3rd Gen smart EV Will Electrify In 2012

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Although the basic exterior design will not show it, the smart fortwo electric drive will be on its third generation by the time it comes out in the spring of 2012. With the continuing interest in alternative-powertrain vehicles, the smart production line in Hambach, France has been geared to output 5-figure numbers if necessary.

Using a battery supplied by Deutsche Accumotive to power the 55
kilowatt electric motor, the smart electric drive now has the juice to
hit 120 km/h and get to 60 mph (wait for it, literally) in 13 seconds.
Range of the 17.6 kilowatt/hour battery is 140 kilometers. As with a
fossil-fueled car, range will vary depending on driving habits.

According to Dr. Annette Winkler, Head of smart, “The smart fortwo
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.”

What do you think? Will the smart fortwo lead the way in alternative powertrain vehicles? Voice your opinion here!