Trystan Casey
The Smart Electric Drive is an all-electric vehicle first introduced in 2009. It is a two-seater city car with a rear-mounted motor and rear-wheel drive. The first-generation Smart Electric Drive vehicles were powered by sodium-nickel chloride Zebra batteries, which had a range of up to 98 miles in favourable conditions. The second-generation Smart ED, introduced in 2009, featured a lithium-ion battery provided by Tesla and a powertrain by Zytek, with a range of up to 84 miles. Since 2020, Smart has focused solely on selling battery electric vehicles, and the Smart ForTwo Electric Drive continues to be a popular choice for those seeking an all-electric car.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Production | The first Smart electric drive vehicles were modified by Zytek Electric Vehicles. |
| Power | Powered by a rear-mounted motor driving the rear wheels. |
| Battery | Runs on 13.2 kilowatt-hours of sodium-nickel chloride Zebra batteries. |
| Temperature | The battery operates at 245 °C (473 °F) and is kept molten and ready for use. |
| Range | EPA's official all-electric range is 63 miles (101 km). In favorable conditions, the carmaker claims a range of up to 98 miles (158 km). |
| Practical Range | Approximately 40 miles with 20%-30% reserve. |
| Speed | The Smart ED has 80hp and is faster than a Mazda 2. |
| Seating Capacity | Two-seater. |
| Model | Smart Fortwo, Smart EQ Forfour, and Smart Fortwo Cabriolet Electric Drive. |
| Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz and Renault. |
| Powertrain | Provided by Zytek and Tesla, Inc. |
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What You'll Learn
The Smart Fortwo Electric Drive's range
The Smart Fortwo Electric Drive is a rear-wheel-drive, all-electric, two-seater vehicle. It is considered a niche choice for consumers. The first Smart electric drive vehicles were modified by Zytek Electric Vehicles, powered by a rear-mounted motor driving the rear wheels, and ran on 13.2 kilowatt-hours of sodium-nickel chloride Zebra batteries. These molten salt batteries operate at 245 °C (473 °F) and take twelve hours to reheat and charge if they are allowed to "freeze".
The second-generation Smart Fortwo Electric Drive was introduced in 2009 and was made available in 18 markets worldwide for leasing. It featured a 16.5 kilowatt-hours (59 MJ) lithium-ion battery provided by Tesla, Inc. and a powertrain provided by Zytek. The range of a fully charged battery is up to 135 kilometres (84 miles) under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) cycle. The EPA's official all-electric range is 63 miles (101 km), but in favourable conditions in an urban environment at warm temperatures, the carmaker claims the range can reach up to 98 miles (158 km).
The third generation of the Smart Fortwo Electric Drive was developed in collaboration with Renault, and orders reached 2000 units in 2009, twice the carmaker's estimate. The Smart Fortwo Electric Drive has received recognition for its environmental friendliness, with the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy ranking it the "greenest" car for 2014.
The Smart Fortwo Electric Drive has a unique appearance, with a very short front and a mesh grille, despite not requiring a significant cooling area. The safety cell features a different colour than the rest of the car's panels. The interior features new gauges installed on the dashboard, indicating the charging status to prevent the driver from running out of battery. The electric vehicle uses a 96 hp electric motor placed in the rear, similar to the gasoline versions.
The practical range of the Smart Fortwo Electric Drive is approximately 40 miles, with a 20% to 30% reserve, and its performance may be impacted by extremely low temperatures. Overall, the Smart Fortwo Electric Drive offers a specialised option for consumers seeking an all-electric, two-seater vehicle.
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Electric Drive Smarts' battery replacement
The Smart Fortwo Electric Drive is a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) variant of the Smart Fortwo city car. The first generation of Smart Electric Drive vehicles was powered by sodium-nickel chloride Zebra batteries, which are molten salt batteries that operate at 245 °C (473 °F). These batteries are not ideal for private owners due to the time required to reheat and charge if they "freeze".
