Based on the Mercedes-Benz Vito, the experimental vehicle being presented marks the start of a new era in local, zero emission mobility in the van sector. The Vito is the first van in the world to incorporate this technology ex factory, thereby underlining Daimler AG’s commitment to sustainable mobility. The vehicle is the outcome of research and development activities at Daimler AG which are focused on three aspects: optimising combustion engines, boosting efficiency via custom hybrid components and emission-free vehicle operation deploying batteries and fuel cells.

During 2010, more than 100 Mercedes-Benz Vito vans will be delivered to 20 customers, primarily fleet operators and public institutions wishing to transport items in environmentally sensitive zones with zero emissions, including no CO2 emissions, and low noise. Deployment scenarios therefore typically involve short distances and making many stops in urban areas. Production of a further 2000 vehicles is planned in the next phase.

The drive configuration is designed solely to run on battery power and thus dispenses with the powertrain intended for combustion engines.

A battery featuring powerful lithium-ion technology supplies energy to the Vito. With an operating voltage of 400 V, 16 A current and an available capacity of 32 kWh, the Vito’s range averages 130 km but can be considerably higher given an appropriate driving style. The electric motor delivers a peak output of 90 kW. Performance is oriented around customer requirements: an electronically limited top speed of 80 km/h is designed to meet our customers’ transportation needs in and around urban areas.

When it comes to safety features, every aspect is covered. All Vito vehicles come with ESP as standard which incorporates ABS and ASR. The number and type of airbags also corresponds with the current Vito specification. Vehicles are subjected to the usual crash tests with regard to passive safety. There is no loss in terms of payload or load volume compared to a conventionally powered Vito as a load capacity in excess of 900 kg is possible.

Assembly of the electric-powered Vito is being integrated directly into standard production. The Mercedes-Benz plant at Vitoria in the Basque region of Spain is already preparing for the challenges associated with manufacturing an additional variant. Logistics, staff training and production technology are receiving financial support from the regional government.

In Germany too the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) is providing subsidies to support the efforts of Mercedes-Benz Vans in the areas of research and development, testing and customer deployment.

A recent article on this site discussed the possibility of leasing the battery for the Leaf EV and comments ranged from people accepting of the idea to those downright outraged that Nissan would force buyers of the Leaf to lease a major component that is vital to the vehicles operation.

Now a new report is out they may indeed change your mind abut leasing your Leaf battery. According to the Nikkei newspaper in Japan, Nissan is currently developing a battery with twice the storage capacity of its current Leaf battery. Nissan hopes to have the batteries in its EV by 2015. The report states that the new battery has a range of 186 miles, close to twice that of the current Leaf battery.

You may be waiting for a catch such as this new battery will cost twice as much, but that is not the case. According to the report, the new battery with nearly twice the output will cost the same amount as the current Leaf battery. The new battery makeup will consist of lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide cathode battery technology, called NMC for short.

Nissan intends to focus on battery production as well as EV production. The company has stated that batteries will be a primary focus of the company for the future and this potential breakthrough battery is just the beginning.

Now back to leasing the battery. For early adopters who purchase a Leaf in the next year or two with a standard li-ion battery, the possibility exists that these buyers will be able to lease the upgraded battery come 2015. This allows Leaf buyers to upgrade their vehicles as new technology emerges allowing the Leaf to grow with every technological advance in batteries. Early adopters need not be stuck with outdated technology and inferior batteries. Certainly an intriguing idea.

Source: Nikkei Newspaper Japan

The new lithium-ion battery will be available as of January 2010 for the 911 GT3, 911 GT 3 RS, and Boxster Spyder as an option delivered with the car, selling at a price in the German market of Euro 1,904 including 19 per cent value-added tax.

The battery is delivered as a separate unit together with the car and may subsequently be fitted as an alternative to the regular, conventional starter battery.

The cars are delivered with both batteries, therefore they are ready for use throughout the whole year. Since, while the lightweight battery offers a very high standard of everyday driving qualities, its starting capacity is limited at temperatures below 0o C or 32o F due to its specific features.

The primary reason for developing and introducing the new battery was its lower weight. In sports cars built consistently for superior driving dynamics such as the two versions of the 911 GT3 and the Boxster Spyder, less weight naturally means even greater agility and driving dynamics.

In its length and width the lithium-ion battery comes in the same dimensions as the regular battery, but is approximately 70 millimetres or 2.8″ lower. The fastening points, electrical connections and voltage range are fully compatible with the respective models, allowing simple and quick replacement of the standard lead battery by the lightweight unit, for example when racing on the track.

