Mindy Kimball, Roger Penske and Smart USA President Jill Lajdziak, from left.
Smart USA has delivered the first Smart ForTwo electric vehicle to a retail customer in the United States. Penske Automotive Group Chairman Roger Penske and Smart USA President Jill Lajdziak made the ceremonial delivery to lessee Mindy Kimball at her home in Silver Spring, MD.
Smart USA said it is placing 250 Smart ForTwo electric drive vehicles across the United States with companies, municipalities, organizations and individuals interested in conservation and environmental awareness. The EV will not be widely available until 2012 in the U.S. when a badly needed next generation Smart is due to appear.
Smart had U.S. sales of 5,927 in 2010 compared with14,595 in 2009, a -59.4% decrease. The tiny two-seat car, designed by Mercedes more than 20 years ago, is struggling in the marketplace. Current prices range from $12,490 to $17,690. The electric version has been on sale elsewhere in the world since 2007.
The maximum speed is electronically limited to 100 km/h, or 60 mph.
The Smart ForTwo electric drive is powered by a 30 kW electric motor supplied by a 16.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. EV can travel up to 98 miles on a full charge, based on the EPA LA4 test cycle. In combined city and highway driving, the range is 63 miles. The maximum speed is electronically limited to 100 km/h, or 60 mph.
Using a 220 volt outlet, (it could cost more than $2,000, depending on state and local incentives) it takes three and a half hours to charge the battery from 20% to 80% of its capacity, and about eight hours to reach full charge from a depleted battery. The battery automatically powers down to a 10 kW output below a 5 percent state of charge and at extremely high temperatures.
“This is a groundbreaking day for Smart in the United States,” said Lajdziak.
Mindy Kimball is a 36-year-old Major in the United States Army. Kimball chose the Smart ForTwo electric drive after “comparing and evaluating every electric vehicle available because she believes Smart’s offering is the most modern electric car on the market,” Smart USA said in a release.
Kimball has been a volunteer presenter with The Climate Project since 2007, which publicizes the science of climate change and the ways to reduce negative impacts on the environment. Kimball is also an active member of the Electric Vehicle Association (EVA) of Washington, DC.
Smart USA is placing 250 Smart ForTwo electric drive vehicles across the United States with companies, municipalities, organizations and individuals interested in making a statement on conservation and environmental awareness. It will not be widely available until 2012 when a badly needed next generation Smart is due to appear.
Mindy Kimball becomes the first member of “Team 250,” which has concierge service for all Smart ForTwo electric drive lessees. Each Team 250 member will have personal access to Smart USA’s electric drive expert, 24/7 roadside assistance, receive electric drive communications, and be able to participate in dialogue around their electric drive experience. Members of Team 250 will also have the first opportunity to move into the next-generation Smart ForTwo electric drive vehicle.
