As part of a complete overhaul of the drivetrain, a brand new electric motor has been fitted. Produced by EM-motive, the recently formed Daimler - Bosch joint venture, it has peak and constant outputs of 73 bhp (55 kW / 74 PS) and 46 bhp (35 kW / 47 PS) respectively and maximum torque of 130 Nm (95 lb/ft). By contrast, the second generation car could only muster 40 bhp (30 kW / 41 PS) and 26 bhp (20 kW / 27 PS).
To make the most of that enhanced motor, the old Tesla lithium-ion battery pack has been ditched in favour of one from Deutsche Accumotive. Rated at 17.6 kWh, it can be fully charged from flat in under an hour with the optional quick-charging function (as long as a quick-charge station can be found, of course).
Although predicted range between recharges is around 86 miles (140 km), feedback from existing electric fortwo users told Smart that that particular factor wasn’t a key concern. Perhaps an unsurprising situation, seeing as most only drive between 18 and 25 miles (30 - 40 km) per day.
Conversely, performance was one part of the package which did need to get better, and it has. The 0-37 mph (60 km/h) acceleration time has been reduced by 1.5 to 5.0 seconds, while 62 mph (100 km/h) should now be achieved in less than 13 seconds. Top speed meanwhile has risen from 62 mph (100 km/h) to over 74 mph (120 km/h).
Standard equipment is set to include automatic air conditioning with pre-heating and pre-cooling, LED daytime running lights and nine-spoke alloy wheels. Customers will be able to choose glass roof and cabriolet versions, as well as the coupé body style.
Sales of the Smart fortwo electric drive are due to begin in spring 2012, and it’s going to be offered in thirty territories worldwide.
Although prices have yet to be announced, in the UK the fortwo will qualify for the government’s Plug-in Car Grant which is worth up to £5,000.
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