Smart has just unveiled their all new Fortwo and Forfour Electric Drive models at the Paris Motor show. The new powertrain choice will arrive in Canada in early 2017 for the coupe and you'll be able to get an electric Fortwo cabrio as well by early summer, but the Forfour won't be available in North America. Smart states that the cabrio is the only electric open-top car currently on the market.
The electric motor lives under the trunk floor, and produces 81 hp. That gives it just 8 hp less than the gas model, and it has 20 lb-ft more torque. The new car gets a longer range than the outgoing car, but only by a small amount. The new car gets 160 km on the (much more generous than the EPA) European drive cycle, which is about 10 km more than the old. The upgraded 7 kW on-board charger can complete a charge from 20 per cent to full in 2.5 hours, which is less than half the time of the last car.
The electric Smart has a number of features to try and help maximize the range from its slightly larger 17.6 kWh battery. Things like eco modes for more regenerative braking, and a radar sensor that will engage regeneration when traffic ahead slows. The car can be heated or cooled while still plugged in as well.
Unlike in Europe, the car in Canada won't be available with DC quick charge capability, which Smart says can manage a charge from 20 per cent in about 45 minutes.
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