smart USA will begin deploying a fleet of 250 electric drive vehicles across the US, targeting companies, municipalities, organizations and individuals interested in environmental conservation and awareness.
The partners for vehicle placements will be unveiled later this year, and series production for consumer sales in smart center dealerships will begin in 2012 with the 2013 model year.
The US’ fleet of 250 electric drive vehicles will begin arriving in October 2010 and are the second phase of a three-phase program. Phase one has been completed with the placement of 100 electric drive units in London.
In addition, phase two is producing 1,500 cars for cities in Europe, the US and Canada and selected markets in Asia, and first deliveries started in Germany late last year. Phase three will be series volume production starting in the 2012.
The phase-two smart fortwo electric vehicles arriving in the US are powered by 30kW drive motor and 16.5kWh lithium-ion battery. It takes around three and a half hours to charge battery from 20% to 80% of its capacity and eight hours to fully charge it. It can also be charged using a household 110V outlet.
Jill Lajdziak, president of smart USA, said: “As the US sets goals on CO2 reduction and oil independence, the smart fortwo electric drive enters the market at the right time and in the right place as the purist’s play in transportation electrification with a no compromise design.”
