The smart electric drive

Overview

The highlights

• The smart fortwo electric drive combines unique agility with local emission-free driving – the ideal combination for urban mobility
• The smart fortwo cabrio is the only electric convertible on the market
• With an instantly available 118 lb-ft of torque, the electric car boasts exceedingly agile acceleration, especially at city speeds
• The fully charged battery has an EPA rating of 58 miles, making it ideal for urban and suburban use
• With the 7.2 kWh high-performance on-board charger, the smart electric drive can be charged up to twice as fast as the previous generation on a wallbox (240V/32A)
• The 17.6 kWh lithium-ion battery from the Daimler subsidiary Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE is housed in the vehicle underbody in a safe position that is favorable for the vehicle's center of gravity
• The ECO mode is a particularly energy-efficient drive program
• In addition to the extensive standard equipment list, there are several option packages.
• For example, the Climate package with a heated steering wheel and additional door and floor insulation warms the driver faster and keep more heat in the car, which increases efficiency and range in cold weather.An exclusive electric green tridion is available to give the vehicle an expressive look

smart family

Electrification of the entire model range

The smart electric drive makes opting into electric mobility easier than ever as it combines the unique agility of the fortwo with local emission- free driving – the ideal combination for urban and suburban mobility. Zero-emission driving fun can be experienced in both the smart electric drive coupe and smart electric drive cabrio.

Short overhangs, a minimal length and a high steering angle are optimal prerequisites for ensuring that the smart models get around every corner and into every parking space. The smart fortwo electric drive (length/width/height: 106.1/65.6/61.2 feet) sets a turning circle benchmark at 22.8 ft. from curb to curb that makes turning maneuvers extremely simple. The characteristic proportions offer outstanding visibility and maneuverability and, together with the rear motor, enable a comfortable amount of space for such compact dimensions.

The current 453 smart generation was introduced in the U.S. in 2015 in gasoline form (globally in 2014) and is characterized by a one-and-a-half box design – an evolutionary development of the typical smart silhouette. The higher hood lends the smart a more grown-up and sportier character. The color contrast between tridion cell and body panels is another characteristic feature of the smart brand.

The smart displays a friendly but self-assured face. A decisive feature of this friendly face is the signature smart grille with the large logo. The grille's perforated structure results from a honeycomb pattern.

The rhombic front lamps are truncated slightly at the top, producing an attractive sporty look. The U-shaped daytime driving lights add a characteristic design feature.

"Loop" is the designers' name for the emotional sweep in the interior, embellishing the dashboard and doors. The sculptural dashboard itself consists of two sections – a bold and sensuous outer section which is covered with fabric, and a large, concave inner section incorporating the functional elements.

The dashboard and the door center panels feature extensive fabric coverings. This high-quality textile surface is very pleasant to the touch and is reminiscent of the mesh inserts in modern running shoes. The color and material concept underscores the easy-going and charming character of the new smart generation.

The essential safety concept embodied so successfully by the preceding models has been retained. Like a nut, the interior is protected from harm by a rigid shell: the tridion safety cell.

A high proportion of ultra-high strength hot-formed steels and maximum-strength multiphase steel is now used on the smart fortwos. In keeping with the Mercedes-Benz "real- life safety" philosophy, the focus on car-to-car crash tests was on compatibility with substantially larger and heavier vehicles. The smart fortwo vehicles performed well in frontal collisions with the S- and C- Class.

The battery of the electric smart is housed centrally under the front seats - ideal for a low center of gravity and balanced handling. It is supported by an all-round, crash-absorbing frame. The frame structure is made of modern high-strength steel tubes that give the battery all-round protection with the profiles used and also absorb and distribute intrusion forces in the event of an accident.

Sound generator: safety for pedestrians

On account of its quiet drive, the smart electric drive comes standard with an acoustic warning. The sound generator is a cubic component on the right-hand side behind the radiator grille; it consists of a weatherproof loudspeaker and an integrated controller. It generates a smart-specific sound for the protection of other road users: This sound is speed- dependent. The pitch and volume increase as the vehicle speed increases. Above about 18 mph the sound is automatically masked as rolling noise and wind noise predominate from this speed.
Advanced assistance systems which were previously the reserve of higher classes of vehicle further enhance safety and comfort. These include Crosswind Assist (standard) and the optional forward collision warning.
A front axle design adopting elements from the former Mercedes-Benz C- Class, a De Dion rear axle, long spring travel all round and an unprecedented small turning circle are the highlights of the chassis.

smart fortwo cabrio: the only electric drive convertible

Three cars in one: at the touch of a button the smart fortwo cabrio is transformed from a closed two-seater into a car with a large sliding canvas sunroof, or a fully-fledged cabriolet with the soft top completely open. This enables the fresh air driving experience to be adapted to the weather or the driver's mood. This flexibility offered by the "tritop" folding soft top and the removable roof bars is a special feature – and not just in this segment. At the same time, the smart fortwo cabrio is the only true cabriolet in its vehicle class – and as an electric drive the only electrically powered cabriolet worldwide.

