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The French Get Smart – Electric Smart

October 13, 2009 in Biz News, EVs, emissions, small cars by kristen | No comments

Daimler says that the electric Smart Fortwo will go into large-scale production at a plant in Hambach, France, as early as next month.

The first run of 1000 electric Smarts will be built in November 2009 and delivered to customers by the end of the year (Merry Christmas!). The car will be at full production and in Smart car dealerships by 2012, said Daimler Chairman Dr. Dieter Zetsche.

Specs for the new electric Smart Fortwo:

  • Lithium-ion battery housed between the axles
  • 30 kW motor in the rear
  • 88 lb-ft of torque from the get-go
  • 80-mile range
  • 0-62 mph in 6.5 seconds
  • Max speed limited to 100 km/h (62 mph)

Paris Plugs In Its Car Sharing Program

September 10, 2009 in EVs, emissions by kristen | No comments

On the heels of its successful Velib bike sharing program comes Autolib, the all-electric car sharing program in the city of Paris.

The locations of the cars — rumored to be at about 1400 parking stations — membership costs and participation process will all be announced this fall, when city officials are back after summer break. One-way trips will be possible, as they are with Velib, and the cars will be able to be picked up and dropped off at any Autolib station. No word yet which electric cars will be used for the program.

By the way, it’s pronounced Auto-LEEB, as it’s the words for car (automobile) and freedom (liberte) smashed together in one marketable word.