather gear knob, the entry line radio, power steering, 9-spoke alloy wheels and a luggage compartment cover. As with the predecessor model in addition to the standard solid roof a glass roof and a cabrio version are available. The trip computer – also a standard feature in the electric smart – shows journey information including the remaining range. And like the predecessor model the two round instruments show the charge status of the battery and the energy used and recuperated. In addition, the smart fortwo electric drive can be equipped with a navigation system and a 3-spoke leather steering wheel.
Clever app for infotainment with smartphones
smart is the first car brand to develop its own drive app for the iPhone®. Together with the smart kit and cradle for the iPhone®the cult phone becomes a multimedia trip computer that is optimised for the smart fortwo in terms of function and design. The smart drive app for the iPhone®has all the important features needed whilst driving: phone calls via hands-free system, your own extensive music collection, internet radio and a clever navigation system with a special smart touch. There are also smart extras – for example the Car Finder that will guide you back to wherever you parked your car.
The new smart drive app for the iPhone®is simple to operate, for example thanks to extra-large buttons. The new app makes urban mobility even easier and more fun - the declared objective of the smart philosophy.
Two new elements developed by smart make the two-seater car and the iPhone®a perfect team:
- The smart cradle for the iPhone®with control unit and microphone serves as a stylish and functional holder. It charges the iPhone®and also functions as a hands-free system using the loudspeakers of the smart radio for sound output and automatically muting it when phone calls are made.
- The smart drive app for the iPhone®is the world's first drive app on the market to be developed by a car brand. It combines all the features needed on the road in a single app. All the functions are extremely easy to use thanks to extra-large buttons and extra-large letters.
Always know how far you can go: connected services
The smart drive app for the iPhone®can be tuned with further functions tailored to the smart fortwo electric drive. However, the current charge status or the SmartCharging charge configuration can also be conveniently controlled and managed via a web portal from a home computer or with any modern smartphone.
The Vehicle Homepage offers every third generation smart fortwo electric drive customer a chance to visualise the range on an interactive map with 3D views. All the destinations that can be reached with the current battery charge are displayed. The public charging stations within reach can also be seen at a glance. If a desired destination is further away than the available range the Vehicle Homepage can be used to quickly check the additional battery charge needed. Among other things the depiction of the range considers the topography and the route profile. The intuitive graphic depiction that can be combined with 3D views and satellite images is an attractive feature. Furthermore, the vehicle itself can also become active. Information on the charge status and range can be sent by email or Twitter messages for example. The driver is notified as soon as the desired range can be reached with the current charge.
Intelligent charging
The smart fortwo electric drive can be connected to the internet at home via a standard powerline adapter (Homeplug AV) for SmartCharging. After entering the planned departure time in the vehicle or the web portal the vehicle will be fully charged in a battery-saving and economical way, and pre-air conditioned if required so that it is ready to start. The pre-air conditioning can also be conveniently activated online shortly before setting off.
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Outstanding efficiency, lots of driving fun and an uncon-ventional design are the common features of the new products presented by smart at the International Motor Show. smart's presentation in Frankfurt will focus on the world premiere of the third generation smart fortwo electric drive and the smart forvision concept vehicle. What's more, the smart ebike extends electric mobility from smart to two wheels.
Zero-emission motoring with even more driving fun – the third generation smart fortwo electric drive will be available from the spring of 2012. For the further development of the smart fortwo electric drive the company was able to integrate extensive experience and customer feedback from various electric mobility projects. For example, this is reflected in clearly improved performance data: maximum power output of 55 kW, a top speed of over 120 km/h and a range of considerably more than 140 km.
Together with BASF smart is presenting the smart forvision concept vehicle which combines a futuristic design with technologies relating to energy efficiency, lightweight construction and temperature management.
A near-series version of the smart ebike, which will enter series production in 2012, will also be on display at the International Motor Show. With an unconventional design in line with the style of the brand, functions appropriate for city use and high technology standards that are demonstrated by the extremely efficient and high-performance drive package among other features, it has an exceptional position.
smart is continuing its series of exciting special models with the limited special model smart fortwo pearlgrey. The exclusive graphite metallic paintwork in combination with a silver tridion safety cell and silver alloy wheels lend it a classic and elegant appearance.
With the "smart BRABUS tailor made by WeSC" and the "headphones for the smart by WeSC" smart is presenting the first results of the cooperation with the street fashion brand WeSC. Common features of the special model and the headphones are the gleaming gold tones and the launch in the spring of 2012.