With its nominal capacity of 18 Ah, the lithium-ion battery, through its specific features, offers a level of practical output and performance not only comparable to that of a 60 Ah lead battery, but rather even better in many cases.

On a conventional car battery only about 30 per cent of the total capacity is actually available for practical use due to the configuration of the system, while this restriction does not apply to the lithium-ion battery. On the contrary, through its characteristic structure – and, in particular, the independence of the chemical composition of the electrolytes from the charge status – a lithium-ion battery consistently offers almost 100 per cent of its capacity.

Delivery of power by the lithium-ion battery throughout its useful charge range is likewise significantly better, providing its full power, for example, when starting the engine almost independently of the current charge level.

After the engine has started, the new Porsche battery shows further benefits in the charge process, being able through its smaller internal resistance to take up more power than a conventional battery and thus re-charge more quickly.

Yet a further benefit is that a lithium-ion battery allows a significantly greater number of charging and discharging cycles, plus the two further advantages that the self-discharging effect is lower and the service life of the battery longer.

The lithium-ion battery being introduced by Porsche as the pioneer in this area is made up of wound film of carbon and iron phosphate with a ceramic film moisturised by the electrolyte serving as a separating layer in between. Compared with other types of lithium-ion batteries using a combination of manganese oxide, cobalt oxide or nickel, this lithium-iron-phosphate battery, as it is called, offers advantages when used as a starter battery. It is robust and consistently guarantees the usual voltage of 12 V in the car’s on-board network.

The lightweight battery is made up of four cells and integrated control electronics. This battery management system protects the battery from major discharge and guarantees a consistent charge level within the individual cells. Once battery voltage drops below a certain threshold, a warning signal reminds the driver to re-charge the battery either simply by driving the car through the power of the engine running or by means of a conventional battery charger.

The new lithium-ion battery will also be available for retrofitting from February 2010 on the three models mentioned from Porsche Tequipment. The sales price in Germany when retrofitted after delivery of the car is Euro 2,499 including 19 per cent value-added tax.

Having already produced more than 5,500 electric vehicles, Citroën has the experience vital to being a frontrunner in a market segment that is set to grow significantly in the coming years.

Set for launch in last-quarter 2010, the C-ZERO, developed in collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, is the brand’s second electric vehicle alongside Berlingo First Electric, developed with Venturi. In France, both these models qualify for the government bonus of 5,000 euros.

AN OFFERING CONSISTENT WITH CITROËN POLICY

Long committed to a policy of reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, Citroën, a leading environmental carmaker, is adding the C-ZERO to a range that already features a wealth of environmentally-respectful products.

Current Citroën achievements:

C3 and DS3 models emitting 99 g/km of CO2 will be available from launch

More than 30% of Citroën vehicles sold emit less than 120 g/km of CO2

Upcoming technologies:

Widespread application of second-generation Stop & Start system in 2010

Launch of a full-hybrid vehicle, the DS5, in 2011

100% ELECTRIC VEHICLE

The Citroën C-ZERO is a full-electric vehicle powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 47 kW or 64 bhp EEC from 3,000 to 6,000 rpm. Maximum torque of 180 Nm is available from 2,000 rpm. Power is transmitted to the rear axle via a single-speed reduction gear.

The motor is powered by a latest-generation 330-volt lithium-ion battery system comprising 88 50-Ah cells (for onboard energy of 16 kWh) mounted in the centre of the vehicle.

Lithium-ion technology keeps battery weight down compared with conventional technology while offering equivalent performance. It is also resistant to partial charges, which have no incidence on battery longevity.

EASY TO CHARGE, EASY TO USE

Recharging the C-ZERO’s batteries is child’s play. Owners simply plug the supply cord into a 220-volt socket. A complete charge lasts six hours, while an 80% charge is possible in just 30 minutes using an external station with a single-phase current of 125 A at 400 V, for power of up to 50 kWh.

Using the car is equally simple. When the driver turns the ignition key a beep confirms that the car is running. Citroën C-ZERO drives like a regular car with an automatic gearbox.

The traditional fuel gauge is replaced by a battery charge indicator.

PERFORMANCE AND FEATURES FOR PRESENT-DAY NEEDS

Driving today is characterised, in the week, by short journeys of less than 40 km on average, with a full 70% of trips under 30 km.

