2011 Smart electric drive - first drive

2011 Smart electric drive - first drive

The Smart Fortwo is one of the smallest cars on sale in the United States and in North America for that matter. Making its debut in 2008, right in time for the skyrocketing gas prices, the Smart Fortwo had a waiting list right out of the gate. It was a car that made people reconsider the idea of owning a super subcompact—a feat that isn’t small for the U.S. Market. For months there has been reports of the Smart ForTwo EV and even mule testdrives. Now the first drive reports are starting to roll in and the question is: Does the EV version live up to expectations?

2011 Smart electric drive - first drive

2011 Smart electric drive - first drive

2011 Smart electric drive - first drive

2011 Smart electric drive - first drive

The basic answer is yes because the 2011 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive gives consumers an 84-mile range , instantaneous torque off the line, a separate mode that gives a little more punch when you out the pedal to the metal and an iPhone app that keeps track of the charge state and vehicle health. Of course, the EV version will be able to be charged both by 110 volt or the higher rated 220 volt. Full charge when plugged into 220-volt should be right around the eight-hour mark. Sound enticing? The only snag with the 2011 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive is the availability.

Smart plans to bring some 1,500 Fortwo EVs into the U.S. Of those, about 80 percent will head directly to municipalities and institutions. The rest? Well, in true Smart fashion they have mostly been spoken for by early adopters who can’t live without the small electric car. Those who have chosen to plop their money down are looking at a $2,400 down payment and $599 a month for 48 months. Of course, there is tax, title and license fees that bring the final payout some where above the $31K mark.

Bottom line—the 2011 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive is functional and will be a great city runabout. Now we just have to see if the price will be a barrier to its success.

 

[Source: Leftlane]