Daimler has revealed that its Smart brand will
feature solely all-electric in European markets by the end of the decade. The
announcement was made by Daimler’s chairman of the board of management and head
of Mercedes-Benz cars, Dieter Zetsche, at the annual shareholders’ meeting. The
company has already switched over to all-electric in North America for the 2018
model year.
The updated ForTwo and ForFour Electric Drive models
that are already on sale throughout Europe utilize an 81 HP electric motor
sending power to the rear wheels through a single-speed gearbox. They have has
a maximum range of 160 km, can reach 100 km/h in 11.5
secods and top out at 130 km/h.
All Smart Electric Drive models come equipped with a
7kW onboard charger that allows them to charge to full capacity in 2.5 hours
with a 16 A charger, or six hours through a standard household socket.
Despite being city cars, the Smart EVs are
comprehensively equipped and feature leather upholstery, heated front seats,
cruise control, an infotainment system with navigation and rear parking
sensors. During the shareholders’ meeting, Zetsche also confirmed that the
company will offer at least one electrified model in each segment by 2022.