The Citroën C-ZERO is perfectly adapted to the needs of all kinds of companies – including government, local authorities and company fleets – and also to those of private customers looking for a vehicle with exceptionally low running costs. With four real seats (thanks to a 2.55-m wheelbase) and a 166-litre boot, the C-ZERO is impressively quiet to drive and boasts a plethora of comfort and safety equipment. Original-fit features include power steering, ABS, TCS, ESP, power windows, six airbags, air conditioning and an autonomous telematics box for the emergency call system.

A CITY CAR AT EASE ON THE OPEN ROAD

The C-ZERO’s compact exterior dimensions, at 3.48 m long, and 9-m turning circle make it a cinch to nip in and out of city traffic. And with a top speed of 130 kph and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 15 seconds and 60-90 km/h in six seconds, along with a range of around 130 km over a standard combined cycle, it is also fully at ease out on the open road. In France, 70% of daily car trips made in the week are under 30 km, for an overall average of 40 km.

Government subsidies have boosted appetite for environmentally friendly cars in the country since they were launched in June.

IHI, a heavy machinery maker, said the batteries made by A123 are more cost competitive than rivals’ because they do not use rare earth as a raw material.

The company plans to sell the batteries to carmakers, include them in its power supply systems and use them in ships, an IHI spokesman said.

A123 develops batteries for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids and works with carmakers such as BMW, Chrysler Group LLC and General Motors.

Its shares jumped 50 percent on the day it debuted on the Nasdaq stock market last month.

Lithium-ion batteries are a hot area of investment for many Japanese companies.

Sanyo, the world’s largest maker of rechargeable batteries and set to be taken over by Panasonic, is developing lithium-ion batteries for cars with Volkswagen AG.

Toshiba Corp said on Tuesday that it would invest 25 billion yen ($273.7 million) to build a new lithium-ion battery plant in Japan.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd also plans to spend 10 billion yen to build a test plant for the production of lithium-ion batteries.

Nissan Motor Co expects to start selling electric vehicles in Japan and the United States in 2010 and to start fully-fledged sales globally by the 2012 financial year.

IHI’s shares closed down 1.1 percent at 179 yen, outperforming a 1.4 percent decline in the benchmark Nikkei average .N225. (Reporting by Yuko Inoue, Nobuhiro Kubo, Mariko Katsumura; Editing by Joseph Radford)

The “4R” business model defined by the two companies is designed to capitalize on the supply of reusable lithium-ion batteries as electric cars achieve widespread marketplace acceptance. Today there is no existing supply of large-capacity reusable batteries, but by 2020 in Japan, the demand for “second-life” batteries is expected to reach the equivalent of 50,000 electric-cars per year at the minimum, as demand grows for an increasing range of energy-storage solutions.

“We recognize Nissan’s unique responsibility as the first company in the world to commit to delivering affordable zero-emission mobility,” said Nissan Chief Operating Officer Toshiyuki Shiga. “Consumers are excited by the promise of all-electric, zero-emission cars, but they also want assurances that lithium-ion batteries can be reused and recycled. In fact, our batteries are not only reusable, they also contribute as a solution to energy storage. We are pleased to have found a business partner in Sumitomo.”

Nissan has committed to bringing electric vehicles to the mass market by fiscal year 2012. As consumers increasingly choose zero-emission cars, demand for second-life batteries is expected to grow as the supply of reusable batteries from electric cars rises. Even after the end of normal vehicle life, the high-performance lithium-ion batteries used by Nissan will retain 70 to 80 percent of residual capacity and can be reused and resold to various industries as a solution to energy-storage.

“As a company that handles initiatives from natural resources and battery materials to building an infrastructure for electric vehicles, we are quite pleased to announce our work with Nissan to create a new market with second-life batteries,” said Kazuo Ohmori, Sumitomo Corporation Executive Vice President. “In coming years, our social commitment is to contribute to the substantial reduction of carbon dioxide. I believe this new potential venture could help us fulfill our social commitment.”

The 4R battery venture is a win for both companies. For Nissan, it will enable high residual values for electric-car batteries and support the company’s ongoing commitment to reducing the environmental impact of automobiles. For Sumitomo, second-life batteries will augment a wide range of its existing businesses, such as raw materials supply, car leasing, logistics and recycling.

Today’s announcement commits both companies to a joint feasibility study to establish a framework for a new joint-venture company, which is expected to be operational by late 2010, in Japan and the United States. In Europe, Nissan will proceed to explore the 4R business model with its Alliance partner, Renault. A task force from Sumitomo and Nissan will work to finalize details such as the shareholding structure, capital investment, business structure and other operational concerns for the joint venture.

