Το Smart Forvision Concept έκανε επίσημη εμφάνιση στη Φρανκφούρτη. To πρωτότυπο μας δείχνει το πως θα μοιάζει σχεδιαστικά το επόμενο Smart αλλά και την τεχνολογία που θα έχουν τα αυτοκίνητα της Smart στο μέλλον.
To Forvision αποτελεί την συνέχεια του πρωτότυπου Forspeed το οποίο είχε παρουσιαστεί τον περασμένο Μάρτιο στη Γενεύη. Διαθέτει τη νέα σχεδιαστική φιλοσοφία των Γερμανών, φιλοσοφία που θα περάσουν και στο επόμενο Smart. Για την κατασκευή του, η Smart συνεργάστηκε με την BASF, την μεγαλύτερη εταιρία χημικών του κόσμου έτσι ώστε να αναπτύξουν από κοινού προηγμένες τεχνολογίες που τοποθέτησαν στο Forvision.
Ένα παράδειγμα των τεχνολογιών αυτών είναι οι επαναστατικές πλαστικές ζάντες που ζυγίζουν μόλις 3 κιλά και έχουνε ενισχυθεί από carbon ειδική εποξική ρητίνη, η οποία έχει χρησιμοποιείται και για την κατασκευή των πορτών, μειώνοντας έτσι το βάρος κατά 50% σε σχέση με το αν ήταν από χάλυβα και 30% αν ήταν κατασκευασμένο από αλουμίνιο.Από το ίδιο υλικό είναι κατασκευασμένα επίσης και τα καθίσματα. 
Από μηχανικής πλευράς το πρωτότυπο φορά έναν ηλεκτροκινητήρα ο οποίο φορτίζει και από τα πάνελ που έχουνε τοποθετηθεί στην οροφή.
Το πότε να περιμένουμε την τρίτη γενιά του Smart; Οι Γερμανοί αναμένουν ότι θα έχουνε έτοιμο το μοντέλο κάποια στιγμή μέσα στο 2012. Όπως ήδη ξέρεις, θα βασίζεται πάνω σε μια νέα πισωκίνητη πλατφόρμα που έχει αναπτυχθεί σε συνεργασία με την Renault-Nissan, η οποία θα χρησιμοποιηθεί και στο νέο Renault Twingo.
Επίσης στο περίπτερο βρίσκεται το Smart Electric όπου ανακοινώθηκε η τιμή πώλησης του και ξεκινά από τις 16.000 ευρώ, αλλά και τα Smart BRABUS tailor by WeSC, Smart Fortwo Pearlgrey, αλλά και το escooter του Παρισιού.
Περισσότερες λεπτομέρειες μπορείς να βρεις στο δελτίο τύπου που ακολουθεί.
[Πηγή: Smart | Live Photos Copyright: Autoblog.nl]
[learn_more caption=”Δελτίο Τύπου”]
smart – IAA Frankfurt 2011
Focus on the third generation smart fortwo electric drive: World premieres from smart at the International Motor Show 2011
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.
A holistic approach to electric mobility – smart forvision: A look at the future of electric mobility
smart has always been a pioneer in matters of urban mobility and with the smart fortwo electric drive the company is showing the direction of development in cities around the world. Together with BASF, the largest automotive supplier in the chemical industry, smart is demonstrating its leading role in the use of forward-looking technologies above and beyond the drive system. The joint concept vehicle smart forvision presented at the 2011 International Motor Show in Frankfurt combines a futuristic design with technologies relating to energy efficiency, lightweight design and temperature management.
“With the forvision smart is doing justice to its role as Daimler’s think tank for urban mobility. We are presenting numerous world premieres that make uncompromising electric mobility possible. With the clear objective of greatly increasing the zero-emission range we concerned ourselves with all factors that influence this on the vehicle. This resulted in completely new concepts and materials in the areas of insulation, reflection, lightweight design and energy management. In addition to transparent organic solar cells, transparent and energy-saving light-emitting diodes and infrared-reflective films and coatings, high-performance foams are used for insulation against cold and heat. smart is also setting new standards of lightweight design with the use of the first all-plastic wheels”, says Dr. Annette Winkler, Head of smart. “In conjunction with smart’s revolutionary DNA, we have designed a vehicle that is so unique that we can’t wait to take it out of the research laboratory and onto the roads!”
