[dropcap]N[/dropcap]ew smart electric drive makes opting into electric mobility more attractive than ever, combining overall agility with emission-free driving as an ideal combination for urban mobility. The smart fortwo electric drive is now available on the new-generation smart platform in both the smart fortwo coupe and cabrio models and, for the first time, in the smart forfour (not available in the U.S.).
With this next generation, smart will be the only car manufacturer worldwide to offer its entire model range with both combustion engines and pure battery-electric drive. The smart electric drive will celebrate its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show and market launch of the smart fortwo coupe electric drive will start in the U.S. in spring 2017 and the smart fortwo cabrio electric drive in summer 2017.
“The smart is the ideal city car, and with electric drive it becomes a little bit more perfect,” says Annette Winkler, Head of smart. “This is why we will soon be offering our entire range – smart fortwo, smart cabrio and even our smart forfour* – as all-electric versions. 
Together with lots of smart fans and enthusiastic drivers of the predecessor generations, we are looking forward to the unique driving fun offered by the new smart electric drive at very attractive prices, especially in countries where there is a buyer’s premium.”
Equipped with a battery from the Daimler subsidiary Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE, the smart fortwo electric drive models are series produced at smart’s Hambach The company based in Kamenz, Saxony has been building the electric heart of the smart electric drive since 2012.
An 80 hp electric motor works at the rear of the smart electric drive and transmits its power via a constant ratio to the wheels. Powerful torque of 118 lb-ft is immediately available from a standstill, a 19% increase over the 96 lb-ft offered by the previous generation smart ED. The electric drive has a range of approximately 99 miles (Euro NEDC cycle) – ideal for emission-free mobility in urban areas. The maximum speed is electronically limited to 81 mph to maximize the range. U.S. range and overall electric motor specifications will be announced at the time of launch.
Thanks to the power characteristics of the electric motor, the smart needs just one single fixed gear ratio. There is no need for any gear changing – a major advantage in dense city traffic.
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