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Smart reveals new electric variants ahead of Paris debuts
Date: 23 September 2016 | Author: Daniel Puddicombe
Smart has confirmed its range will be bolstered by electric versions from next year.
Revealing the zero emissions versions ahead of their debuts at next week's Paris motor show, the Mercedes-Benz-owned brand said the first cars will arrive in the UK from September 2017.
All models are powered by the firm's 60kW electric motor, which promises a top speed of 80mph that has been electronically limited to conserve the mileage range.
According to the company, the Fortwo, Fortwo cabrio and Forfour EV variants are able to cover up to 100 miles between charges, while an optional 22kW fast charger will allow the vehicle to recharge in 45 minutes.
A standard charger will recharge the battery within two and a half hours - half as long as its predecessor, while a three-pin plug will charge the vehicle in six hours.
UK pricing is yet to be confirmed, but Smart said prices will start from 27,839 Euros (£23,966) excluding environmental benefits. Petrol-powered Fortwo variants currently cost from £11,125, while the current generation Electric Drive model costs from £20,370 before the £4500 Government plug-in car grant.
According to Smart, it will be possible to set pre-entry climate control temperatures through an app while the vehicle is charging in order to save energy.
"The Smart is the perfect city car, and with electric drive it becomes a little bit more perfect. This is why we will soon be offering our entire range - Fortwo, cabrio and Forfour - as all-electric versions," said Annette Winkler, head of Smart. "Together with lots of Smart fans and enthusiastic drivers of the three predecessor generations, we are looking forward to the unique driving fun offered by the new Smart Electric Drive. And at very attractive prices, especially in countries where there is a buyer's premium."
