Reservations for 2010 Smart Fortwo (Electric Version)?

[2micro4u]

Reservations for 2010 Smart Fortwo (Electric Version)?

Does any one know or have insight on when we can put in our reservation for the schedulued 2010 Smart Fortwo (Electric Drive)>?

I know this may be alittle pre-mature and we know they have test models NOW running around California but as we all know theres a waiting list to get normal smart now so if we inquire now we can be one of the first when the time comes for them to be officialy released in the US production.

[aviddk]

Originally Posted by 2micro4u

Reservations for 2010 Smart Fortwo (Electric Version)?

Does any one know or have insight on when we can put in our reservation for the schedulued 2010 Smart Fortwo (Electric Drive)>?

I called Portland Smart last week and they said they aren't accepting reservations yet. Hopefully, it will be announced here so we can all get at the top of the list.

aviddk
Ashland, OR

[wrumbarger]

Howdy
On 6/17 I snail-mailed a cashier's check ($99) to

smart USA
ATTN: Reservations
1765 Telegraph Road
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

In the cover letter I asked to be put on the list for the smart ed (electric drive), and that if there was no list, to start one (and put my name at the top?)

Have not heard anything yet (either yeah or nay?)

Worst case is that they might return the check?

1st Rule of Acquisition:
"Once you have their money, you never give it back"

(They haven't cashed it yet, but it is good for 6 months?)

BTW, I did the same thing for the mhd (micro hybrid drive) AND diesel.

I would suggest that anyone wanting a smart ed/mhd/diesel do the same thing? If they get enough people sending in reservations, they might get the idea to sell it sooner?

[cbj54]

I was thinking since my reservation # is 1624 by the time they get to me maybe I'll get a choice of gas or electric.

[aviddk]

Originally Posted by wrumbarger

BTW, I did the same thing for the mhd (micro hybrid drive) AND diesel.

I like your thinking!

aviddk
Ashland, OR

[tishpit]

There is a company called Hybrid Technologies that is currently producing and selling Smart Fortwos that run on 100% electric. Just Google "Hybrid Technologies" and look at the LiV DASH.
I believe the cost is around $30,000 or so and they are taking orders.

[wrumbarger]

Yup
They are importing old (used) 450's and only offer support (warranty work) if you bring it back to them?

And at $30k, it's a bit much for a used smart?

[Karl Roth]

Originally Posted by wrumbarger

Yup
They are importing old (used) 450's and only offer support (warranty work) if you bring it back to them?

And at $30k, it's a bit much for a used smart?

Don't think of it as a used smart, it is an electric you can buy now. You have the option to vote with your checkbook. Walk the walk...
karl

[tishpit]

Here are the specs on the EV Smart due out in 2010 as per Popular Mechanics article that reviewed 3 new Smart EV's. I found the top speed and range disappointing and probably not practical for many U.S. drivers:

"Top speed is 75 mph and the 0-37 mph acceleration is quoted at 5.7sec, about the same as that achievable with the petrol Smart. Maximum range (with very gentle driving) is 70 miles. But you need to avoid fast acceleration and hard braking to achieve this. Brake gently, and the kinetic energy is recycled as electricity; brake hard, and the friction linings are brought into play, wasting energy as useless heat. The battery can be recharged via a conventional British 220/240 volt socket, and it takes eight hours for a full charge from empty. But it takes three and a half hours to recoup from 30 to 80 percent of its capacity. On the European Combined cycle, power consumption is about 12kW/hrs per 62 miles and at current values this costs around 0.02 Euros per kilometre ($0.05 per mile). The battery can be recharged at least 1,000 times, which in normal use gives a life of about 10 years. Currently, British firms are paying about $750 per month in leasing costs to use these little cars—plus the recharging costs, of course."

[SuperGeek]

Gas savings won't be the the primary reason to switch to an EV, if total costs make payments in the $600+/mo range. With a typical gas smart selling for $300/mo, you'd have to save $300/mo in gas (60 gallons x 40mpg = 2400 miles). And 2400 miles in EV world (estimating 60miles/charge) is 40 overnight charges @ 8 hrs each. The math alone doesn't add up to savings but it'd be cool as hell to have a car like that. Same reason I chose the smart over a hybrid; today's money only let me pay $16k.

This is one main reason EVs haven't thrived like they should have; Americans have been looking for a bargain, not for saving the world. We need a million Americans looking to save the world at higher short-term cost in order to get this technology down to Wal-Mart prices. Pay now or pay later; anyone with the dough should consider this an investment in the future.