“Cars of the future need materials and technologies which reduce energy consumption whilst also increasing the range and level of comfort. Our innovations make a decisive contribution to this”, says Dr. Christian Fischer, Head of BASF Polymer Research. “We are proud to have developed a holistic concept for sustainable urban mobility in cooperation with smart. Together we are presenting a pioneering vehicle which is without parallel.”
Thanks to the combination of smart’s automotive expertise and BASF’s material and system competence a vehicle has been created which showcases technologies for sustainable and holistic electric mobility of the future. The researchers and designers intentionally realised a mixture of visionary materials and technologies in the concept vehicle – some of these are still at a laboratory stage, while others have a realistic chance of entering series production.
Energy efficiency: light and energy from above
The hexagonal transparent areas on the roof of the smart forvision are an eye-catching feature – as the first light-transmitting roof that also generates energy. Transparent solar cells covering the entire roof surface are the technology used here. They are based on organic dyes embedded in a sandwich roof. The transparent dyes of the solar cells are light-activated. Even in diffused light and poor light conditions they generate enough energy to power the multimedia components and the three fans that assist with climate management in the vehicle interior. If the vehicle is standing in the sun the ventilation is permanently operated with the help of these solar cells, keeping the car cool. This new photovoltaic technology opens up further efficiency potential and the energy generated can be used for further applications in the car.
There is an additional new feature under the solar cells: transparent OLEDs (organic light-emitting diodes) illuminate the vehicle interior when the door is opened or a button pressed. When switched off they allow for a clear view outside. This results in a glass roof effect during the daytime, whilst the areas are pleasantly illuminated without any dazzle at night. Thanks to a free choice of colours the new OLEDs do not only offer more design freedom, they also consume less than half as much energy as conventional energy-saving lamps.
Lightweight design: different, better, stylish
In the smart forvision a world first leads to a considerable weight reduction and a unique design: the first all-plastic wheel suitable for high-volume production. In its current development status, the wheel developed by BASF from a new high-performance material results in a considerable weight saving of three kilograms per wheel. Unlike conventional polyamide composite materials this new plastic has long reinforcing fibres which improve its mechanical properties. The result: excellent thermal and chemical stability, dynamic strength, toughness and good continuous operating characteristics. First intensive product tests at smart show the performance capability of the all-plastic wheel and confirm the potential for possible use in production vehicles.
In addition to the tridion passenger cell, further components such as the doors are made of carbon-fiber-reinforced epoxy resin – a high-performance composite material. The use of such materials enables a weight saving of more than 50 percent to be achieved compared with steel, or 30 percent compared with aluminium. Thanks to short hardening times the resin systems from BASF are also suitable for producing larger volumes.
Heating: close to the body and efficient
The multifunctional, comfortable and lightweight seats in the smart forvision offer a unique combination of efficient temperature management and an energy-saving lightweight design. Here, several innovative products are combined with one another for the first time. A new, lightweight, self-supporting plastic seat shell forms the basis.
Numerous studies have shown that the body only absorbs heat efficiently through certain contact points. This is why “e-textiles” – thin fabrics with custom-tailored conductive coatings – replace conventional seat heating in the smart forvision. With direct heating close to the body in the middle and lower back area of the seats they provide for a pleasant feeling of warmth. The energy, space and weight-saving e-textile technology is also found in the armrests of the doors and ensures that body contact points sensitive to the cold are also warmed in this area.
The innovations continue with the seat foam, which provides for both comfort and weight savings. The material from BASF is around 10 to 20 percent lighter than other materials and enables different degrees of hardness to be realised in different areas of the upholstery in a single work operation – resulting in clear ergonomic advantages.