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Concept Car of a Powerful and Efficient Luxury Sedan with All-Wheel Electric Drive Based on the E-Class
320 kW of power and a peak torque of 3,200 Nm (2,360 lb-ft) from four electric wheel hub motors point the way to the powerful, efficient and ecofriendly luxury sedan of the future. Based on the latest Mercedes E-Class, BRABUS ZERO EMISSION, a business division of BRABUS, has developed the fully operational BRABUS High Performance 4WD Full Electric concept car. The all-wheel-drive vehicle, which celebrates its world debut at the 2011 IAA, accelerates from 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 6.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph) – and all without emitting as much as a single gram of CO2. A powerful 56-kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides an operating range of up to 350 kilometers (217 miles). There are plans for a small-series production run of this unique automobile.
For more than three decades BRABUS has ranked as one the top addresses worldwide for exclusive high-performance automobiles. Since 2008 the BRABUS ZERO EMISSION business division of BRABUS, recognized by the German Federal Motor Vehicle Department as an automobile manufacturer, deals with the development of vehicle concepts for alternative-drive cars.
For the electric drive of the BRABUS High Performance 4WD Full Electric the BRABUS vehicle and electrical engineers decided on four wheel hub motors from English manufacturer Protean ELECTRIC.
A low weight of just 31 kilograms (68 pounds), a compact diameter of only 42 centimeters (16.5 inches) and a thickness of merely 11.5 centimeters (4.5 in.) make these motors perfectly suited for this project. They are positioned in the BRABUS Monoblock Q wheels in size 8.5Jx19 front and back.
With a peak power of 80 kW and a peak torque of 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) in Sport mode these motors are ideal for meeting the high-performance requirements that BRABUS is renowned for. In recuperation mode under braking each of the motors contributes up to 70 kW to the energy recovery system and therefore to recharging the batteries.
The concept car is equipped with an electro-hydraulic BRABUS brake system that was custom developed for this type of drive layout. The four vented bake discs are attached to the rear of the wheel hub motors, and gripped by two internal brake calipers each.
Controlling the four wheel hub motors presented a special challenge. They are coordinated by a high-tech electronic control unit and give the E-Class sedan an innovative all-wheel-drive system that defies any kind of weather and all road surface conditions. But that’s not all: the independent drive of each wheel provides the vehicle with torque vectoring capabilities, the active controlling of the yaw angle, for impressive driving dynamics and particularly safe handling.
The power output of the four electric motors adds up to a peak output of 320 kW and a whopping peak torque of 3,200 Nm (2360 lb-ft). In comparison: the 6.3-liter V12 Biturbo engine of the new 370-km/h plus (230-mph) BRABUS ROCKET 800, one of the most powerful gasoline car engines in the world, produces a peak torque of “just” 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft).
Despite its enormous performance potential the wheel hub drive is particularly ecofriendly because of its carbon neutrality. Based on the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle), energy consumption of all four motors combined is a low 0.24 kWh/km (0.38 kWh/mile), giving the car an NEDC operating range of some 240 kilometers (150 miles). In Eco mode, which is more than sufficient for normal operations, a continuous output of 200 kW allows operating ranges of up to 350 kilometers (217 miles) without recharging.
This substantial operating range is the credit of the powerful 56-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The individual cells, connected via state-of-the-art power electronics, were placed in various locations throughout the entire Mercedes E-Class body to achieve optimal weight distribution. The space gained under the hood by eliminating the conventional engine is utilized for the cells as is the now superfluous driveshaft tunnel and the areas that normally house the fuel tank and the spare wheel.
External charging of the battery pack is handled by two separate systems. For the garage at home there is a quick charger for ecofriendly eco electricity from German energy company RWE. After one-and-a-half hours of being plugged into the 380 V three-phase grid with a charging capacity of 50 kW the eco sedan again has an operating range of 350 km (217 miles). For charging on the road at any normal 220 V AC outlet or on a 380 V three-phase outlet the car is equipped with an integrated charger that recharges the batteries fully in five hours.
On the road the BRABUS High Performance 4WD Full Electric exhibits the dynamic performance one can rightfully expect from a BRABUS high-performance automobile and one that has been unheard of in an electrically powered sedan of this size until now.
The electrically powered sedan delivers excellent performance: the four-door car weighing 2,190 kilograms (4,828 pounds) accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 6.9 seconds. The BRABUS High Performance 4WD Full Electric also delivers superior pulling power: the intermediate sprint from 60 to 120 km/h (37 to 74 mph) takes just 5.0 seconds. In comparison: a Mercedes E 500 4MATIC takes 5.2 seconds.
The wheel hub motors’ redline speed of 2,000 rpm effectively limits the car’s top speed to 220 km/h (137 mph).