The 4R pillars for the second-life battery business are:
Reuse: Start second-life use for batteries with approximately 70 to 80 percent capacity;
Resell: Resell the batteries for various applications;
Refabricate: Disassemble the battery pack and then repackage and customize to fit the client’s needs; and
Recycle: Implement end-of-life recycling to salvage raw materials.

Second-life batteries present an ideal solution to the renewable-energy sector, allowing energy to be stored for later use. Such ecological application of second-life batteries would contribute to a net reduction of CO2 beyond what is achieved by the all-electric, zero-emission car.

By 2020 in Japan, second-life batteries are expected to be in high demand for applications such as:

* Energy storage with photovoltaic solar panels for residential and industrial needs;
* Back-up power supplies;
* Uninterruptable Power Supplies (UPS);
* Load leveling for the electricity grid; and
* Leveling of energy from both photovoltaic solar and wind power.

Nissan has an existing joint-venture company with NEC Corporation – Automotive Energy Supply Corporation (AESC) – to mass produce high-performance lithium-ion batteries. With the new 4R business to be established, Nissan is fully engaged in the entire value chain of the battery, which is the most expensive component critical to power all-electric, zero-emission cars.

“This direct management of the battery’s entire value chain is important to ensure that our EV customers do not bear the cost of the battery,” said Hideaki Watanabe, head of Nissan’s Zero Emission Business Unit. “Nissan is exploring several options including battery lease or credit model based on a monthly payment scheme. With this proposition, the total running cost, which equals the monthly battery payment plus the cost to charge the battery, is comparable to the cost to refuel a similar gasoline-powered car. Ultimately, this is a compelling economic proposition for a zero-emission car that meets all your driving needs.”

Nissan’s mission to be a global leader in zero-emission mobility is being built upon a wholly integrated business approach that includes the following:

* Affordable, innovative and well-equipped cars featuring the latest technologies;
* Lithium-ion battery development and production leadership, through our partnership with NEC and our joint venture, AESC;
* Public- and private-sector partnerships (with more than 30 MOUs announced globally to date) to create the incentives, deploy the infrastructure, educate the public, create excitement and accelerate demand for zero-emission cars;
* Demonstrable consideration for the entire zero-emission experience — including the reuse, resale, refabrication and recycling of the lithium-ion batteries that make zero-emission mobility possible, which we have announced today in our agreement with Sumitomo.

On August 2, Nissan unveiled LEAF, the world’s first affordable all-electric, zero-emission car. LEAF is slated for introduction in Japan, the United States and Europe in late 2010, spearheading Nissan’s commitment to be a global leader in zero-emission mobility. Global mass marketing for LEAF will follow in 2012.

Nissan Motor Company is a global automotive company with vehicle sales of 3.411 million in 2008. Nissan is present in all major auto markets worldwide, selling a comprehensive range of cars, pickup trucks, SUVs and light commercial vehicles under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. Under its Recovery Plan, Nissan is committed to manage through the global financial and economic crisis by focusing on preserving cash, improving profitability and pursuing deeper synergies within the Renault-Nissan Alliance. For long-term sustainability and growth, Nissan aims to achieve zero-emission vehicle leadership and quality leadership.

Sumitomo Corporation is a company involved in multifaceted businesses such as trading, distributing variant products and services as well as investing in business globally. The global network and the relationship of trust with business partners and customers enable us to make value in business in various industries.

With its re3 concept car, Johnson Controls is showcasing its innovative battery technology and novel packaging idea for storing energy. 96 lithium-ion cells are uniquely packaged between the front seats in the tunnel console of the vehicle. With more than 7 kWh, the storage module provides sufficient energy to easily transport commuters to and from work or allow families to take an extended shopping trip – without using a single drop of gasoline. Active cooling of the cells ensures optimal operating conditions. The cross-system energy management of the re3 ensures even charging and discharging of the lithium ion accumulators (cell balancing), a key requisite for maximum energy efficiency and the long-term reliability of the storage cells.

Trendsetting packaging concept
Electro-mobility is on the agenda of many nations. Lithium-ion batteries are at the heart of these vehicles and thus of elementary importance for electro-mobility acceptance. However, the huge energy stores often prove to be tricky for many electric and hybrid vehicles. The feasible energy density, in other words, the ratio of size to capability of an accumulator, forces car designers into making compromises – often at the expense of storage space. The trunk is therefore often used for purposes other than intended or the entire rear seat bench must give way to battery technology.

