2013 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive Goes on American Tour

Smart is taking its new 2013 ForTwo Electric Drive electric car to 11 cities around the country, and the Smart funtestdrive tour kicked off in Santa Monica, Calif., on April 19. We got a chance to talk to Smart about its new ForTwo Electric Drive EV, and to take it for a quick spin on Santa Monica’s busy streets.

2013 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive Goes on American Tour

To kick off its funtestdrive tour, Smart created its first-ever pop-up store at the Santa Monica Place mall. Inside the store, consumers can enjoy free refreshments and learn more about the new 2013 Smart fortwo Electric Drive. Smart promises complimentary brunches prepared by celebrity chefs Chris Jacobsen and Lee Anne Wong from Bravo’s “Top Chef,” surprise performances by “world-reknowned” recording artists, and trunk shows by local SoCal designers. Someone might even be on hand to explain why Smart never capitalizes any word, ever.

2013 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive Goes on American Tour

Every Smart ForTwo, including the new Electric Drive model, is built around what the automaker calls its “tridon safety cell.” Constructed of reinforced high-strength steel, the tridon safety cell is, according to Smart, inspired by racecar roll cages and is designed to evenly distribute crash energy around the passenger compartment. Eight airbags come standard, along with a stability control system.

Crash test results from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) bear out the benefits of the tridon safety cell. This car receives the best possible crash-test rating of “Good” in three out of four assessments, missing a “Top Safety Pick” rating only because the seats do an “Acceptable” job of protecting against whiplash rather than a "Good” job.

2013 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive Goes on American Tour

The Smart fortwo electric drive’s 17.6 kWh Lithium-ion battery, 55 kW electric motor, and single-speed transmission drop right into the same space formerly occupied by the standard ForTwo’s gasoline engine, automated manual gearbox, and fuel tank. As a result, there are no reductions in passenger or cargo space, and the Electric Drive looks just like a standard ForTwo on the outside. However, the powertrain is located under the cargo floor and behind the front seats, and the Smart’s EV powertrain rotates the rear wheels instead of the front wheels. That could be lots of fun in the rain, or the snow, but that’s just my prediction.

2013 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive Goes on American Tour

The electric drivetrain generates about 75 horsepower and 96 lb.-ft. of torque, the latter available from the moment the driver steps on the accelerator. The EPA rates the 2013 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive at 122 MPGe in the city, 93 MPGe on the highway, and 107 MPGe in combined driving. The EPA city driving range is 76 miles, but Smart says that European testing indicates that its new EV can provide up to 90 miles between visits to an electrical outlet.

Recharging a completely drained battery takes up to 18 hours using a standard household outlet, according to a Smart representative on hand in Santa Monica. Opt for a 240-volt quick charger, which costs up to $1,800 including installation, and it takes about 6 hours to re-charge a completely depleted battery.

2013 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive Goes on American Tour

The new Smart fortwo Electric Drive is offered as a Coupe or a Cabriolet. The price of the Coupe starts at $25,000, and that’s before a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 is factored into the cost. Additionally, states like California offer additional rebates. The Cabriolet model, the only electric convertible for sale in the U.S., is priced at $28,000. According to a Smart representative, the automaker also plans to offer a lease beginning at $299 per month with about $2,800 down, but details are still being finalized as this article is written.

2013 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive Goes on American Tour

Smart offers a wide range of personalization options for the ForTwo Electric Drive through its “smart Expressions” program – wait, is that a capital letter right there? Options include unique interior tailoring, a green tridon safety cell that’s exclusive to the ForTwo Electric Drive, and vehicle wraps, similar to this one on display in Santa Monica, which resembles a yummy salad.

2013 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive Goes on American Tour

The Smart ForTwo Electric Drive Coupe has a panoramic polycarbonate tinted roof panel. The Smart ForTwo Electric Drive Cabriolet is equipped with a power soft top that can be operated at any speed. Speaking of speed, Smart says the ForTwo Electric Drive will accelerate to 60 mph in less than 12 seconds, and can achieve a top speed of 78 mph.

2013 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive Goes on American Tour

The Smart ForTwo might be small on the outside, but it is surprisingly roomy on the inside, and comfortable. Clean, modern, and very spacious in terms of feel, I had no trouble positioning my six-foot, 250-lb. body behind the steering wheel. The seats offer nine inches of fore/aft travel, and to aid comfort even further, Smart positions the passenger’s seat six inches further back in the cabin to create extra shoulder space.

2013 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive Goes on American Tour

If the Smart ForTwo Electric’s Drive’s cabin is roomy, the trunk is not. Accessed through a 2-piece tailgate, the 7.8 cu.-ft. of cargo room does beat that of a Miata. And Smart says that if you stack it to the ceiling, it will hold 12 cu.-ft. of luggage, almost as much as a Cadillac ATS. Want to carry a bike? Fold the front passenger’s seat forward, and it will fit, according to Smart.

2013 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive Goes on American Tour

Probably not this bike, though. This is a Smart bike, currently offered in Europe and under consideration for the U.S. market. Equipped with an electric assist motor and a top speed of about 25 mph, the Smart bike provides 60 miles of range to its European riders. If the Smart bike comes to America, it would be priced at less than $3,000, according to a company spokesperson.