The strong performance and low energy consumption also benefit from the aerodynamic efficiency of the BRABUS aerodynamic-enhancement components, which were fine-tuned in the wind tunnel. The BRABUS front fascia lends the E-Class sedan a more slipstreamed nose and reduces lift on the front axle, contributing to outstanding directional stability. The integrated LED daytime running lights are extremely economical but ensure that the BRABUS High Performance 4WD Full Electric is recognizable from afar.
BRABUS aluminum front sport fenders with integrated clear-coated carbon-fiber inserts create a distinctly sporty look. The BRABUS side skirts calm the airflow between the wheel wells and feature highly convenient, visually striking LED entrance lights.
Another custom development is the suspension of BRABUS High Performance 4WD Full Electric. A height-adjustable coilover suspension calibrated to the higher vehicle weight was developed in cooperation with technology partner BILSTEIN. It offers individual ride-height settings and a sporty yet comfortable ride.
The BRABUS Monoblock Q 19-inch wheels are mounted with high-performance tires from technology partners Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA in size 245/35 ZR 19 front and back.
The interior of the concept car is supplemented by a special instrument cluster, which provides the driver with the most essential information about the battery, the electric motors and other driving parameters such as speed etc. A new center console housing the controls an electric vehicle requires was manufactured as well.
The ergonomically shaped BRABUS sport steering wheel and aluminum pedals and footrest add sporty highlights. Stainless-steel scuff plates with backlit BRABUS High Performance 4WD Full Electric logo and velour floor mats sporting the identical marks are further exclusive accessories.
BRABUS High Performance 4WD Full Electric
Technical Data
Body
Four-door sedan based on the Mercedes-Benz W 212 series E-Class.
Steel unibody with mounts for lithium-ion batteries in engine bay, trunk and driveshaft tunnel. BRABUS aerodynamic-enhancement kit with front fascia, air vents in the front fenders, side skirts, rear spoiler lip and rear diffuser.
Dimensions
Length: 4.868 mm (191.6 in)
Width: 1.841 mm (72.4 in)
Height: 1.464 mm (57.6 in)
Curb weight: 2,190 kg (4,828 lbs.)
Electric Drive
Four electronically controlled Protean ELECTRIC wheel hub motors and 56 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Charging by external or on-board charger.
Peak power in Sport mode: 4 x 80 kW = 320 kW system power
Continuous power in Eco mode: 4 x 50 kW = 200 kW system power
Maximum recuperation power: 4 x 70 kW = 280 kW total recuperation power
Peak torque: 4 x 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) = 3,200 Nm (2,360 lb-ft) system torque
Maximum rpm: 2,000
CO2 emissions: 0 g/km
Power supply: Lithium-ion (LiCoMn) battery pack
Nominal voltage: 355 V
Capacity: 56 kWh
External charger: RWE Combi Station, 380 V three-phase current
Charging capacity: 50 kW (limited)
Charging time: 1.5 hours (limited)
Internal charger: Delta ES three-phase on-board charger, 220 V AC or 380 V three-phase current
Charging capacity: 12.4 kW (limited)
Charging time: 5 hours
Suspension
Independent front and rear suspension with height-adjustable BRABUS coilover sport suspension.
Front axle:
Three-link suspension, anti-dive geometry. Height-adjustable BRABUS struts with gas-pressure shocks with 10-way adjustable bound and rebound, and coil springs.
Rear axle:
Multi-link suspension, anti-dive and anti-squat geometry. Height-adjustable BRABUS struts with gas-pressure shocks with 10-way adjustable bound and rebound, and coil springs.
Wheels:
BRABUS Monoblock Q 8.5J x 19 H2 alloy wheels with Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA high-performance brake system.
Front: 8.5J x 19 H2 with 245/35 ZR 19
Rear: 8.5J x 19 H2 with 245/35 ZR 19
Brake System
Dual-circuit brake system with BRABUS high-performance brake system assisted by the wheel hub motors in each wheel.
Performance
0 - 100 km/h (62 mph): 6.9 sec.
60 - 120 km/h (37 – 74 mph): 5.0 sec.
Top speed Eco mode: 190 km/h (118 mph)
Top speed Sport mode: 220 km/h (137 mph)
Energy Consumption and Operating Range
Energy consumption based on NEDC incl. recuperation: 0.24 kWh/km (0.38 kWh/mile)
Operating range based on NEDC: 240 km (150 miles)
Operating range at a constant 100 km/h (62 mph): 350 km (217 miles)
Price
Prototype not for sale
* Official photos and details courtesy of BRABUS GmbH *
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