The second generation, introduced in 2009, featured a lithium-ion battery provided by Tesla, Inc. and a powertrain provided by Zytek. This generation had a range of up to 135 kilometres (84 miles) on a full charge. The lithium-ion battery pack took approximately three hours to charge from 20% to 80% using a standard 230 V outlet.
The Smart Fortwo Electric Drive has undergone several design iterations, with the second incarnation featuring an electric powertrain and rear-wheel drive. The battery weight is low, and the car offers a smooth and almost silent acceleration experience, similar to other electric vehicles.
Battery replacement for the Smart Electric Drive appears to be a complex and costly endeavour. Some owners have expressed concerns about the future availability of replacement batteries, as the Smart brand is no longer widely supported by Mercedes-Benz. In the past, battery replacement quotes have exceeded the price of the car itself, reaching $32,000.
There have been instances of creative solutions, such as transplanting cells from a hybrid car battery into the Smart HV battery case, which has proven successful. However, this approach requires significant time and expertise to integrate the battery cooling system with the transplanted cells.
Additionally, the Smart 453 EQ battery has been associated with serial errors, including processor defects and programmed failures, which can lead to high repair costs. It is recommended to be cautious when considering the purchase of a Smart Electric Drive, especially without a warranty, as battery issues can be expensive to resolve.
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Electric Drive's performance review
The Smart Electric Drive is a rear-wheel drive, all-electric, two-seater vehicle. The first Smart electric drive vehicles were modified by Zytek Electric Vehicles, powered by a rear-mounted motor driving the rear wheels, and running on 13.2 kilowatt-hours of sodium-nickel chloride Zebra batteries. These molten salt batteries operate at 245 °C (473 °F) and take twelve hours to reheat and charge if allowed to "freeze".
The second-generation Smart ED, introduced in 2009, featured a 16.5 kilowatt-hours (59 MJ) lithium-ion battery provided by Tesla, Inc. and a powertrain provided by Zytek. The range of a fully charged battery is up to 135 kilometres (84 miles) under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) cycle. The EPA's official all-electric range is 63 miles (101 km), but this can increase to 98 miles (158 km) in favourable conditions in an urban environment at warm temperatures.
The Smart Fortwo Electric Drive has received mixed reviews. On the one hand, it was ranked the "greenest" car for 2014 by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy according to Forbes. However, in a review by Fully Charged Show, it was given a Green Car Guide rating of 7 out of 10, acknowledging that while it is a positive addition to the range of EVs, it has limited practicality and value for money.
The Smart Fortwo Electric Drive has a unique appearance, with a very short front and a mesh grille, despite not requiring a significant cooling area. The safety cell features a different colour than the rest of the car's panels. The interior features new gauges installed on top of the dashboard, showing the charging status to prevent the driver from running out of battery. The electric motor is placed in the rear, similar to the gasoline versions, and produces 96 hp. The energy use and range depend on speed, driving style, climate, and route conditions.
Overall, the Smart Electric Drive is a niche choice for consumers seeking an all-electric, two-seater vehicle. While it offers environmental benefits and a unique design, it may have limited practicality and value for money compared to other options on the market.
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Electric Drive's charging options
The Smart Electric Drive is an all-electric rear-wheel-drive vehicle. The first generation of these vehicles was powered by sodium-nickel chloride Zebra batteries, which operate at 245 °C (473 °F). The second generation, introduced in 2009, featured a lithium-ion battery provided by Tesla.
There are many charging options for electric vehicles (EVs), including at home, in public, and on the road. Charging an EV is as simple as plugging it in, and there are charging units all over the world, so there is no need to worry about range. There are three types of chargers on the market, and you will need to decide which one works for your car and your lifestyle.
Level 1 charging is typically used when there is only a 120 V outlet available, such as at home. It can easily provide charging for most drivers' needs. For example, 8 hours of charging at 120 V can replenish about 40 miles of electric range for a mid-size EV. As of 2023, less than 1% of public EV charging ports in the United States were Level 1.
