2017 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive Arrives This Summer With Cheaper Price
The next-generation Smart Fortwo Electric Drive will be $1,200 cheaper than the outgoing model.
Priced from $24,550 including destination when it arrives this summer, the 2017 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive will also be available as a convertible for $28,750 (both prices excludes federal and state incentives). The automaker says at launch, the Smart Fortwo Electric Drive Cabrio will be the only electric drive convertible on the market.
The new model features a 96-cell lithium-ion high-voltage battery, compared to the 93-cell unit in its predecessor. Battery capacity remains the same at 17.6 kWh, but the motor has been updated to an air-cooled, three-phase electric motor providing 80 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque. The previous Smart Fortwo Electric Drive featured 74 hp and 96 lb-ft of torque.
There is also a new, powerful 7-kW on-board charger that’s standard, an improvement over the previous 3.3-kW unit. Smart says in the U.S., charging time is an estimated 2.5 hours, which is about twice as fast compared to the previous model. Both models have an estimated driving range of approximately 70 to 80 miles. The new motor also increases top speed to 81 mph from 78 mph.
SEE ALSO: 2017 Smart Fortwo Cabrio Review
The Smart Fortwo Coupe will be offered in Pure, Passion and Prime trims, while the Cabrio gets Passion and Prime only. Buyers can also choose the exclusive Electric Green tridion cell color, as well as the optional Climate Package that includes heated seats, a heated steering wheel and additional insulation for climate control, comfort and efficiency.
Additional standard features on the 2017 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive include cruise control and battery warranty.
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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This is truly unfortunate! Millage is still not enough. 70 - 80 miles means 50 - 60 real-world with AC turned on . . . my one-way to work is 41 miles. As usual, Smart is 1 - 2 years behind the competition. I loved my 2008 smart and would really like to have the ED smart. Perhaps they could do what Tesla does and market different kWh versions??? Here's a thought for Smart, rather than reduce the price, take that amount and increase the kWh battery pack and price the Smart the same as last year.