Superabsorbent containing fleece fabric integrated in the seat greatly enhances seating comfort through its passive climate control. Compared with conventional climate-controlled seats the lightweight seat in the smart forvision does not have the complexity and energy requirement of mechanical ventilation.
Temperature management: heat stays outside
As a large amount of energy is needed to air condition and heat a vehicle, temperature management was a key focus area for the smart and BASF researchers. A whole package of measures has been implemented in the smart forvision to ensure more efficient air conditioning of the vehicle. At the same time they make energy-intensive heating of the whole interior superfluous.
A heat shield that has not been previously used for automotive applications consists of a new kind of infrared-reflective film from BASF applied in the windscreen and side windows, protecting the car interior from heating up. Integrated between the panes of the safety glass the metal-free film ensures that the infrared rays are effectively reflected. Thanks to its high transparency in the visible range it can also be applied to tinted windows and guarantees an unprecedented level of reflection of sunlight and heat. Unlike metallized films, which are already used in some vehicles, the new film reflects only the infrared rays of the sun. Radio waves needed to use GPS, Bluetooth, mobile phones or for toll collection pass through the glass unhindered.
The high-performance foams from BASF fitted in the bodypanels also provide for a pleasant climate inside the car. They keep the vehicle pleasantly cool in summer and also insulate it against the cold in winter. Thanks to their high efficiency even in a small width, they can be fitted everywhere in the vehicle. With this innovative insulation system in the smart forvision, the two companies are breaking new ground in the automotive sector.
Cool coatings – cool interior
The infrared-reflective and extremely scratch-resistant coating system covers two important aspects at once. Firstly, it supports the extensive temperature management system and, secondly, the brilliant and high-quality look of the coating underlines the unique design of the smart forvision. The concept vehicle features a white special-effect coating with glass flakes that create a gleaming metallic look. An important side effect: the colour white reflects heat rays from sun and light particularly well. But even surfaces coated with dark colours stay much cooler thanks to special colour pigments from BASF. They ensure that heat radiation is reflected rather than absorbed. This leads to a temperature reduction of up to 20 degrees Celsius on the paint surface and of up to approximately four degrees in the vehicle interior.
Futuristic design trendsetter
Painted in pearl white and accentuated by the tridion safety cell coated with a copper-coloured liquid metal paint, there is a deliberate connection between the basic structure of the smart forvision and the design of the smart fortwo. Trendy yet high quality – the aluminium flakes in the liquid metal paintwork create a reflecting surface on the safety cell, changing between light and dark depending on the viewer’s perspective. Both the panels and the cell of the smart forvision are additionally painted with an extremely scratch-resistant clear coat.
The faceted side doors with integrated door openers are a real eye-catcher. Here, plastic is presented in a new, expressive and three-dimensional form; a reinterpretation that is only possible at smart thanks to the consistent use of plastic. The precise facets give the area stability and enable a smaller material thickness to be used. Optimal use is made of the possibilities offered by plastic as a material. In contrast, the front and rear have a softer design with smooth transitions from the doors. Just as the integrated door handle does not need an additional component, the familiar smart air inlet is represented by small hexagons located right on the outer skin.
The jet-like rear lights are reminiscent of small aircraft turbines and give the rear a futuristic and sporty look. Inside the lights, small propellers convey the air from the inside to the outside. In addition to all the light functions needed, transparent stacks in the form of rings around the lights also show the charge status of the battery during charging.
The headlamps are emphasised by a ring comprising the daytime driving lights and indicator functions. The lights add to the likeable expression of the smart forvision.
Doors open to the future
With a mix of polygonal surfaces and organic shapes the interior of the smart forvision builds a bridge to the architectural design handwriting of the exterior. This also applies to the colour concept: a cool white dominates in the interior as well, accentuated by the inner part of the instrument panel in liquid copper. Hexagons in the form of white rubber nubs on a white floor are a reference to the design idiom of the overall vehicle, as is the tone-in-tone design of the seat upholstery.
The faceted surface of the side doors is also found on their inside.
