2013 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive review

The 2013 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive could be a good option for some city-dwellers.

The electric-vehicle market continues to shift. There's an increased interest from automakers to build EVs, despite consumers' barely matched interest to buy them. To say Americans have been cautious in adopting this latest vehicle technology is an understatement. Threats of fires and high entry costs have made electric cars unappetizing during a time when many in middle America cannot afford a $40,000 car, regardless of how good the gas mileage is.

Today we have nearly 10 electric vehicles on the market—ranging from a plug-in version of Toyota's beloved hybrid, the Prius, to the slick new Ford Focus Electric.

 

Although Smart's Electric Drive did not hit U.S. shores until 2011, the company has been testing consumers' appetites for electric vehicles since launching a 100-car pilot program in 2007. Smart's third-generation all-electric coupe and cabriolet are set to arrive next spring, coming at a price that will undercut the competition.

The car targets consumers eager to set the pace for transportation alternatives. The idea here is that eco-conscious drivers and urban pioneers will soon rejoice over zero emissions. These early adopters will then smugly pretend to forget the “pain at the pump.” One could argue they are merely trading for another hurt—the pain of finding a plug.

What's it like to drive?

The 2013 Smart Electric Drive gets a boost from a larger 17.6 kilowatt-hour battery pack and 55 kW motor that puts out 74 hp and 96 lb-ft of torque. That gives this car enough scoot for zipping through traffic and passing. 

We did not have the opportunity to drive the car at highway speeds, but the improved off-the-line gusto leads us to believe that this Smart ED will fare far better merging into traffic with the big boys than its predecessor.

In tight, urban environments the 2013 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive's diminutive size can be an advantage.

The ride was sprightly and sporty; however, the vigorous ride over potholes and uneven streets left us wishing Mercedes-Benz had injected a little more luxury in the Smart's drive and handling.

The interior is woefully basic. A semi-soft fabric pasted atop a hard plastic is not exactly “soft touch.” But for many buyers, the car's simplicity is part of its overall appeal. Smart wants to streamline and de-clutter the driving experience.

Do you want it?

If you're a city-dweller who has a place to plug in the Smart ED, then it's definitely a viable option. The car's upgraded battery pack makes it almost peppy, although you might quickly lose the pep in your step once you roll across massive potholes. 

The price is attractive, and it undercuts the Smart's stiffest competition–Mitsubishi's iMiev. At a base $25,000 MSRP, this will become the most affordably priced electric vehicle on the market. Giving customers the option to choose between the same car with a gas or electric engine seems, well, smart.

2013 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive will require a suitable charging station.

The car might no longer be sluggish to drive, but U.S. sales are barely creeping along. To date, Smart has leased only 136 of the 250 electrified units they made available in the U.S. market since 2011. 

2013 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive

On Sale: Spring 2013

Base Price: $25,000 MSRP for the coupe and $28,000 MSRP for the cabriolet, plus a $750 destination charge. Lease pricing has not yet been determined.

Drivetrain: 55 kilowatt magneto-electric motor with a single-speed transmission

Charging-station cost and installation: There are three levels of charging, only two of which are for consumers: basic and connected. The basic home charger runs $1,300 plus installation. Add another $400 and installation for the connected charging station. Installation can run anywhere between $300 and $500.

Range: Estimated 90 miles.

Curb weight: 1,808 lbs.

Note: this review was edited to correct battery capacity and motor output figures.