The smart fortwo cabrio (length/width/height: 106.1/65.5/61.1 ft) is clearly recognizable as a member of the smart family: the third model also embodies the smart design philosophy of FUN.ctional design, defined by two poles – the heart and mind. The design idiom is clear, purist and very progressive. This includes the typical profile with ultra-short overhangs, the clear lines, shapes and surfaces and, of course, the tridion safety cell.

With the grille in a fading honeycomb design and the rhombic headlamps, the face is unmistakably smart. The B-pillar is narrower than on the closed variant and the styling of the tridion safety cell is more progressive, giving the smart fortwo cabrio an even sportier and more forward-focused look.

Equipment and features

Unparalleled levels of individualization

The smart electric drive models surpass the extensive standard equipment of the outgoing gasoline models as they additionally have a dashboard instrument with power meter and battery status display (standard). The optionally available Climate Package with a heated steering wheel ensures maximum climate comfort. The electric green tridion cell is exclusive to the electric drive, which gives the vehicle an expressive look.

Standard safety and comfort equipment include electric power steering, LED daytime driving lights, central locking with radio remote control, visual locking-verification signal and immobilizer, automatic climate control, smartphone voice recognition, cruise control, and dashboard- mounted power meter and clock.

In addition, the smart fortwo electric drive models have several special features such as the dashboard instrument with power meter and state of charge. It is next to the A-pillar trim on the dashboard. The electric power recuperated is displayed on the left side of the power meter and the electric power currently called up is shown on the right side. LEDs between the segments show the available power and power that can be called up. The battery charge status is displayed in the lower part of the dashboard instrument.

A color 3.5-inch display in TFT technology (Thin-Film Transistor) with a trip computer  also standard.  Additional functions include:

• Extended display of the charging rate
• Display of the battery charge level with animated battery icon
• Detailed specific eco score for the electric vehicle
• Energy flow display including auxiliary consumers with digital values
• Pre-conditioning function and display of pre-entry climate control and smart charging in conjunction with entering a departure time.

Electric drive customers who opt for the smart Media-System with a 7- inch color touchscreen display can also look forward to several additional functions:

• The current range can be considered in the selection of navigation destinations
• Charging stations can be added as intermediate destinations
• Navigation to the nearest charging station with the first battery reserve warning
• Charging station search based on POIs on the SD card
• Graphic representation of the range on the navi map.
• Live traffic information provided by TomTom

A standard feature on board all smart fortwo electric drive models is a 120V Level 1 household charging cable and rigid cable bag that is open at the back. The cable bag is accommodated in the luggage compartment on the right-hand side in the direction of travel. It is fastened in the luggage compartment with two quick-release fasteners, a retaining strap and Velcro strips and can be removed if necessary. The surface is made of stain-resistant  material.

These packages offer even more utility value:

• Climate package: heated steering wheel, additional door and floor insulation for climate system efficiency – exclusively available on smart electric drive
• Lighting package: LED daytime running lamps and LED taillamps, fog lights with cornering function, light-sensor
• smart Media-System with JBL® Sound System: smart touchscreen media system, JBL® sound system with removable subwoofer

All three lines offer opportunities for differentiation in the pure, passion and prime trim lines are available on the smart fortwo electric drive, which provide visual differentiation. The most important features at a glance:

• The base pure trim line offers a choice of black cloth or black man-made leather upholstery, multifunction steering wheel, automatic climate control and dashboard mounted power meter and clock (N/A on cabrio)
• The passion line has a very stylish and modern interior with a choice of color combinations in black/orange, black/white or black/black cloth. It builds upon the pure line with a leather multifunction steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, electric and heated side-view mirrors, retractable cargo cover and 15” 5-twin-spoke wheels with black accents
• The prime line defines itself as an innovative trendsetter with an interior featuring black leather with grey topstitching. Highlights include the panorama sunroof (coupe), ambient interior lighting, heated seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers and LED daytime running lights and LED taillamps.

Under the microscope: Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE

Energy storage from Saxony

The battery for the smart fortwo electric drive comes from the Daimler subsidiary Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE. With Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE, Daimler has sound expertise in the development and production of highly complex drive batteries and secures direct access to key components for electric mobility.

On a growth path: Daimler is currently investing €500 million in the construction of a second battery factory in Germany and is therefore greatly  expanding  the  production  capacities  for  lithium-ion  batteries from Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE GmbH & Co. KG. Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE, founded in 2009, is a 100% subsidiary of Daimler AG with sites in Kirchheim/Nabern (research and development) and Kamenz  (production).

The company develops and sells highly complex drive batteries based on lithium-ion technology for hybrid and electric vehicles of the Mercedes- Benz and smart brands. Since the start of series production in 2012 more than 75,000 lithium-ion batteries have been delivered. The Daimler subsidiary employs more than 420 staff – 330 thereof in Kamenz. From 2017 all battery systems for Mercedes-Benz and smart will come from Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE.
In 2015 Daimler entered the new field of business with stationary battery storage, opening up additional growth opportunities outside the automotive industry.

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Further information about smart is available online at www.media.mbusa.comand www.smart.com.