The polygonal surfaces with integrated armrests and stowage compartments curve into the interior. They are painted in the body colour and feature coloured LEDs. These guide the driver with a light animation running from the outside to the inside when the door is opened and closed. After closing the door the animation changes to unobtrusive ambient lighting.
The elliptical user interface with a copper coloured frame – matching the lightweight tridion – is semi-transparent when switched off. When the vehicle is switched on all cockpit information is then projected onto the transparent surface. The driver uses a touchscreen to switch between operating menus.
The white steering wheel that is reminiscent of an aircraft yoke additionally gives the cockpit a futuristic look. As well as function buttons the LED display for the battery charge status is found here.
Forward-looking technologies
The smart forvision not only shows that electric mobility can make emission-free driving possible. At the same time, it paves the way for new technologies in the automotive sector. Many of these innovations are based on nano technology, the key to the development of sustainable solutions. Nano materials serve as drivers of innovation in the automotive industry, as they do in the fields of construction, energy, healthcare and electronics.
The total of all technologies integrated in the concept vehicle make a perceptible contribution to increasing the range. This is always at the centre of discussions relating to battery-electric driven vehicles. With maximum energy efficiency, intelligent temperature management and consistent lightweight construction it is possible to increase the range by up to 20 percent. An additional bonus for electric mobility of the future.
smart fortwo electric drive – Local zero-emission driving pleasure for everyone: the new smart fortwo electric drive will soon be available worldwide
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
| Second generation | Third generation | |
| Production volume | > 2000 vehicles | Five-figure production volume |
| Availability | 18 markets | More than 30 markets |
| Output | 20 kW constant 30 kW peak |
35 kW constant 55 kW peak |
| Max. speed | 100 km/h | > 120 km/h |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 km/h | 6.5 s | 5 s |
| Battery | Lithium-ion battery from Tesla | Lithium-ion battery from Deutsche Accumotive |
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.
smart ebike to go on sale in 2012: Urban electric mobility from smart – now also on two wheels
The smart ebike is going into series production. With this step smart as a pioneer of local emission-free electric mobility is expanding its e-product portfolio. The smart ebike is being developed and built in cooperation with the renowned e-bike manufacturer GRACE, based near Berlin. The ebike will be launched in the first half of 2012 and will initially be marketed by dealers in Europe and North America.
smart CEO Dr. Annette Winkler says “The smart ebike is a true smart – but on two wheels. It’s not just an extremely well designed bicycle that is sure to draw admiring glances in the city – it’s also really practical and child’s play to ride. Anyone can zip through town on it with or without exerting themselves – depending on their fitness level and as the mood takes them. And it’s even easier to find a parking space than with the smart fortwo.”
Power-assisted mobility on two wheels is in. According to the association of the two-wheeler industry (ZIV) sales figures in Germany alone rose from 70,000 in 2007 to 200,000 in 2010. In 2018 the ZIV predicts that e-bikes will make up 15 percent of all bicycle sales in Germany. And in Europe as a whole sales are booming even more. In 2007 approximately 200,000 people opted for an electric bicycle and according to the ZIV by 2009 this figure had already risen to 500,000. And in 2010 around 700,000 e-bikes were sold throughout Europe – a plus of 40 percent compared with the previous year.
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, the smart ebike has an exceptional position.
Annette Winkler says “We at smart have been gathering experience of electric drives and the mobility needs of city dwellers around the world for years. The smart ebike is the logical product of this experience and complements the smart fortwo extremely well. We listened to what people wanted from a perfect city bike and then came up with some clever solutions such as the integrated USB port for smartphones or energy recuperation during braking. The smart ebike is a real high-tech product and its price of less than €2,900 in Germany will make it a very attractive option.”
Distinctive design with the characteristic smart signature
The smart ebike created by the smart designers boasts a clear design idiom and an independent appearance. It clearly breaks with conventional bicycle design with attractive integration of the components of the electric drive. The main components such as the frame, battery housing, handlebars, lights or mudguards have been designed and developed specifically for smart.
