Following successful trials, the iconic, zero-emission, Smart fortwo electric drive is ready for small series production. Daimler, the owner of the Smart car brand, has confirmed that the smart electric drive will go into small series production. The second generation smart electric drive will also be taking part in projects in Rome, Milan and Paris.

Several cities in the US are also due to start trials of the fully electric car and the invaluable feedback will be incorporated into the development of future production models.

Featuring a lithium-ion battery the second generation smart electric drive's power source will have a longer range, boast a shorter charging time and will give improved performance.

The Smart electric drive burns no fossil fuels and drivers can expect to achieve the equivalent of around 300 mpg from running the vehicle. The Smart ed emits no carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, unburned hydro-carbons, particulate matter or any harmful substance – in fact it emits nothing at all.

The car has no engine oil, oil filter, spark plugs or exhaust. In fact there are only a handful of moving parts in the driveline, resulting in significantly lower servicing and maintenance costs compared to a petrol driven smart. Apart from regular charging the high tech battery is maintenance free and depending on use can last up to 10 years. The Smart ed retains all the safety equipment you would find on a regular smart. So unlike electric quadric-cycles you will find ESP, ABS brakes two airbags and seat belt pre-tensioners on the ed. The ed also borrows the tried and NCAP tested Tridion safety cell from the petrol driven smart.

The car has no gear change and can reach 50km/hr (30mph) in a very nippy 6.5 seconds. It has an electronically limited top speed of 95km/hr (60mph). All this is made possible by a powerful 30kW electric motor which is built for us by Zytek Automotive.

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