Electric and Hybrid Smart Cars: Fuel efficiency gone mad
Filed under: Autos | By: Peter Chubb
Posted on: August 6, 2007 | 20 Comments
The Smart car is not known for its speed but what it is known for is its superb fuel efficiency, which is why we thought it was very strange to hear that there is to be an Electric and Hybrid version of this small Mercedes vehicle. The electric version will have a 41hp electric motor, which will be able to reach speeds up to 69mph and will have a range of 70 miles.
Charging time for the electric smart car is about 8 hours, and that will cost you about $3 in electric. Do not expect it to break any land speed records, as the electric Smart will only get from 0-60 in about 19.8 seconds. But that is not what the little car is about, it is about helping our environment by having zero emissions.
The Hybrid Smart MHD or Micro Hybrid Drive has a starter generator, what happens is when the Hybrid Smart car comes to a complete stop or just under 5mph, the gas engine switches off and the electric motor kicks in. The emissions on the Hybrid Smart MHD are thought to be much lower than that of the Toyota Prius.
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Considering if auto makers were to stop ALL productions of oversized vehicles there wouldn’t be any oversized vehicle to run this “Smart Car” over. However I’m a little confused about something… does it only go 70 miles before it has to be recharged? That would really BITE!!!
I have to say that I’m glad that there is a concern for the enviroment by trying to create a electric/ hybrid that will be pleasing for most. I personally couldn’t drive this Mercedes it reminds me too much of those Power Wheels vehicles you get for a toddler.
If that’s all the performance they can squeeze out of it, knowing what we know about now about what is really possible with Tesla and Tango, it’s pathetic… perhaps yet another attempt by Chrysler in league with the oil companies to squelsh EV’s real potential.
I would love to have one. No pollution out of the tailpipe, recharging at home, perfect for daily use. When can we buy one here in the USA?
Thank you Darrell, yes it was intentional. When some try to inflame they resort to linguistics and grammatical musings.
Phil,
I think we have a plant here in Hawaii that has twice the range, AND it has a roof. It does look like an egg though, and doesn’t have a trunk. One of our city representatives got in trouble for plugging it in at work(I’m serious) I’m not sure about the shipping charges.
OOPs, one thing I forgot. It’s an ELECTRIC vehicle so the speed and mileage sucks. This was a few years ago so hopefully they made a few improvements to it.
It all depends on what you are looking for, but if you are looking for real good electric cars have alook at zap.
this is the cutest car ever made. : ]
&& you could still take your boat and campers with a good truck.
the smart car doesnt cost much && peoploe usally gave two cars anyway
but the smart car is for going to the stoor and taking care of errands. EVERYDAY THINGS.
you save tons of money on gas and help the envrioment.
my friend has one and she drives on the highway all the time with no problem at all
she has no problem keeping up with the other cars.
to this car is pimpen blood baby
aaaawwwwwww it is worth it but haw much does it cost i don’t think it is half a million i can’t wait to get one man 70mph! awsome!AANd stop making fun of this car!!!!!!!it will help the invirment. it’s not my fult when gas is gone and ypur car doesn’t run!