The New Electric Smart Car
The new electric Smart Car ForTwo is the ultimate in efficiency, both with fuel and space. This tiny little fully electric car is designed just for two people. It can travel up to 115 km (70+ miles) on a single charge, which puts it in the frame as a serious commuting vehicle and not just a runabout to go to the local shops.The running costs of the car are about two and a half cents per mile which makes it dirt cheap even when compared to the most efficient hybrid vehicles. It will be able to be charged from a standard socket, though more of those electric car charge points are popping up all the time. The car can accelerate to 60 kmph in under 6 seconds, which is better than my clapped out 1986 Holden Barina so by that (very low) standard it's a winner. The battery is at this stage to be a sodium-nickel-chloride unit. These more commonly available materials also improve the green aspect of the car; no Mercury or Cadmium here to worry about later on. The batter charges fully in 8 hours, but a partial charge of 80% can be achieved in half that time. The vehicle is scheduled for release some time next year, though firm dates and prices are not available. Return from Electric Smart Car to Electric Cars or return to the Green Planet home page for Solar Power Facts.
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