The two-material and two-colour concept is also typically smart. The plastic battery housing forms a striking contrast to the aluminium frame of the smart ebike and the dynamic look is rounded off by 26 inch wheels. The headlamp and rear light feature LED technology.
Efficient and powerful electric drive
smart’s high technological standards are manifested in the extremely efficient and high-performance drive package. As a pedelec(Pedal Electric Cycle) the smart ebike is strictly speaking a hybrid vehicle:
the electric motor – a maintenance-free and brushless rear-wheel hub motor from BionX – switches on as soon as the rider starts pedalling as with a normal bicycle.Muscle power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a durable and quiet belt drive. An integrated three-speed gear hub provides for comfortable gear changing.
The strengths of the ebike include its agile performance: the rider of the smart ebike decides how much power he wants the 250 watt electric motor to deliver to support his muscle power by pressing a button on the handlebar. There is a choice of four power levels with the fourth and highest level providing maximum pushing power. Depending on the power level selected and the manner of cycling a battery charge can last for more than 100 kilometres.
With more than 400 Wh the lithium-ion battery is one of the most powerful batteries in the competitive environment. It has been attractively integrated on the smart ebike and is housed on the lower bar in the frame triangle under a plastic housing. The portable battery can be charged either at a normal socket or whilst riding with the latter offering advantages in terms of cost and the environment. The wheel hub motor becomes as a generator when the rider brakes. The braking energy is recuperated, i.e. it is converted into electrical energy and stored in the smart ebike’s lithium-ion battery.
High-quality components guarantee dynamic, safe and fun cycling.
For example, MT4 disc brakes from Magura are fitted at the front and rear. The fully integrated brakes interrupt the power supply to the motor during braking, stop its propulsion power and reverse the polarity so that it becomes a generator for recuperation of braking energy.
The smart ebike also features state-of-the-art infotainment: a USB interface is a standard feature and enables various mobile end devices to be connected with the help of a versatile cradle. There are even plans to develop a special app for the iPhone which would allow smart ebike riders to use their iPhone as an information centre, for example to call up information on the charging status and range.
Simple operation and highly functional
Straightforward operation, a low weight, excellent ergonomics and a practical stowage space concept all contribute to making the smart ebike fun to ride. As a pedelec the smart ebike combines the comfort of a motorised two-wheeler with the easy handling of a bicycle. In EU countries neither a driving licence nor a licence plate are required as the electric motor of a pedelec only assists propulsion up to a speed of 25 km/h. This is also a clear advantage in terms of safety.
Charge management is just as simple: the battery can either be charged right on the ebike or it can be easily removed for charging at an indoor socket and then reinserted.
Thanks to different variants for the handlebars and seatpost the smart ebike can be adjusted to fit riders of different heights – a simple and efficient solution that is typically smart. A rear rack and further stowage options will be offered, for example, trendy and highly functional bags in the smart design tailored to the rack system are currently being developed.
Expert partner from the two-wheeler industry
smart is developing and producing the new smart ebike in close cooperation with the e-bike manufacturer GRACE based near Berlin. Three years ago marketing specialist Michael Hecken and mountain bike legend Karl-Heinz Nicolai got together to produce particularly innovative and high quality e-bikes. The smart ebike is therefore “Made in Germany” and will be produced in premium quality.
Limited special model from smart – Classic and elegant: the new smart fortwo pearlgrey
smart is continuing its series of exciting special models with the new smart fortwo pearlgrey. The exclusive graphite metallic paintwork in combination with a silver tridion safety cell and silver alloy wheels creates a classic and elegant appearance. The interior is most notably upgraded by the exclusive leather package in crystal grey (a standard feature). The smart fortwo pearlgrey is available as a coupé and a cabrio with prices starting from €14,490.
From young and sassy to sporty-casual – the multitalented smart shines in many roles. Now the new limited special model smart fortwo pearlgrey has donned a classic and elegant appearance. Exterior features include exclusive graphite metallic paintwork which forms an attractive contrast to the silver tridion safety cell and the silver alloy wheels with a 3-double-spoke design. The mirror caps and radiator grille are also painted in graphite metallic and the mirror triangles feature pearlgrey logos. The front and rear axles are fitted with wide tyres measuring 175/55 R 15 (front) and 195/50 R 15 (rear).