The designers at Johnson Controls managed to optimally place the energy store in the tunnel console of the re3, making the concept car a true space-saving sensation. The attractive interior design allows ample room for five adults; three of which can sit comfortably in the rear of the vehicle. In addition, the re3 also offers adequate trunk space. But not only is the space of the re3 impressive. The placement of the battery also has a positive impact on driving characteristics. The driver benefits from a low center of gravity, facilitated by installation of the storage modules in the center of the vehicle, which enhances ride and handling characteristics.

Ready for series production
Johnson Controls-Saft is already manufacturing lithium-ion batteries for series production in Europe. For example, Mercedes uses 35 VL6P lithium-ion cells in its S-Class S400 BlueHybrid, as will the BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid that will start shipping later this year.

Ford also intends to use Johnson Controls-Saft lithium-ion batteries in its PHEV vehicle (plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle). Series production of this model on the North American market is expected to start in 2012. Great emphasis is placed on the reliability of the electric drives and thus the necessary energy management for use in commercial vehicles. U.S. automaker Azure Dynamics (AZD), who specializes in hybrid-powered commercial vehicles, will equip its next generation of hybrid-electric delivery vehicles with the battery technology of Johnson Controls-Saft starting at the end of 2010. This vehicle class – small delivery vehicles and shuttle buses – represents 12 percent of total traffic volume and is responsible for 25 percent of greenhouse gases caused by road traffic in the U.S.

About Johnson Controls-Saft
Johnson Controls-Saft is a joint venture that has brought together Johnson Controls – the world‘s leading supplier of automotive batteries and a company deeply experienced in integrated automotive systems solutions – with Saft, an advanced energy storage solutions provider with extensive Li-ion battery expertise.

About Saft
Saft (Euronext: Saft) is a world specialist in the design and manufacture of high-tech batteries for industry. Saft batteries are used in high performance applications, such as industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation, space and defence. Saft is the world’s leading manufacturer of nickel-cadmium batteries for industrial applications and of primary lithium batteries for a wide range of end markets. The group is also the European leader for specialized advanced technologies for the defence and space industries. With approximately 4,000 employees worldwide, Saft is present in 18 countries. Its 15 manufacturing sites and extensive sales network enable the group to serve its customers worldwide. Saft is listed in the SBF 120 index on the Paris Stock Market. For more information, visit Saft at www.saftbatteries.com

The electronics and components unit sees joint development of the batteries for electric propulsion of cars, motorbikes, buses and other vehicles, leading to product sales in the second half of 2010, it said in a statement.

A Milan-based analyst, who asked not to be named, said Fiat had filled its shortfall in electric vehicle technology via its recent alliance with the U.S. vehicle manufacturer Chrysler, which is further ahead of Fiat in this area.

FAAM is based in the Marche region of eastern Italy and apart from Italy has plants in Uruguay for the Mercosur region and in China for the Asian market.

A company spokeswoman said FAAM’s 2008 sales were 80 million euros ($114 million).

Environmental friendliness and contemporary functionality have been defining features of the smart fortwo ever since it was launched more than ten years ago. Since then its innovative concept has combined sustainable, forward-looking technologies with individual urban mobility. With a length of just over two and a half metres the extremely compact vehicle can also park perpendicular to the flow of traffic. In addition, the space-saving and environmentally friendly two-seater currently has the lowest fleet consumption and brings its occupants to their destination comfortably and safely. Its design is fresh, youthful, modern and yet sophisticated and has made it an automotive lifestyle icon which shows that mobility, responsibility to the environment and joie de vivre are compatible with one another. The smart fortwo has established a class of its own.

Smart Fortwo Electric Erive offers innovative driving fun

The new smart fortwo electric drive from the popular brand that will roll off the production line from mid November 2009 is a logical continuation of a very ambitious goal: the production of a well-engineered, attractive city car that has no local exhaust gas emissions i.e. a zero emission vehicle. smart started emission-free driving in the tough everyday conditions of city traffic in 2007 in London. Since then 100 smart fortwo electric drives of the first generation have been in practical customer operation. The feedback from the UKcapital has been very positive and confirms the high degree of maturity of this vehicle concept.

