>> smart Canada to launch lowest priced zero-local emission electric vehicle in Canada Français

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Jun 12, 2012, 16:22 ET

TORONTO, June 12, 2012 /CNW/ - smart Canada today released pricing for the highly anticipated, next generation e-product portfolio that will include the smart fortwo electric drive and the all-new smart ebike. The smart fortwo electric drive coupe will start from $26,990 while the electric drive cabriolet will be priced from $29,990. The pricing for both models represents unparalleled value. smart Centres across the country are already taking orders, and the first cars will be delivered in Spring 2013.

smart is also pleased to further expand its e-product offering this summer with the launch of the smart ebike. Priced from $3,240, the smart ebike is ideal for city use and blends an unconventional design with high technology standards to create a fun and functional urban transportation solution that offers the comfort of a power-assisted two-wheeler and the easy handling of a bicycle.

smart fortwo electric drive

This important announcement propels smart's next generation electric drive product portfolio into a leadership role by positioning the technologically advanced smart fortwo electric drive as the lowest priced option for electric mobility in Canada. The third generation smart fortwo electric drive combines zero-emission motoring and agile handling for even more driving fun. With an impressive 96 lb/ft of torque, the 55 kW electric motor accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h in just 4.8 seconds, and can effortlessly surpass a speed of 120 km/h. In addition to the higher battery capacity, the efficiency of the drive system now offers greater range. On a full charge, the 17.6 kWh battery enables the smart electric drive to travel around 145 kilometres in city traffic without producing any local emissions.

The next generation smart fortwo electric drive features a refreshed exterior appearance with dynamic new styling cues that include a larger grille, LED lights, revised bumpers and wider door sills. The extensive list of standard comfort features includes air conditioning, power windows, heated seats, and electrically adjustable heated mirrors. To help ensure that passengers reach their respective destinations comfortably and safely, the smart fortwo electric drive also offers many advanced safety systems including the trademark tridion safety cell, electronic stability program and an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution.

smart ebike

The all-new smart ebike will introduce a practical and clever mode of power-assisted transportation on two wheels when it is launched in mid-July. The main components of the smart ebike such as the lightweight frame, battery housing, handlebars, LED lights and mudguards have been designed and developed specifically for smart. The rider has the flexibility to decide how much power he or she wants the 250 watt electric motor to deliver by pressing a button on the handlebar. Depending on the power level selected and the cycling cadence, a battery charge can last for more than 100 kilometres. The portable, 423 Wh lithium-ion battery can be charged either at a normal socket or while riding. The maintenance-free rear-wheel hub motor also becomes a generator when the rider brakes which recuperates and stores braking energy.

"As a pioneer of intelligent urban mobility, it is absolutely fitting that smart will yet again set the benchmark by positioning the highly sophisticated, third generation smart electric drive as the lowest priced electric vehicle in Canada and by launching the all new smart ebike," said Tim A. Reuss, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "The new smart fortwo electric drive has garnered significant attention since its official debut earlier this year, and I am extremely pleased that the pre-ordering program we introduced has generated a lot of excitement at our dealerships in anticipation of next year's official launch. We will continue to demonstrate the many benefits that the smart e-portfolio will offer customers through a national summer tour, and look forward to making these game-changing products available to eager customers from coast-to-coast."

Further information about the smart fortwo can be found online at www.media.mercedes-benz.ca, www.thesmart.ca, facebook.com/smartCanada and twitter.com/smartCanada.

Image with caption: "smart Canada today released pricing for the highly anticipated, next generation e-product portfolio that will include the smart fortwo electric drive and the all-new smart ebike. The smart fortwo electric drive coupe will start from $26,990 while the electric drive cabriolet will be priced from $29,990. smart Centres across the country are already taking orders, and the first cars will be delivered in Spring 2013. (CNW Group/Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120612_C8220_PHOTO_EN_15080.jpg

For further information:

JoAnne Caza
416-847-7550
[email protected]

Michael Minielly
416-847-7509
[email protected]

>> smart Canada to launch lowest priced zero-local emission electric vehicle in Canada Français

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