AC Level 2 equipment (often referred to simply as Level 2) offers charging through 240 V (typical in residential applications) or 208 V (typical in commercial applications) electrical service. Most homes have 240 V service available, and because Level 2 equipment can charge a typical EV battery overnight, EV owners commonly install it for home charging. Level 2 equipment is also commonly used for public and workplace charging and can operate at 40 to 80 amperes (Amp). Most residential Level 2 chargers operate at up to 30 Amps, delivering 7.2 kW of power.
The availability of DC fast charging is expected to increase due to federal funding to build a national EV charging network. There are three types of DC fast-charging systems, depending on the type of charge port on the vehicle: SAE Combined Charging System (CCS), CHAdeMO, and J3400. The CCS connector (also known as SAE J1772 combo) lets drivers use the same charge port with AC Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast-charging equipment. All EVs except Tesla use the same J1772 connector for Level 2 charging. Tesla makes adapters that allow their vehicles to charge using J1772 and CHAdeMO connectors. Not all EVs have the option to use a DC fast charger, and sometimes it is available as an upgrade option.
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Electric Drive's history
Electric drives have a long history, dating back to the early 19th century. In 1834, Vermont blacksmith Thomas Davenport created a vehicle that operated on a short, circular, electrified track. Just three years later, in 1837, the first known electric locomotive was built in Scotland by chemist Robert Davidson. This locomotive, powered by galvanic cells (batteries), hauled a load of 6,100 kg (6 long tons) at 6.4 km/h (4 mph) and was tested on the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway. However, its limited power and the resistance from railway workers concerned about their jobs prevented its widespread use.
The development of electric vehicles continued, and they began to be used in specific applications such as coal mines, where their motors didn't consume precious oxygen. Electric automobiles also broke speed and distance records, with Camille Jenatzy surpassing 100 km/h (62 mph) in 1899 and William Morrison developing the first electric car in the United States in 1890–91. Electric drives gained renewed interest during the energy crises of the 1970s and 1980s due to their perceived independence from hydrocarbon energy fluctuations. The Lunar Roving Vehicle, deployed during the Apollo 15 mission in 1971, was a notable example of an early electric car.
In the following decades, various companies experimented with electric vehicles, with mixed success. For instance, the intensely marketed Sinclair C5 failed, while the Renault Fluence Z.E. became the first mass-produced electric car with switchable battery technology. The Better Place network introduced the battery-swapping model, allowing customers to drive across Denmark in electric cars. However, the company faced financial difficulties and eventually filed for bankruptcy in 2013.
More recently, Smart electric drive vehicles have entered the market, initially with first-generation models powered by sodium-nickel chloride Zebra batteries. The second-generation Smart ED, introduced in 2009, featured a lithium-ion battery provided by Tesla and was made available in 18 markets worldwide. Smart has continued to innovate, and since 2020, has focused solely on selling battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The Smart fortwo cabriolet electric drive, a rear-wheel drive, all-electric, two-seater drop-top, showcases Smart's commitment to broadening the choice of electric vehicles available.
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Frequently asked questions
The Smart Electric Drive is a rear-wheel drive, all-electric, two-seater car.
The practical range of the Smart Electric Drive is around 40 miles with 20%-30% reserve. The EPA's official all-electric range is 63 miles (101 km), but in favourable conditions, the carmaker claims it can reach up to 98 miles (158 km).
The Smart Electric Drive is powered by a rear-mounted motor driving the rear wheels. It uses a 96 hp electric motor and has a powertrain provided by Zytek. The battery capacity varies across models, with early models using 13.2 kilowatt hours of sodium-nickel chloride Zebra batteries and newer models featuring a 16.5 kilowatt-hours (59 MJ) lithium-ion battery.
Field testing of the electric Smart Fortwo began in 2007, and the second-generation model was introduced in 2009. The third generation of the Smart Electric Drive, developed in collaboration with Renault, was scheduled to go on sale in 2012.
The Smart Electric Drive has received mixed reviews. While it offers a unique option in the EV market, it is considered a niche choice. It has been praised for its zippiness and low maintenance, but its range and practicality have been criticised. The Green Car Guide rated it 7 out of 10.