In 2008 smart presented the second generation smart fortwo electric drive, a more advanced electric drive with an innovative lithium-ion battery. Lithium-ion technology has decisive advantages over other types of batteries including higher performance, shorter charging times, a long life and high reliability. Marc Langenbrinck, responsible for brand management at smart, says: “The second generation smart fortwo electric drive is based on a successful and accepted vehicle concept with character and inherent environmentally friendly characteristics. Its innovative electric battery drive makes it the perfect car for the city: it is agile, economical and climate-friendly. Motoring with zero local emissions in an urban environment has become a reality. This equates to driving fun with a clear conscience.”

Electric drive taken into account in the very first concept

Electric drives have been part of the smart concept right from the start. The later integration of the components needed for electric drive was planned at a very early stage. For example, there is space for the battery in the underfloor between the axles where the tank is located in other smart models . The electric drive module does not limit the space available in the smart fortwo electric drive in any way; there is just as much interior and luggage compartment space as in a smart fortwo with a combustion engine.

Powerful drive

A 30 kW magneto-electric motor is installed at the rear of the new smart fortwo electric drive and reacts immediately and without delay. Powerful torque of 120 Newtonmetres is immediately available. This results in a surprising amount of power when pulling away. The smart fortwo electric drive accelerates from 0 – 60 km/h in 6.5 seconds – just as quickly as a petrol model which it initially leaves behind it. Its maximum speed has been deliberately limited to 100 km/h, a suitable speed for the city. Thanks to the power characteristic of the electric motor, the smart fortwo electric drive needs just one single fixed gear ratio. There is no need for any gear changing – a major advantage in dense city traffic.
To reverse, the engine’s direction of rotation changes.

The second generation smart fortwo electric drive is powered by a lithium-ion battery from Tesla Motors Inc. with capacity of 14 kWh. It is simple to charge at any fused 220 Volt socket.

A fully charged battery is sufficient for up to 115 kilometres of driving fun (NEDC). This range is more than enough for city traffic as studies have shown that cars drive an average of 30 – 40 kilometres per day in towns and cities. For this, the vehicle only needs to be charged for three hours. Plugging the car in overnight will fully recharge the battery.

Electronics optimise the battery charge status and power consumption

Special electronics ensure that all is well with the battery. The electronics also monitor the charging process and control the capacity display.The vehicle’s power electronics supply the electrical system with electric current from the battery via a DC/DC converter. In addition, they also control the heating and air conditioning, for example, to minimise the strain on the battery. Clever drivers can air condition their smart fortwo electric drive in advance as long as their vehicle is being charged at home – the long-standing dream of stationary cooling becomes a reality! No other car offers this comfortable option.

The new second generation smart fortwo electric drive is based on the smart fortwo coupé/cabrio passion. As well as air conditioning with automatic temperature control all the equipment features of the popular passion equipment line are included. In addition to the battery indicator, an ammeter shows the consumption and the recuperated energy.

Very low costs

Based on German electricity prices it costs approximately two euros to drive the smart fortwo electric drive for 100 kilometres (even cheaper with off-peak electricity). This is less than the price of two litres of petrol. Electric power is much cheaper in lots of countries. The maintenance costs are considerably lower than those of a smart with a combustion engine as the battery, motor and other components of the electric drive are maintenance-free.

In addition to the low running costs, there are further cost advantages in lots of countries and cities. For example, drivers of a smart fortwo electric drive are entitled to national subsidies, tax advantages or exemption from local toll charges such as the city centre congestion charge in London.

Smart Fortwo Electric Drive in major cities in Europe and the USA

From the end of 2009 the smart fortwo electric drive will be delivered to selected leasing customers. Leases will be offered for a period of four years and 60,000 kilometres. The first vehicles are destined for the “e-mobility Berlin” project . Here, in cooperation with the energy provider RWE and with the support of the German government and the city of Berlin Daimleris creating the conditions for running battery-driven vehicles with no local emissions.This includes setting up a network of electricity charging stations that enable intelligent communication between electric vehicles and the power network so that the battery can be charged when electricity is cheapest.

Further vehicles of the new generation smart fortwo electric drive will take to the roads of Hamburg, Paris, Rome, Milan, Pisa, Madridand they will also be deployed in further projects in Europe. Some of the models will also go to cities in the USA.

There is already a very lively demand for the smart fortwo electric drive, and from 2012 it will be produced in large volumes as a normal part of the smart range and sold via the smart dealer network. This underlines the pioneering role of the car brand on the way to attractive individual mobility with zero local emissions in cities and urban population centres.