The interior also boasts an elegant design. The exclusive leather package is a standard feature and lends the vehicle an unusual and luxurious look with seats in a mix of crystal grey leather and fabric. It also comprises the top part of the instrument panel in black imitation leather with contrasting light grey seams, a knee pad in crystal grey imitation leather and door trims in a combination of crystal grey imitation leather and fabric. The smart fortwo pearlgrey boasts matt silver contrast components. Further standard features include dashboard instruments (cockpit clock and rev counter), an audio system and exclusive floor mats featuring edition lettering.
The limited model is based on the passion equipment line which means that it comes with the softouch automatic gear programme, electric windows, air conditioning with automatic temperature control and a transparent panoramic roof with sunblind among other features. The optional equipment available includes heated seats, the smart surround sound system and the smart audio system navigation/ multimedia.
The smart fortwo pearlgrey is available as a coupé and a cabrio with a 52kW micro hybrid drive petrol engine or a 62kW petrol engine with prices starting at €14,490. The first vehicles will reach dealers in November 2011.
Here is an overview of the prices in Germany:
| Engine/power | Engine | Engine capacity | Price in € (incl. 19% VAT) |
| smart fortwo pearlgrey coupé | |||
| 1.0 l (52 kW/71 hp) petrol mhd |
3-cyl. in-line naturally aspirated engine | 999 cc | 14,490 |
| 1.0 l (62 kW/84 hp) petrol |
3-cyl. in-line turbo engine |
999 cc | 15,060 |
| smart fortwo pearlgrey cabrio | |||
| 1.0 l (52 kW/71 hp) petrol mhd |
3-cyl. in-line naturally aspirated engine | 999 cc | 17,580 |
| 1.0 l (62 kW/84 hp) petrol |
3-cyl. in-line turbo engine |
999 cc | 18,150 |
smart WeSC cooperation: Talk is silver, driving is golden
smart and the street fashion brand WeSC have joined forces in a partnership and will be presenting what are quite literally the golden results of their work at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt: the “smart BRABUS tailor made by WeSC” and the “headphones for the smart by WeSC”.
WeSC have selected classic elements with elegant colour contrasting from the countless individualisation options in the smart BRABUS tailor-made range: the smart fortwo cabrio is painted in gold shades all over, partly matt, partly high-gloss, and all the colours have been created for the Swedish label by the car tuner BRABUS. The jet black wheels and the leather seats with crossways quilting bear the unmistakeable signature of the streetstyle experts. Meanwhile smart took care of the design of the 32-ohm headphones from WeSC, giving a nod to the car’s look, as can be seen in the perforated black ear pads and high-gloss golden highlights.
The headphones will be available from spring 2012 via http://shop.wesc.com/ and in WeSC shops and Concept Stores all over the world. The golden city runabout will also be seen on the streets then, and advance orders can be placed via BRABUS with immediate effect. The equipment of the “smart BRABUS tailor made by WeSC” includes air conditioning, the leather BRABUS sports steering wheel with steering wheel gearshift, the 75 kW engine with turbocharging and lots of other features. The gold-plated horse-head knob, which adorns the shift lever of the WeSC original, is a one-off and not for order.
Attractive entry into electro-mobility for less than EUR 16,000 net – The new smart fortwo electric drive: Big driving fun – small price
“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
| Second generation | Third generation | |
| Production volume | > 2,000 vehicles | Five-figure production volume |
| Availability | 18 markets | More than 30 markets |
| Output | 20 kW constant 30 kW peak | 35 kW constant 55 kW peak |
| Vmax | 100 km/h | > 120 km/h |
| Acceleration 0-60 km/h | 6.5 s | 5 s |
| Battery | Lithium-ion battery from Tesla | Lithium-ion battery from Deutsche Accumotive |
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