2015 smart fortwo electric drive FIRST LOOK

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Car Critic Steve Hammes

2015 smart fortwo electric drive FIRST LOOK by Auto Critic Steve Hammes

The third generation of smart’s electric fortwo brings the microcar brand an entry with a plug that’s capable of 107 MPGe in mixed driving. As the name suggests, it seats 2 and has an all-electric driving range of about 68 miles. The lithium-ion battery fits where the gas tank would normally be, under the floor between the front and rear wheels while the electric motor replaces the gas engine in the back. Charging time varies but typically can be accomplished from empty to full in about 6 hours with a 240-volt outlet.

Electric drive was part of the smart concept from the very start, and this latest model flaunts a 20 MPGe improvement. A single gear transmission routes the motor’s 96 pound-feet of torque through the rear wheels producing a 0-to-60mph time of less than 12 seconds with a top speed of 78 mph. A power meter gauge and state of charge gauge replace the tachometer and clock and every fortwo electric drive comes equipped with an eco-meter showing how efficiently the car is being driven. With the smallest footprint of any production car in the world safety is paramount and as such Mercedes-Benz safety experts designed the fortwo to excel in collisions with larger vehicles. Available in coupe and cabrio bodystyles, pricing starts at $25,000 and is eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit.